Photographer
JAE
Posts: 2207
West Chester, Pennsylvania, US
Organized groupshoots that provide 1 on 1 shooting can be nice. I have met a lot of photographer friends and a lot of the models I may hire now I met at groupshoots like that. Anything that allows more then 1 person to shoot at a time is a waste. I went to a few of those when starting and never really got anything good.
Model
Model Sarah
Posts: 40987
Columbus, Ohio, US
Lumigraphics wrote:
I have never been to a group shoot where people crowded around a model. Nor do I go to get snapshots.
Maybe that's part of the problem, nobody has defined "group shoot" so we get lots of different ideas about what one is.
The work I get from group shoots is pretty much on par with what I get from an individual shoot booked with any model, for better or for worse.
The biggest differences for me are the one hour time slots (normally I shoot for 2-3 hours on an individual session) and having access to a location. Sure, and I get that. But as I said to Jerry a few times those are few and far between.
Photographer
Lumigraphics
Posts: 32780
Detroit, Michigan, US
Model Sarah wrote:
Sure, and I get that. But as I said to Jerry a few times those are few and far between. Maybe elsewhere in the country? In Ohio and Michigan, the one hour time slot, trade format is pretty much the norm.
DEAC, LEGS, CAC, Hocking Hills, and I've seen lots of others advertised over the years.
Like anything else, there will be good and bad examples.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
JAE wrote:
Organized groupshoots that provide 1 on 1 shooting can be nice. Anything that allows more then 1 person to shoot at a time is a waste. True on sentence #1... but couldn't agree on sentence #2... 
![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/130514/06/51923ef104dc3.jpg]()
Photographer
Pisqually
Posts: 64
Dayton, Ohio, US
Call Me Caitlin wrote:
Love them, or hate them?
I am curious to know what everyone thinks about them. Can't really say I hate them, but from what I've seen and heard about them so far - I am not a fan.
Obviously, the gang shoot where a bunch of photographers crowd around one model vying for her attention and just snapping away is just idiotic. Though I hear some photographers actually sign up for these. Not for me!
Actually, I've never attended any type of group shoot. For good reason. In my area the shoots that I have checked out on the forums just didn't have enough of what I wanted to shoot. Now I haven't checked out every single one I'm sure. While Jerry and others in this thread are happy with the group shoots they are finding. I haven't found the same ones I guess. Or we just have different tastes.
Now this is just about group shoots not workshops. Where they bring in top notch models to work with. That's a different topic.
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Pisqually wrote:
Can't really say I hate them, but from what I've seen and heard about them so far - I am not a fan.
Obviously, the gang shoot where a bunch of photographers crowd around one model vying for her attention and just snapping away is just idiotic. Though I hear some photographers actually sign up for these. Not for me!
Actually, I've never attended any type of group shoot. For good reason. In my area the shoots that I have checked out on the forums just didn't have enough of what I wanted to shoot. Now I haven't checked out every single one I'm sure. While Jerry and others in this thread are happy with the group shoots they are finding. I haven't found the same ones I guess. Or we just have different tastes.
Now this is just about group shoots not workshops. Where they bring in top notch models to work with. That's a different topic. Check out the Hocking Hills group shoot in Ohio that is coming up soon. It is in the Events forum.
May 10. I don't think that they are totally booked up yet.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Pisqually wrote:
Now this is just about group shoots not workshops. Where they bring in top notch models to work with. You don't have to pay outrageous workshop prices to get top-notch models...
![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/130606/02/51b053979c486.jpg]()
Shot of Russian model Petra at a Select Models 'Weekday Beach Minishoot'... a monthly summer groupshoot in SoCal...
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Pisqually wrote:
Now this is just about group shoots not workshops. Where they bring in top notch models to work with. That's a different topic. I used to do a few higher end events a couple times a year; Hiring agency models, professional hair, makeup and styling. It wasn't cheap, raising the costs for the photographers to several hundred each at a minimum.
They were great events but the number of photographers who understand what a model looks like and why they are expensive isn't as high as the number who just want to shoot pretty girls. In the end these events tend to be fewer in nature, often lost in the rash of "hooters girls paparazzi charlie foxtrot" group shoots.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
- BP Photo - wrote:
To people who rag on group shoots because of the quality of the pictures, if you are a talented photographer, shouldn't you be able to get great pictures from any model in any location, with only an hour of working time?
Personally, I like groups shoots and have thought of hosting some. But they have always had very high (at least 50%) no-show rates from models and it has gotten worse in the last year. So for me, they are no longer a practical option for working with models.
Actually, every picture in this collage is from a group shoot:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35298818
(and before you start, this is not the critique forum!) Perhaps the organizers were not paying the models, that is usually why there is such a high no-show rate...
