I like the first shot better then the 2nd in some regards because of the flatter perspective of the shot looks better then the higher angle. What i don't like about the 1st shot is that the people in the back right corner are kind of lost amongst the cars and I would have positioned them on camera left in a V formation.
The motorcycles in the front make the image really stand out. Almost wish that they had 4 of them to really give the image a kick.
Ray Still wrote:
Thanks everyone for the interest has to how the shoot went, I think the best way to describe it was an overwhelming learning experience that has really prepared me for the shoot I will do in June for the 4th of July DUI campaign
Lesson learned
1) I need to take a much more directive role in posing and placing the subjects
2) Know beforehand exactly what type of equipment is being supplied by the DOT such as in this case I could not even fully expaned my tripod inside of the bucket truck
3) Have a bull horn to call out instructions to the group.
4) Tell the news channels I really need to get this shoot underway
Overall all the agencies are happy with the outcome even though I am not.
Maybe being too hard on myself but the group shots suck no one to blame but me.
The individual portraits came out pretty good at least I can say.
Just an FYI does anyone know that flashing police swat lights trigger off strobes as fast as they can recycle, I learned this the hard way.
Flashing lights set off strobe slaves, yes, all the time... and for previous posters - there's no problem lighting highly reflective vests as long as you control your lighting.
This was a big ask and I was interested in how this would turn out, more from the point of what the Government Departments would expect and accept in return for providing over 30 law enforcement officers, all their transportation, the supervisors, hangers-on, the time for the officers to be on site, as well as the DOT bucket truck and personell. There must have been an incurred cost of $2000 - $3000 per. hour investment here for them running into something like $10,000 at least from public funds. I really don't think they got their moneys worth - even if you didn't charge them Lucky for you, you say 'Overall all the agencies are happy with the outcome even though I am not.' and '..the group shots suck'.. I'd have to agree.
Beyond the physical layout of the group shots, the positioning of the people, vehicles and bikes and the dodgy cut out of the digital sign in group 2.. this was supposed to be a night shot because the DUI operate at night - you said.. You had plans to use up to 7 lights - you said.. So why didn't any of this happen? In the group shot including the bikes it looks like you added a light, but it was doing very little.. almost a token inclusion.
The group shots look as though they've been shot in the afternoon on an overcast day, not at night, and bear no resemblance to the sample image from last year which was quite obviously taken at night and at least had an element of excitement about it.
I would disagree with you on your point about the individual portraits coming out good. The one's you shown didn't. With the resources provided and those you said you had at your disposal you should have been able to create something far more interesting.
I'm sorry if this might sound harsh, it's not intended that way, but the results are not as good as they could have been and you already know that - under the circumstances I really do think you've had a lucky escape.
'I pland on scouting doing some test shots on Monday and Tuesday late afternoon through early evening'
This should have provided you with an idea of what time you needed to shoot and what light levels to expect. Did this ever happen?
Thanks everyone for the Feedback and Ukphotographer I appreciate your professional and honest feedback.
Like I said it was a learning experience and hopefully it will prepare me much more for the July4 DUI campaign
Lucky for you, you say 'Overall all the agencies are happy with the outcome even though I am not.' and '..the group shots suck'.. I'd have to agree.