Seeking advice for group photos

I have an offer to shoot a dance studio's group and individual pictures. I've never taken on such a big job before and am seeking advice. A few months ago there was an excellent post from one of the regulars about considerations with shooting school photos but I've been unable to find the thread (if anyone knows what I'm looking for, please reply with a link). If I take the job it won't happen until May, so I have some time to prepare. There are approximately 350 students at the studio. Earlier this year I took action photos at the studio's spring recital. I've also taken pictures for their website. I'm currently using a 10D with three Alien Bees 800 lights. I have 9 foot paper roll backgrounds and two 10x24 backdrops. I'll definitely need something larger for the group photos.

Here are my big questions: 1) What is the best way to organize orders? 2) Which labs do a good job with packages? I'm currently using Mpix for my prints. 3) What software do you recommend for handling the orders? I just started looking at BlinkBid and PhotoByte but haven't research them to see if they'll work. 4) How large of a group should I try to photograph using backdrops and lights? They have some rather large groups and I'll need to decide where to draw the line on using the backdrops or having the kids on stage using stage lights.

I'm going to take my lights to the studio and practice individual and small groups shots next week. If I'm able to get good results, I may give it a try. Photography is mostly a hobby and I've just recently started working for hire.

Tom

For the group shot you really need some sort or riser to get elevation. Maybe you can rent one. I would just bounce 2 of your lights off the ceiling and fill the room (as long as it's a light color). I would try and convince them to break it up into classes and do small group shots with a background.

As for orders, I would give the teacher your order forms so the kids can take them home. That way, they can bring them to you on photo day. If you don't force them to do that, you will miss a bunch of orders due to unorganized and forgetful parents.

I use Vista for my package printing. They do a great job and are really cheep.

www.vistaphotolab.com

Thanks, NGrinerPhoto. I was planning on using a ladder for elevation. The owner knows that smaller groups are better but would like a few large group pictures. I would definitely give the order forms out early. My oldest daughter takes lessons at the studio and that's what they did last year.

What's your advice for keeping the kids matched up with their orders?

I always shoot sports teams on film. It's easy to keep track by having a roster and placing a frame number next to the name. I guess you can do the same thing with the file number. I you have all the order forms, you make a little "office use only" box and write it on there.

-Nick

Thanks Bloo Dog. I'll have to check out the ceiling at the studio. I've been looking at pictures from previous years and also pictures online. The owner wants a white backdrop for the group shots. I agree that the white doesn't provide the best contrast but she is firm on that matter. On a positive note, she has very good taste in their costumes (expensive I might add) and the bright colors help to add some life to the pictures.

I'm still unable to find the link to the class picture thread. I think it was one of the top contributors who posted a wonderful reply. The one point I remember was to make sure the total price always, always comes out to an even dollar amount. Much less work for the person handling the money. Unfortunately I can't remember the other twenty tips.

I happen to be in the same boat, I plan on taking the photos for my dance studio this year. I watched the photographer who took them last years and learned a lot from it. I figured I could do as good a job as he did and since I take all the action photos at competitions and the recital most of the parents are happy with my photos and they want me to do it.
We have about 5oo students and I plan on taking the individuals and group pictures. He used a white background for individuals and black for the groups, most of the parents liked the white but not the black.
I took a survey and most of the parents like a light blue and a light gray .
I have time to practice and since I own the studio I can practice with the kids before the real thing. I have no experience with studio photos but I am learning a lot from this forums.