I worked for daily newspapers for many years and when I ran into this kind of situation, I would shoot a group shot at the beginning of the event and go through and name everyone (front row, L-R, Middle row, L-R and so on. THis way, I could see their faces, their clothes and any other details, like glasses. After this, they were free to roam without me bothering them again.
Quite honestly, that's the easy part of shooting something like this. To be a photojournalist, you need to really think of this shoot in a narrative sense and shoot accordingly. Think of it as if you have to show these images to someone who wasn't there and without telling them what's going on, they have to be able to tell YOU the story. It's a difficult thing to do well, but it is possible.
I always tell younger shooters to shoot things as if you were shooting a "Package" of photos. Think about the big scene, and work your way into the minute details. A mental zoom lens, if you will. If you can do these, I promise you'll turn in some really excellent work and they'll hire you again.
Best of luck and please let us know how this works out for you.
Cordially,
Mark Lent
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Formyrotts@xxxxxxx
Hi all,
I know this is probably a dumb question but here goes.
1) I have a chance to do a free lance job for a local paper and it may lead to a part time photography job with them. The thing is, it involves taking pictures of group of real estate agents at an Octoberfest for 2 hours mid-day at a church--ok, they might be relaxed a bit, but not like at an evening or weekend event.
2) I am not overly fond of taking 'people' pictures, I much prefer scenery but if I want this job, then I HAVE to do people. I have seen photos in today's paper of another group at a special event and they are all in either groups of 2 or 3, facing the camera--to me that is boring boring boring--I in tend t o call the paper today and find out if that is what they want, if so, they shall get it.
3) Now comes the big problem for me, I am absolutely HORRIBLE at names, and I need hints on how anyone on the list gets names of people while in groups - I know ask, but hints on putting the pics/names together.
Any kind of help would be appreciated--I think the group will be about 50 people. Thanks in advance for any and all help. (Am I being to paranoid about perfection here?) Linda
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