As a photographer, every project comes with unique challenges and opportunities, but few can compare to photographing a large group of over 270 people. Recently, I had the privilege of undertaking such a feat after a department’s annual Kickoff meeting, and I’m excited to share the behind-the-scenes insights and techniques that made it possible.

The first consideration was the logistics of arranging such a large group into a cohesive composition. With the help of the attendees, we removed all the chairs and arranged for everyone to fill the 2×3 format of the Nikon Z9 sensor dimensions. This ensured everyone fits within the frame and created a sense of unity and togetherness.

To capture everyone’s faces clearly and avoid unflattering angles, I positioned myself on stage using a ladder to elevate myself. While risers would have been ideal, creativity and adaptability are essential in such situations, so I made the best of the resources available. The elevated angle provided a better view and helped eliminate the dreaded double chin effect, as everyone naturally looked up toward the camera.

Lighting was another crucial aspect to consider. With all the room lights on, I supplemented the ambient light with two Flashpoint XPlor 600 HSS TTL flashes. Using TTL with +1 compensation on the flash ensured consistent and well-exposed lighting across the entire group, even in a large and varied indoor space.

However, technical considerations aside, one of the biggest challenges was getting everyone’s attention for the shot. This is where creativity and a bit of spontaneity came into play. Drawing inspiration from the energetic atmosphere of the event, I decided to engage the group by having them perform the Chick-fil-A cheer. Starting with the question, “Is Everyone Happy?” and eliciting a resounding “Yeah Man, H-A-P-P-Y Woo!” response captured their attention and brought a sense of fun and camaraderie to the moment.

Ultimately, the result was more than just a photograph; it was a visual representation of unity, teamwork, and shared purpose. Each face in the frame told a story, and together, they formed a powerful narrative of a vibrant and dynamic community coming together for a common goal.

Photographing such a large group presented its challenges. Still, with careful planning, creative thinking, and a collaborative spirit, we captured a moment that will be cherished for years to come. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do – not just for the images captured but for the connections made and the stories told through the lens.