What do you prefer, Group Shoot or 121!

I enjoy group shoots for the banter and fun aspect. Also useful for getting to know a new model, before I book her for a one to one in my own studio!!

Edited by Terry Onslow Photography

I use group shoots for the fun and banter.

They are also useful to get to know a new model before I book her on a one to one in my own studio!!

Gothic Image said

Huw said

I’m slightly baffled by the success of these model organised luxury photo adventures - very expensive - but amazing results. Clearly great value for money for those taking part, and I’m not criticising them in any way. I’m the odd one out!

As those who have been on several Artemesians will tell you, there's also a strong social element to their success. You become part of a like-minded creative community for several days, which is productive and enjoyable in equal measure.

Absolutely- I can see that.

I did nude in landscape workshops with Walter Chappell (USA)

and Trevor Yerbury

Back in the 1980s. 
Learnt a lot, enjoyed the group learning.

These are just the modern equivalent. Many very highly skilled photographers among the model community 

paul thomas said

sd photography54 said

paul thomas said

 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've noticed in the last couple of years that on some group shoots i've been to you'll get one photographer that wants the background and lighting changed for when he shoots so he has something different,

I just wish the studio owner would turn around and say no to this as it takes time of others that are in the group, I can see why some owner let this happen as they want the photographer to come back and use his studio also this could encourage some in the group not to return to there studio.

Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

Normally it doesn't happen that way - although it's many years since I've attended a Group shoot by choice.

Normally its a change in lighting and outfit, then all to shoot same, then perhaps a lighting change and new set and all to shoot.

I would agree with you - if each photographer wanted the lighting changed every turn, then it's not a group shoot lol - it's many one to ones 🤣 🤣.

Only had this happen in the last couple of years about five times, twice this year though already,😞

I want to be in control of what I am shooting. Pre-shoot exchanges are key to setting this up. That's why 1-2-1 works.

As I'm just starting out, I'm pretty self-conscious about making an idiot of myself, so 1-2-1 is absolutely the way to go (at least for now).

sd photography54 said

I've noticed in the last couple of years that on some group shoots i've been to you'll get one photographer that wants the background and lighting changed for when he shoots so he has something different,

I just wish the studio owner would turn around and say no to this as it takes time of others that are in the group, I can see why some owner let this happen as they want the photographer to come back and use his studio also this could encourage some in the group not to return to there studio.

But not if the shoot is properly timed and it's done (and reset) in that photographer's allotted slot?  Once again, it's down to how well the group shoot is run.

PauloUK best way to learn is to make an idiot of yourself, then do something different the next time :)

Huw said

PauloUK best way to learn is to make an idiot of yourself, then do something different the next time :)

Tried that myself. The first bit is easy. The learning from it is a challenge. 

:) 

For me it depends "who" is in the group. I've participated many a good small group shoots over the last 25 years. Group social experience too.  Large group shoots,  not for me. But, usually I shoot 1 to 1 as a preference. 

Gothic Image said

sd photography54 said

I've noticed in the last couple of years that on some group shoots i've been to you'll get one photographer that wants the background and lighting changed for when he shoots so he has something different,

I just wish the studio owner would turn around and say no to this as it takes time of others that are in the group, I can see why some owner let this happen as they want the photographer to come back and use his studio also this could encourage some in the group not to return to there studio.

But not if the shoot is properly timed and it's done (and reset) in that photographer's allotted slot?  Once again, it's down to how well the group shoot is run.

Not in the groups ive been to his time started after everything was move and he was happy with some test shots.😞

Not good news is it.

Edited by sd photography54

sd photography54 said

Gothic Image said

sd photography54 said

I've noticed in the last couple of years that on some group shoots i've been to you'll get one photographer that wants the background and lighting changed for when he shoots so he has something different,

I just wish the studio owner would turn around and say no to this as it takes time of others that are in the group, I can see why some owner let this happen as they want the photographer to come back and use his studio also this could encourage some in the group not to return to there studio.

But not if the shoot is properly timed and it's done (and reset) in that photographer's allotted slot?  Once again, it's down to how well the group shoot is run.

Not in the groups ive been to his time started after everything was move and he was happy with some test shots.😞

Not good news is it.

Edited by sd photography54

Badly run, IMHO.  The point is that the photographer should carry the risk of different setup vs fewer shots.

Edited by Gothic Image

Gothic Image exactly my thoughts as well, I did mention that thats something he should be doing on a 121 basis, other photographers agreed, not all though.

Huw said

PauloUK best way to learn is to make an idiot of yourself, then do something different the next time :)

Yes, this is the way to go.

Just take photographs and don't worry if you fail a lot.

There does seem to be much worrying going on in the pursuit of perfect images. I just try all sorts of things and I don't care if it fails.

Over the years I have seen the contact sheets of a famous photographs and without fail, the surrounding images are nothing.

I take great heart from this......apart from not actually getting a famous image of course!

Nobody gets to see my cockups....

Edited by Huw