blinking...

[hmb]

any tips for groups of people when you have a few blinkers, the ones who have small eyes to begin with and seem to keep them closed more than not? not squinting but blinking. I hate to go through so much film to be sure I got it.

[Bosaiya]

It can be useful to use a rangefinder or TLR-style camera in these situations. It won't keep the people from blinking, but you will be able to better judge whether another shot is necessary.

Maybe setting off a loud firecracker (or clown horn) at the moment of exposure would work, that'd open their eyes right up! It'd likely make for a more interesting shot as well.

[dpurdy]

If you can lock your mirror it will eliminate the pre sound and if you can get a long cable release or air release and keep it behind your back it might help.

[Rick A]

Its nearly impossible to get everyones eyes open. Bosaiya has it right when he sugests a loud, startling sound, causes most to get a bit bugeyed. It also helps to get your subjects looking to the side of the camera, and not at it. Have an assistant help direct them at an angle or divert their attention, while they watch your helper, take the shot. If you dont have help, then a long release cable(preferably electronic)to get you away from the camera while you distract them. Believe me, its tough, I used to do a lot of big groups when I worked for Olan Mills. I used to shoot anywhere from 400 to 450 sittings a week, and at least a third were groups of four and more. Good luck, and practice getting people to look where you want them, dont be afraid to give specific directions to individuals, and keep it light hearted and upbeat, that also helps.

Rick

[hmb]

thank you. this last shoot was a group of 8, the father had small eyes to begin with and his 20 something daughter blinked tons too. So frustrating to have her blinking in one frame, him the next etc etc...
I am shooting new with a contax 645, I think I shoot it slower than my F100 and when I used the D3 same deal. Ended up with a few good keepers which in reality, how many do you really need? Just weren't my fav picks...
We were in Madison Square park NYC and during the first group shot I was leaning back up on a fence. A Squirrel climbed up my back, over my shoulder and up onto my camera...no kidding! I managed a frame before freezing up worring that he would go for my jugular, that was the funniest photo. Everyone was wide eyed but with a look of shock across their faces :-)

[ann]

have everyone close their eyes. tell them on the count of three to open.

it is very unusal to blink right after opening , you have to fire the shutter, just after you say three

[Rick A]

Good story- maybe you should have hired the critter to help you--I hear they are willing to work for peanuts(yeah, I know, but I had to say it). Anyway, you should consider an assistant when you shoot groups, fussing clothes and any makeup, and posing,plus lugging gear. Maybe a stuffed squirrel, so you can tell your group the story, then pop it up like it just showed up.

rick

[Mike1234]

Death to all blinkers.

[eddym]

Blinking is a great reason to shoot a TLR! But if you shoot an SLR instead, use a tripod, focus and compose, then look up at the group and shoot. Then you can see who closed their eyes, and know you have to shoot again. If you have some "serial blinkers", try having everyone close their eyes, then tell them to open their eyes, and shoot.

[hmb]

serial blinkers LOL! it is hard, I am mainly a childrens photographer and not used to doing groups. A stylist would be lovely, maybe I need to rewrite my contract to suggest it! I have never (even when I was digi) switched heads but I see how it would make it much easier :-)
I won't be changing gear anytime soon so need to think about a tripod for this sort of work I think.
Thank you all!