michael_collins11

<p>I do a crap load of corporate headshots. A lot of times it's just a very quick session at an event so I don't have much time with them. The key is to just have a great personality and make it fun. Some will be nervous. Remember, they are real people. Models and actors, which is what Hurley does mainly, is a little more easier to direct since that's what they are trained to do. Asking a GM or VP of a company to give you a certain type of look is just ridiculous. Keep it simple. A slight body turn, no more than 45 degrees with the face straight back into camera or a little turned is a good start. Try to shoot both sides and straight on. Have them bend at the wait a little into the lens. If they are tall, stand on a small step stool to get YOU higher. Keep the energy up by talking all the time. Doesn't even matter what you say just don't sit there being quite. It makes them nervous and and feel awkward. Giving them directions is what usually fills the void. Guide with your hand(s). They will follow it. I always tend to say "A little more happiness". For some reason that gets them to smile. Realize some don't like to smile. May have a bad smile and/or bad teeth. Fix their tie, check their hair, pull down on the jacket so it's snug to the neck. Have double chin people lean a bit more and then lift the chin. You be on the step stool again. They will thank you. They may even ask to help get rid of it. Easy stuff to remember, huh? Ha! I just did 80 headshots in one hour the other day. Yes, it was kind of like herding cattle but that's what it is sometimes. Other times you have more time. But I get hired a lot so I must be doing something right. </p>

<p>As others have said, 40 is not that large of a group. I shoot mainly corporate events and I shoot large groups all the time. Sometimes it's a surprise and all I have is my speed light. And most times, it''s enough. Remember, it's a "group shot" not a fine portrait. <br> I just shot a group of 90 people in the lobby of a nice hotel in Miami Bch. I was on the messanine shooting down at them. The space was very wide open and not lit very well. Just lights in the lobby that didn't add much. Used me speed light. It's fine. Got them all in very close. <br> I also just did two days of group shots with them on a riser. From 10 to 40 people. All I used was two umbrellas with AB800s (320 watts) with umbrellas. From my distance and an ISO of about 640 I was able to get f/11. More than enough with them as close together as possible depth wise. Again, it's a group shot and the image itself won't even be used that large. 8x10 at the most if they print them. <br> With group shots at events they care about two things. They want to see everyone's face and everyone lit up. The "quality" of the lighting takes a backseat here. A softbox would not be my first choice. It wouldn't even BE a choice. Umbrellas are the best for this situation IF you have the space and time to use them. </p>