I'm curious what people prefer, going to a group shoot and paying a fraction of the cost to work with a model/models or paying full price for 121 for the full time?
Note: I'm not talking about paparazzi style group shoots, I'm talking about well organised group shoots with timers for each photographer to ensure each person gets fair amount of time and able to still direct if chosen.
What is your preference ?
1 2 1, although I have done a group shoot and the photos were directed by me, I don't like others capturing similar images in the same outfits in the same location.
Generally, I would say Group shoots are good whilst you learn photography and working with models. I went to some at the start of my learning, as I found the break between shooting and watching others, gave time to watch others and think about settings/poses / directional comments for the next set.
However, your question was what I think personally, and now I do not favour group shoots for the reasons that they are very mechanical and samey. The lights are set up in one style and all present get the same styled and lit shots.
I now light my own and design my own creativity, so much prefer one to ones :)
I wish people would write out "one-to-one" rather than the lazy numeric nonsense. Apart from anything else, the numbers defeat most translation tools, making it harder for people to understand if English is not their first language.
In general, I prefer 121 shoots where you can determine the styling yourself.
In addition, it is sometimes interesting to spar with a few creative people and see what someone else can get out of a certain setting.
A group shoot feels good to get an hour or so in with someone you may not normally work with. You may also be able to work with someone who is normally "better" than your current ability dictates - thereby further learning from them.
Then you use that experience to either book a further shoot with them, or to boost your skill/experience.
1:2:1 is the only type of shoot I will consider, so a bit more than just a preference
I have a good friend who organises limited groups shoots mostly 6 max photographers at times 2 models He has a fantastic mansion house for some shoots and usually 4 hr max but mainly for new models to get a little experience plus they get a good payday he makes sure constantly model(s) are comfortable and refreshed .
So I enjoy the odd one now and then but 1-2-1 is pretty hard to beat so my vote is 1-2-1
1-2-1 for sure. What I do think more models should do is cast for shared shoots, so one photographer shoots with a model and then another photographer shoots with the model after a break. That way location and travel cost can be shared and the model gets eg 4-6 hours shooting rather than 2-3. Different to a model studio day which I find mostly unappealing.
Generally 1 2 1, but have worked very successfully with another photographer known to the relevant model. If attending an arranged event, e.g., location house, prison shoot, etc., it would be on a 1 2 1 basis
paul thomas said
Generally, I would say Group shoots are good whilst you learn photography and working with models. I went to some at the start of my learning, as I found the break between shooting and watching others, gave time to watch others and think about settings/poses / directional comments for the next set.
However, your question was what I think personally, and now I do not favour group shoots for the reasons that they are very mechanical and samey. The lights are set up in one style and all present get the same styled and lit shots.
I now light my own and design my own creativity, so much prefer one to ones :)
This ^
Very much one-to-one. I will occasionally sign up to a group event if it offers something beyond just copycat shooting, for example an educational element around lighting or set design (less valuable over time), a model that I really wanted to work with but is rarely/never in my part of the country, or if it is at an outside location where there is an opportunity to explore a larger environment and direct your own shots and angles.
Edited by Mick Wells
I generally prefer 121 but I also enjoy a group shoot as it may give me the ability to get some shots and meet a new model in a "safer" environment for both my social awkwardness and the model also. I also enjoy a group shoot because I can bounce ideas off other togs and it is great for general socialising. I think ultimately it depends on the shoot, location and the people involved
One to one.
I'm not pushy enough & sometimes find myself too much in the background. Group shoots can be useful for unusual or expensive locations.
Edited by B17fan
