Most of these questions come directly from Photographers who were interested in attending a Group Shoot. We are always adding to the FAQ – If you have a question that is not answered here, please send us a message and we'll get back to you. Thanks!
© Lesley ArakQ. Where are you located?
A. FNS Studios is located in Springfield, MA.
Approximately:
1/2 (one half) hour from Hartford CT
1 1/2 (one and a half) hours from Boston MA, Albany NY and Providence RI
3 (three) hours from NYC
Q. How long are the Group Shoots?
A. We shoot all day - Call time is 10am, and we wrap up at 5pm(ish) with a break for lunch. Late arrivals lead to disorganization. Early arrivals lead to Lesley being annoyed.
The outside door has an electronic lock which will be not be open until 10am.
Q. How much does this event cost?
A. The cost is $150.00, and we ask that you make payment in advance.
Payment can be made through PayPal.
Our PayPal email address is LesleyArakPhoto@yahoo.com
(Please send us a message saying that you want to come and let us respond before you attempt pay, to insure that there are still photographer spaces available.)
Q. I'm a student/starving artist/really nice/etc. Can I come at a discounted rate?
A. No, there are no discounts. These events are what pays the rent on the studio space. After expenses (Pizza for everyone, bottled water, clothing, makeup, props, seamless paper, stylists, etc) we make rent and break even. While we are sympathetic to your various plights, we can't afford to give discounted rates.
Q. I may want to come, but I don't have the money yet. Will you hold my space for me?
A. The only way to ensure your space is to pay for it. We've found that holding spaces while people "Get the money together" leads to last minute cancellations, or no-shows.
Q. I want to come with a couple of my photographer friends. Can we split the $150.00 cost between the three of us?
A. Nope! Sorry, but it's $150.00 per person.
Q. I have communicated with Lesley, and she told me there was photographer space available and that I could book a spot. I have made my $150.00 payment through PayPal to the email address LesleyArakPhoto@yahoo.com.
Now what?
A. Now you're all set. You *probably* got a note from Lesley telling you this. She *may* have forgotten, because once in a while it happens. But you're still all set. Feel free to shoot her another email if you want to make sure.
A few days before the date of the Group Shoot, you should receive an informational email giving you an overview of how the day will go, directions, tips about what to bring, etc. If you haven't gotten this email and the shoot is the next day, check your spam box, as it sometimes winds up in there. If it's not there, email Lesley and ask her for it.
Q. Do you have pre-made "Stations" or Sets that I can shoot on?
A. No, we do not have permanent "stations" for shooting. Ours is a working studio, so everything is kept mobile.
During the Group Shoots we may change seamless, move a couch, switch lights around, etc.
We have furniture (Various chairs, two couches, a bed with bedding provided), paper seamless in various colors and widths, and a very large clothing, costume and prop collection. We will also occasionally paint parts of the wall different colors. We think that, among other things, it helps keep the images shot at the Group Shoots from all starting to look the same.
Q. Can I see pictures that have been taken at Group Shoots?
A. Yes! In our MySpace Albums is an album called: "FNS Group Shoot photos! (by various photogs)" .
www.MySpace.com/FNSStudiosIn this album are photos from many of our past Group Shoots taken both in-studio and all over the complex, so you can get a better idea of locations that will be available to you.
There are also separate albums with a few pics from the more recent Group Shoots separated by month, as well as the candids album. We have a lot of fun and silliness at the Group Shoots.
Q. Do you have lights that I can use?
A. We have *some* lights, umbrellas and softboxes which we share, but a lot of the shooting is done with natural light, either outdoors or inside using window-light in the hallways, stairwells, etc.
Since our studio is a former textile mill, the windows all over the complex are huge and let in a lot of great light.
We do not have so many lights that each photographer gets their own for the day.
If you have lights of your own you are welcome – and encouraged - to bring them.
Q. Do I use my own camera and memory cards, or will I shoot on studio cards?
A. All shooting is done with your own camera, and on your own memory cards. The studio does not provide cameras, extra lenses, memory cards, card readers, tripods or computer/internet access. These are things you should plan to bring yourself.
Q. Besides my camera, is there anything else that I should bring?
A. All you *need* to bring with you is your camera (and enough memory to shoot all day).
Photographers bring all sorts of other things with them, such as:
Lights, extension cords, reflectors, backdrops, clothing for the models, props, makeup, extra cameras, extra lenses, tripod, laptop & card reader (Don't want to run out of memory in the middle of the day!), portfolios, business cards, photo ideas, etc. One photographer even drove up in a special car so he could use it as an outside prop!
We encourage you to plan ahead, and bring whatever you think you might need.
Q. I really want to come, but I don't know if I'm "Professional" enough.
A. You don't have to be a "professional" to come to a Group Shoot. Granted, it's important to have a working knowledge of your camera and equipment, but we have all different types come out. Pros, Semi-pros, amateurs, hobbyists, photography students...These Group Shoots are non-threatening, friendly and fun.
