Team shot

[Photodiva]

Went to do the annual team photo this evening. Gee, almost everything was against me. First, most of the players were late, so 7 turned into 7.30, and some didn't turn up. Then after the earlier rain, the sun came out big time, making horrid shadows and burn out. Set up the 580 and 430 flashes, which didn't make a massive impact given the low angle of the sun. We prayed that the sporadic cloud cover would help out. As ever, the cloud cover came when no-one was ready! Eventually got some shots, using the flashes, as good as I was going to get. Other 'creative' ideas went by the board as the manager wanted to get on with training. Ho hum. I need a G&T.

 

[minky_monkey]

I've got mine to do a week on Saturday along with player profile shots. Can't say I'm looking forward to it tbh! Things like this make me nervous for some stupid reason, this will be the first time for me.

Any pointers would be appreciated. Kit isn't an issue, 7D, 580ex I flash and a 28-70 2.8

 

[whitey]

I got the same to look forward to this Saturday

 

[Siberdib]

I just covered one this morning. Not my favourite thing to do but fortunately as it was a professional club they were professional about it. As it was in a stadium with sun beaming through one of the roofs I used fill flash for the shadows. For a team shot I normally look at an aperture of around f8 and focus around the middle (middle row). I also put the camera on my tripod. This not only ensures it is a straight and reduces a bit of shake but it actually makes me look more professional. This is key, the more you look professional and communicate with them the easier it is and the more they feel comfortable about it. It is also key that you turn up early so you can access and set-up. Worst thing to do is to leave 24 players hanging around for you. For example today, I wasn't allowed to take the photo on the pitch (as a match tonight) and instead had to use the touchline. Not ideal but I gave myself 30 minutes to get myself set-up properly.

 

[Photodiva]

I just covered one this morning. Not my favourite thing to do but fortunately as it was a professional club they were professional about it. As it was in a stadium with sun beaming through one of the roofs I used fill flash for the shadows. For a team shot I normally look at an aperture of around f8 and focus around the middle (middle row). I also put the camera on my tripod. This not only ensures it is a straight and reduces a bit of shake but it actually makes me look more professional. This is key, the more you look professional and communicate with them the easier it is and the more they feel comfortable about it. It is also key that you turn up early so you can access and set-up. Worst thing to do is to leave 24 players hanging around for you. For example today, I wasn't allowed to take the photo on the pitch (as a match tonight) and instead had to use the touchline. Not ideal but I gave myself 30 minutes to get myself set-up properly.

Sounds about the same thing. I got there early, did some test shots, thought I'd got it about right. The light conditions kept changing every 30 seconds or so! The 'on time' players started kicking a ball around the pitch while I had my 2 speedlights on stands and my camera on a tripod. I ask you!
At least they are a fairly relaxed bunch. We joked about the one in the middle having the staple across his face, so there was much jostling to not be in the middle, and one of the jokers in the front row decided to put his hand on the next guy's knee (a la Thin Blue Line). And there's me trying to look like I know what I'm doing.

You're right about the tripod, and at least once its set up you don't have to keep disappearing behind the viewfinder.

I guess I could have used the 580 on camera but I thought it would work better lighting from shadow side with fill on the other. It looks OK to me. Martin, you've got similar kit to me, should be fine. Just take lots of shots as there is always someone with their eyes closed or looking the wrong way. Its the first time I've done this type of shot. Shame not all the players made it there.