As you can see, the time spent aligning and posing each person paid off as everyone is evenly spaced. Awards certificates are held uniformly and without reflections. All up it took around 60 seconds. This is not always possible depending on the program and quantity of awards.

Don’t assume your perfect picture is going happen every time. Read the sentiment in the room is also a good tip.

Don’t attempt on a client shoot unless you have the experience to capture a good well lit clear shot.

Only a little bit of instructions on posing was needed but not too much as this was not their first group family portrait. Besides a little bit of squinting due to the bright day it turned out great and will be an important family pass me down photos for many years to come.

Chain of command principal will serve photographers well. Don’t get involved with family politics.
If you are familiar with the location you’re ahead, if not do scout out the shooting spot well ahead of time. And be mindful of photography regulations in public places in your local area.

Location photos at the resort, break wall, on the foot bridge or on the pier such as this one above.

Not a lot of coaxing or posing was needed for this group to strike a pose so we captured a series of fun shots at this location.

Do stay close to the couple and their families so nothing is missed. Don’t stop drinking water during outdoor all day events. Stay hydrated. On this weekend it was around mid 30 degrees and the days were long.

Do talk to the resort staff about what is coming up next and if you need any extra space outside the booked area to take wide perspective photos.

This photo opportunity presented itself in a way, we were asking a few models and designers in smaller groups of 2 and 3’s. Then the timing was right for gathering the Talent together for a very quick (less than 10 seconds) photo.

Directional flash was not working out in such close quarters so persevered with bouncing the light off the ceiling. With the models being comfortable in front of the camera not a lot from us was required to pose and arrange.

Took 1 shot to judge lighting and a second to capture this final image before the models took off for their turn on the runway.

Don’t spend too long backstage as other photographers may need to get there too and space is always limited. Do hurry back to the photographer pack at the end of the runway. Do make sure you remove your flash from the camera as that is not usually allowed on the catwalk.

Do capture photos of the models and their designers, these make great group shots in a live setting and they will love having these group shots to share on socials.

Kept the mood of the setting by keeping it dim for a more intimate feel. The couple had their much loved pet for it made the perfect group photo for the 3 of them.
Time wise we had a little bit of time so we captured a series of photos around the property.

Don’t spend long fiddling with settings or equipment. Keeping it flowing and making regular contact.

Do capture slightly more photos than you would normally in poor light conditions as some may have a little motion blur when seen on a large screen.