Group photo shoot meetups

My first group shoot was in 1986 or 1987. At the time, I was using my Nikon FM2. I brought a couple rolls of black-and-white film, I think it was Tri-X 400. I was in college then, and though I don't remember how I found out about the shoot, but I recall the day's event like it was yesterday; yes, cliche, I know.

model: unknown

The only photo of a model I have of that day.

I used black-and-white film because it was less expensive to develop it and create a contact sheet. At the time, there was a business in Sacramento called 'The Darkroom.' You rented a spot by the hour. We all developed our film and made prints by ourselves. We only needed to bring our film to be developed or printed and photo paper to print photos on; kids today will not know the thrill of walking into a dark room, albeit a red safety light with the smell of fixer in the air, ahh memories!

But I digress. For the group shoot, we were all given the opportunity to work with several beginning models, and in return, we traded prints for their time. Each model worked with two or three photogs at one time, and we all took turns. Everything was timed to allow everyone to work with new faces. The event lasted all day, and because it was summertime, we worked until almost nine in the evening.

The challenge was getting a photo that the other shooters did not have, so I reached an agreement with the shooters I was paired with. We all would grip for each other so we could get as original a shot as we could without doubling the other shooters' work.

So, if you get the chance to join a group photo event in your area or you're able to organize one, I suggest it. You'll meet like-minded individuals, meet some great people along the way, and improve on your craft!