If you have minor technical questions, Lesley or Matthew (or even some of our "regulars") will be happy to talk to you about them.
Q. What is expected of me as a photographer at the Group Shoot?
A. That you know how to use your equipment. That you will be friendly and polite to everyone else who is there. That you will read the FAQ & listen in the morning when Lesley tells you the rules, and that you will follow them. That you will come prepared with ideas, even general ones, or that you will be open to shooting the models' ideas. (Or both) That you will be in contact with all of the models that you worked with soon after the Group Shoot, and that you will deliver images to each model (by mail or email) within 30 days of the shoot.
Q. Can I come to the Group Shoot and act like an ass?
A. No, no you can't. In fact, rudeness or inappropriate behavior towards our models, or MUA or our other guests (Not to mention us!) will result in you being asked to leave, and your money will not be refunded. A safe, fun, non-threatening environment is very, very important to us.
Q. I think I'd like to come, but I'm not sure. Can I just drop by the studio during a Group Shoot and check it out?
A. No. Please, no. The Group Shoots are not "open studio days" or anything of the sort. They are not the time to come "check it out" or meet us, or hang out with the models.
Everyone attending - photographers, models, makeup artists, etc - has been booked in advance of the day.
Yes, the Group Shoots are fun and relaxed and a little chaotic, but if random people started just "stopping by" in the middle, Lesley would be very upset.
Prior arrangements must be made to see the space. Thanks for understanding.
Q. How many models will there be?
A. The number of models changes with the number of photographers booked.
We always book at least two more models that photographers, so even if someone gets sick or has car trouble, there's still a whole room full of models for you to work with!
The shoots are all one-on-one, so there's no fighting for position or the model's attention.
Q. Does each photographer have one model throughout the day or do they switch as the day goes on?
A. Basically, a model and photographer will pair up, pick out wardrobe, shoot, and then each will find another person to work with and begin again. Shooting sessions last roughly 45 min to an hour. Please keep this in mind and limit your shooting time! This is the format that we have found works best and keep the flow of the day going smoothly.
Q. Does that mean that I can shoot with a model for 45 minutes, then ask her to go put on a different outfit and shoot with her again?
A. No, it does not. We want everyone to have a chance to work with as many people as they can/want to in the day. Once you have worked with a model, you must release them back into the general population to at least *see* if there are any other photographers who would like to work with her. IF, and only if, everyone else is occupied at that time, you may shoot again.
You are totally free to work with the same model more than once during the day. Just don't hog them by doing several sessions back-to-back.
Q. I have a model that I think would be great for the Group Shoots. Can I invite her/bring her with me/tell her to call you?
A. Short answer – no. Longer answer – We have a large group of models from all over New England that come to the Group Shoots. Some come all the time, some come only once in a while. Generally we are fine for models.
However, we are always open to meeting new awesome models, and sometimes we do have last-minute cancellations and need replacement models. If you know of a model who you think would be good at a Group Shoot, please email Lesley with a brief note and a link to a website where she can see pictures of this model. (ModelMayhem, non-private myspace or facebook page, OMP, etc.) If Lesley thinks this person would be a good fit and do well, she will let you know. Do not be hurt if she says no. Lesley is very picky, and a lot goes into selecting Group Shoot models.
Q. What will the models be wearing?
A. The models generally bring large suitcases full of a variety of clothing and shoes. It differs from model to model, depending on their taste and wardrobe, and can really be all over the map. Prepy, gothic, girl-next-door, classy/dressy, skimpy/sexy, punk, alternative, etc. The clothing varies as much as our models do!
If you have specific ideas or looks you'd like to try and go for, you can let us know and we can make wardrobe requests to the models before the shoot.
No guarantees, but everyone makes an effort to accommodate.
Q. Will the models do Nudes?
A. Nudes are on a case-by-case. Some models do them, some don't. They are told that they may be asked, and they will let you know if they do or don't. Just be polite and respectful of boundaries and limits. A lot depends on you, and your interaction with the models the day of the shoot.
Do not come planning on shooting nudes all day, as that is not the focus of these events.
Q. What about Model Releases?
A. All of the models and photographers attending the Group Shoots sign a Group Shoot Model Release. It is a standard, non-commercial model release. The photographers retain copyrights to the images, while agreeing in writing to deliver images (in digital and/or print form) to all of the models that they work with within 30 days of the shoot. (Images from the Group Shoots may not be sold as stock images or used on pay sites without separate prior written consent from the models.)
Q. Can I bring my own model/MUA/assistant/lifepartner/child/etc?
A. Generally not, as there is rarely a need for you to do this. Any and all extra people at the Group Shoot *must* be cleared through us *in advance*. "Assistants" may be allowed to help you if you have a lot of equipment or a bad back or somesuch, but generally they're not needed at these events. Assistants are *never* allowed to bring a camera or do any shooting of their own. That would make them photographers. Please do not bring an unexpected child, pet or friend along with you.