There are currently a lot of opportunities to work with men and women in the armed forces. Quite honestly, I would say when it comes to shooting groups at formal events, they are by far the most fun.
10. Be prepared. Events start on time, so plan enough time for you to scout a good location and setup your equipment.
9. Get to know the host and ask about specifics of the event. How many people? Mostly couples? Is there a formal portion of the event versus a more casual portion?
8. Introduce yourself to the MC or DJ. They will be at the microphone and they are more than willing to announce things for you. They can do a lot to round people up that have yet to be photographed.
7. Dress the part. It is likely that the event is formal, therefore everyone will be in full dress uniforms. You need to dress the part as well. A nice shirt, a tie, a dress...
6. Pack a table cloth with you. You might have to setup just about anywhere. A table cloth for your table with order forms and business cards adds a tremendous amount to the occasion.
5. Encourage soldiers and officers to remove items from their pockets. Their uniforms are fitted and sharp. A bulging pocket will stand out.
4. If you are using a flag in the back ground, take a piece of coat hanger and some tape. It is perfectly OK to tape the coat hanger crossway behind the flag to spread it out. It is not considered disrespectful. (just make sure to remove it before the color guard takes your flag.)
3. Make a nice little sign that says, "make checks payable to .... " Get a little plastic easel and be sure to have a couple pens handy.
2. Speaking of handy... make sure you have lots of dollar bills, especially if you sell a photo package that is something like $24 or $18. Trust me, bring a lot of dollar bills.
And the number one thing!!!
1. NEVER crop part of the rank from the uniform sleeve. In the regular world, faces are important in photographs. In the military, full of tradition and values, the rank is more meaningful in a photograph.
Jared Behunin is the President and Founder of www.PhotoAdvantage.net. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion for photography have made him an expert in starting and growing photography businesses
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