Class photography - Ideas?

[emul]

I will be taking pictures of all the classes in the local primary school and trying to think outside the box a little in terms of the composition of the group. One thing I'm certainly going to try is shoot down from a height (ok up 2 steps). Anybody got any other thoughts / ideas, anything rather than the traditional three rows of glum looking kids with a horrible background !!

Due to the ages involved I can't post up the results but will let you know the outcome.

Thanks

Eoin

[humberklog]

Originally Posted by emul

Due to the ages involved I can't post up the results but will let you know the outcome.

Are you too young to post a pic on the 'net?



Have the little tykes each bring in a mask of their face and before the shot is taken they've to switch masks with their neighbour.

[Fionn]

Depending on the location you may have little option but the firing squad type, the some may even expect this type of photograph, especially the school.

Some problems you may find include:
one or more people are nearly always looking in different directions (ask people to look into your lens, ask them to make sure they can see the lens!)
blinking - so always always take a few shots
different expressions - some co-operating, others acting the maggot!! Try and grab their attention. (Get the teacher to help) bring sweets, don’t go in there on your own – you wont survive!!

Other considerations
Locations - for instance the assembly hall – you can maybe get a step ladder and take an overhead shot with something a bit wide-angle.
The classroom again if you’ve something wide and maybe an extra speedlight or a reflector
Remember exposure! If you can get lights and a background and can use them - it makes a huge huge difference, otherwise maybe two speedlights or perhaps outdoors weather permitting of course.

Think of how your controlling DoF especially if the group is three deep or spread back!
Oh and use a tripod!!

Good luck

[CabanSail]

I would go for the traditional three rows & just try to do it well.

It is how these shots have been done for many years & that is why it works. These shots will fit in with similar shots at different times of their lives. It is a format that is meant to conform to the rules understood by everyone and has stood the test of time. As posted above there are many challenges to getting this right.

After you have nailed the formal shot, only then should you consider trying something different.

[squareballoon]

I had this idea for a class photo that I didn't get a chance to use. divide the class into 4 groups. Lie on the ground and get them to stand over you with their heads together looking down at you like in a scrum. Then crop the photo into a square and put all 4 photos in a square montage.

Even better if they don't have a uniform and you can group them into clothes of similar colours.
Good thing about this is that they can't really help but look at you and you've fewer to manage at once.
bad thing is that it might be a bit to different for some schools.
If you go for the traditional one then having someone behind the shooter with a fart machine always work a treat for getting them to look.