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Photographer
Toto Photo
Posts: 3757
Belmont, California, US
I have been to many group shoots. For me, it is so much better than a cattle call. Not only do I get to see a variety of models in person but I get to shoot them under lights with hair, makeup and styling. Considering all of that group shoots are a real bargain, but only if you go to the right shoots. It is during breaks and lunch that I carefully review my hundreds of shots to see which model(s) I then want to shoot privately. Which are photogenic and which pose well. And the best group shoots offer private bookings after the group shoot with free use of the sets and lights--you pay the models directly for their time. Like this: ![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/100920/22/4c9840cacbec3.jpg]() Group shoots in the SF Bay Area are insanely great--low cost, high talent and amazing studios but that's probably a testament to the organizers, one of whom has put on more events than anyone else in the world. Have I gotten great shots during a group shoot. A few. Here is one I'm proud of: ![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/130319/11/5148afe854747.jpg]() After a group shoot? Many, including my avatar.
Photographer
Pisqually
Posts: 64
Dayton, Ohio, US
Select Models wrote:
You don't have to pay outrageous workshop prices to get top-notch models... There is no doubt you have some very beautiful models on your port! In California you might get that at a group shoot. From what I've seen in Ohio you do not.
We do have some beautiful models here too. A few might sign up for group shoots, but most of them do not.
Photographer
Pisqually
Posts: 64
Dayton, Ohio, US
Jerry Nemeth wrote:
Check out the Hocking Hills group shoot in Ohio that is coming up soon. It is in the Events forum.
May 10. I don't think that they are totally booked up yet. Jerry I have been following it. It looks like a fun time and everyone seems so friendly! It would make for a great meet and greet. And someday I might do it. To be honest, I look for different types of models than what signed up. That is not meant as an insult to anyone. I just have a certain look I prefer to shoot and only four of the 20some models have the look I wanted for my current ideas/projects. So I will contact them individually if and when I want to shoot them.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Pisqually wrote:
There is no doubt you have some very beautiful models on your port! In California you might get that at a group shoot. From what I've seen in Ohio you do not. If your groupshoot organizers in Ohio aren't providing you with quality models at their events... then I guess you know who's to blame. At the 'Cruiseboat Photoshoots' I organize (without being paid ONE DIME for it)... it's not ME who decides what models attend... it's YOU (the attending photographers)...
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Pisqually wrote:
Jerry I have been following it. It looks like a fun time and everyone seems so friendly! It would make for a great meet and greet. And someday I might do it. To be honest, I look for different types of models than what signed up. That is not meant as an insult to anyone. I just have a certain look I prefer to shoot and only four of the 20some models have the look I wanted for my current ideas/projects. So I will contact them individually if and when I want to shoot them. Sometime you have to look far. This model is from Budapest. 
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/1 … 0c17fe.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikpvy8sVcFA
Photographer
KungPaoChic
Posts: 4221
West Palm Beach, Florida, US
Select Models wrote:
So true... for in a forum where NO critiques are permitted... what everybody else thinks about said images does NOT matter... Proved the point I already held
Answer to OP I have no interest in group shoots. I prefer to secure locations, book my own models and control my own set.
Group shoots are my idea of hell on earth
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Pisqually wrote:
There is no doubt you have some very beautiful models on your port! In California you might get that at a group shoot. From what I've seen in Ohio you do not.
We do have some beautiful models here too. A few might sign up for group shoots, but most of them do not. There are a couple of Ohio models that I will probably shoot soon.
Photographer
Cherrystone
Posts: 37171
Columbus, Ohio, US
Select Models wrote:
If your groupshoot organizers in Ohio aren't providing you with quality models at their events... then I guess you know who's to blame. At the 'Cruiseboat Photoshoots' I organize (without being paid ONE DIME for it)... it's not ME who decides what models attend... it's YOU (the attending photographers)... Go ahead, admit it. This is like a dream thread for you, isn't it?
Photographer
Garry k
Posts: 30131
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Select Models wrote:
If your groupshoot organizers in Ohio aren't providing you with quality models at their events... then I guess you know who's to blame. At the 'Cruiseboat Photoshoots' I organize (without being paid ONE DIME for it)... it's not ME who decides what models attend... it's YOU (the attending photographers)... I have long wanted to shoot Joan Smalls , Liu Wen and Bianca Balti
Can You make that happen for me ?
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Garry k wrote:
I have long wanted to shoot Joan Smalls , Liu Wen and Bianca Balti
Can You make that happen for me ? Bring them on the Nov 2nd Cruiseboat Photoshoot amigo... make that happen for you and EVERYONE attending. You'll be shooting your 3 favorites and close to a dozen other fantastic models... 
Photographer
Robert Mossack
Posts: 1285
Joplin, Missouri, US
I do like attending group shoots, but rarely shoot at them. For me, the value is in networking and making contacts for a later shoot of my own. Some of these are well run, and you can get some good one on one shooting time with each model, and come away with some reasonably nice images. I find too many devolve into several photographers gather around, shooting one model. I prefer not to get a slightly different angle of the same photo of the guys on either side of me.
Photographer
Garry k
Posts: 30131
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Select Models wrote:
Bring them on the Nov 2nd Cruiseboat Photoshoot amigo... make that happen for you and EVERYONE attending. You'll be shooting your 3 favorites and close to a dozen other fantastic models... lol
right
I guess i misunderstood how you run things
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Garry k wrote:
I guess i misunderstood how you run things The vast majority of photographers do... until they checkout the 'Credits Section' on my MM page... or read the details on each shoot posted on the MM 'Events Forum'...
