Large model shoot - help with setup and coordination

I agreed to help a friend out (on a limited budget) with a project he is doing for his website. He is having a modeling competition so needs 1-2 shots on a neutral background of each girl to post on his website.

He has 14 models and we are doing the shoot at a hotel conference room. I intend to photograph them against a neutral painted wall using one 24" softbox and a reflector (clam shell arrangement) unless I can find something better as a back drop on the day of. We are bringing a makeup artist, but only a few girls are using that service.

I am trying to figure out how long this will take. I am thinking about 3 hours once we are all setup. I plan to take about 10 images of each girl in similar poses, and hoping to get 1-2 finals for each girl to edit for his website.

Looking for advice and things I may be missing to pull this project off. I am thinking an assistant may be a good idea....thoughts?

I'm assuming that their feet on the carpet won't show?

14 models @ 10 minutes each will take 2-1/2 hours IF everything goes smoothly. Don't count on that happening.

Good idea.

Yes photos will be cropped at the thigh. I figured 10-15 minutes per girl once the lighting is setup and adjusted.

I think you would be wise to plan 15 minutes per model if you are trying to get 10 shots. Even if they are the same pose everytime, each girl will need instruction, hair adjustment, outfit adjustments, etc. There will also be a bit of downtime between each model.

15 minutes per girl to take 10 pictures is a really long time. For basic model pictures, an umbrella would be a better choice than a small softbox. You will not need a reflector for basic shots. You could improve the quality of the pictures by using a more interesting background than just a bare wall.

If your friend can assign numbers to the models to be shot in order, there should not be any reason for another assistant. If you are using your speedlight, make sure it in manual power mode on the speedlight and camera for consistent results.

-Scott

In the same exact location, using the same exact lighting, you should be able to get 10 poses from one model in under 2 minutes if you're clear with your instruction.

cdifoto wrote in post #11584569
In the same exact location, using the same exact lighting, you should be able to get 10 poses from one model in under 2 minutes if you're clear with your instruction.

While this can be true, I'd never plan for a best case scenario?

Yes, camera and lighting will be set in manual. I will mark on the floor where I want the model to stand, and camera will be tripod mounted (just moved up and down depending on height of model. I just need 1-2 good shots of each.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #11584647
While this can be true, I'd never plan for a best case scenario?

That's not best case. Best case is 10 poses in 10 seconds. Two minutes is a rather long time for 10 shots.