Photographer
KeithD3
Posts: 1493
Saint Joseph, Missouri, US
I attended a few group shoots when I was getting started and was disappointed at the disorganized way everything was handled at all of them. So gave up on group shoots.
I recently moved out of my old studio into my new one which has much more space and great access so I am hosting my first group shoot this weekend. 4 photographers, 2 models and 2 unique sets.
I have a rotation schedule set up and hopefully everyone comes away happy.
Model
daniellekatherine
Posts: 4
Los Angeles, California, US
Had a great time and shots came out cool too:) positive event
Photographer
BillyPhotography
Posts: 467
Chicago, Illinois, US
I've organized a few photography events and they were fun.. Here's a promo vid I made ![https://www.billyvegasphotography.com/playvideo.jpg]() Btw, Select Models... That cruise sounds fantastic. I'd do it if I could swing it. I give you a lot of credit!
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
BillyVegas wrote:
I've organized a few photography events and they were fun.. Here's a promo vid I made
![https://www.billyvegasphotography.com/playvideo.jpg]()
Btw, Select Models... That cruise sounds fantastic. I'd do it if I could swing it. I give you a lot of credit! Hey thanks Billy! The cruiseboat shoot coming up in November will be the 6th one we've hosted. Over 100 models and photographers have attended so far. I invite all interested MM members and their friends to attend. Here's the link to the next 'Cruiseboat Photoshoot' on Nov 2nd...
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=907312
Photographer
Cherrystone
Posts: 37171
Columbus, Ohio, US
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Cherrystone wrote:
No, not an event thread. One you can post pics freely in like this one, and not worry about getting brigged again. Please post a link to the thread were you think I was brigged for posting photos. The fact is, I was never brigged for posting photos... it's not a briggable offense.
Photographer
Pisqually
Posts: 64
Dayton, Ohio, US
Select Models wrote:
If your groupshoot organizers in Ohio aren't providing you with quality models at their events... then I guess you know who's to blame. At the 'Cruiseboat Photoshoots' I organize (without being paid ONE DIME for it)... it's not ME who decides what models attend... it's YOU (the attending photographers)... I will say it does sound interesting. Who sponsored Jessica all the way from Denmark? What about the participants who want to shoot nudes?
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Pisqually wrote:
I will say it does sound interesting. Who sponsored Jessica all the way from Denmark? What about the participants who want to shoot nudes? I have photographed great models from the Czech Republic and Hungary. I 've photographed both of them nude.
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Cherrystone wrote:
No, not an event thread. One you can post pics freely in like this one, and not worry about getting brigged again. I have no problem with him posting photos.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Pisqually wrote:
I will say it does sound interesting. Who sponsored Jessica all the way from Denmark? What about the participants who want to shoot nudes? Jessica had plans on being in Southern California for a few weeks during last year's 'Cruiseboat Photoshoot'. Her sponsoring photographer (first name Hal) provide her sponsorship ticket and an undisclosed amount of additional cash. Jessica also made a rather handsome amount of additional cash on the 'one on one shoots' scheduled on last years cruiseshoot, as did all the other models who attended. For models who attend, it's like a paid cruiseboat vacation. For photographers who attend on Nov 2nd, participating in the paid one on one shoots is NOT mandatory, and they still receive four 1 on 1 groupshoots on the 6 day event. We currently have 2 more models scheduled to attend than photographers, so photographers will score BIGTIME on this cruiseshoot!...
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
![https://www.jayleavitt.com/links/guide_forum_llama.gif]() Pisqually wrote:
I will say it does sound interesting. Who sponsored Jessica all the way from Denmark? What about the participants who want to shoot nudes? Select Models wrote:
Jessica had plans on being in Southern California for a few weeks during last year's 'Cruiseboat Photoshoot'. Her sponsoring photographer (first name Hal) provide her sponsorship ticket and an undisclosed amount of additional cash. Jessica also made a rather handsome amount of additional cash on the 'one on one shoots' scheduled on last years cruiseshoot, as did all the other models who attended. For models who attend, it's like a paid cruiseboat vacation. For photographers who attend on Nov 2nd, participating in the paid one on one shoots is NOT mandatory, and they still receive four 1 on 1 groupshoots on the 6 day event. We currently have 2 more models scheduled to attend than photographers, so photographers will score BIGTIME on this cruiseshoot!... Thank you for the comments, etc. I am thinking that we need to get back on track with the OP's original question. Why don't we move back from your events to the general question that Caitlin asked?
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
GPS Studio Services wrote:
![https://www.jayleavitt.com/links/guide_forum_llama.gif]()
Pisqually wrote:
I will say it does sound interesting. Who sponsored Jessica all the way from Denmark? What about the participants who want to shoot nudes? Thank you for the comments, etc. I am thinking that we need to get back on track with the OP's original question. Why don't we move back from your events to the general question that Caitlin asked? All 6 previous cruiseboat photoshoots were 'groupshoots', as well as the groupshoot coming up in November. They asked questions... I provided answers.
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