I have to ask.... I have a shoot coming up that may require something along the lines of a high school prom assembly line kinda shoot. It's a black tie affair, and I honestly don't know if I will have 5, 50 or 500 couples having thier picture taken. The initial print if free (a simple color laser print) but along with the photo, I'm going to give them an order sheet. (Just in case they would like to actually purchase a "real" photo.) Has anyone done these before??? Unlike an individual shoot, I'm going to have to keep everyone logged and filed. The only realistic thing I've come up with is taking the first pic with them holding a paper with thier name written on it, so I can find them in an order situaltion. I thought of writing down the shot number, but what if I have to dump to the PC before the end of the night, there could be 2 or 3 "#54's". (I'm taking digital) Is the "Holding a paper with thier name" too tacky?? It's the safest thing I can think of, and thought who better to ask advice than you folks here. (YOU are the best!!!!) Thanks, Rich

I am prob. the last person to offer advice in such matters as I am far from being the most organized individual...but I just thought of something:
How about...File the order sheet forms in accordance with the pictures as you take them. Don't drop them. As you start the photography process, jot down form #s, and # of shots per form in a little little pocket-sized spiral bound notebook/utilize this paper log to progressivly and systematically record the progress of who you shoot, form #, ect., + other relevant details of importance, ect., ie..make note in case a reshoot is necessary for a form you shot 25 shots ago. Obviously all form entries should be recorded progressivly...just like the memory card. Maybe decide what is crucial to track, and create a simple chart...before the actual job; write down headers for appropriate columns and rows to make it easier to stay organized and most efficient. Then just use the paper log to match up the photos. They will be in the same order.

Message edited on: 09/30/2005 08:38

You should have your camera set up to name files progressively, so that the same file name will not be used more than once. You should be able to do this within your camera's menu... look in your manual. DC_3800, DC_3801, etc...... when you put in a fresh flashcard in the next # should be DC_3802..... And then as Jeff suggests coincide the camera image files with the names of the clients as they were taken, along with all the other pertinent information you will need to make contact with them at a later date. You may want to enlist the help of an assistant to help with the paper process, while you concentrate on taking images. Having the client hold a piece of paper with their name on it is NOT GOOD... imo it's unprofessional looking....

create a sign-up sheet with spaces for name, address, phone #. I doubt people will "buy" a shot without seeing it first. do what michelle said abt naming files progressively. never take just one shot - someone WILL have their eyes closed! put the sign-up sheets on a clip board. Have the first couple/individual put their name on the first line. check it for accuracy and spelling (can you read it?), have that couple go to the background and wait. Hand the clip board to the next couple in line and have them add their info on the next line. IMPORTANT-- Do not have the clip board passed down the line! Now go photograph the first couple. If you want, jot down the number of shots you took for that couple next to their name on the clip board. The shots will be in order of the names on the sign-up sheet. Have Fun!!

Great advice, thank you all. OK, definatly no "holding a name" thing. I really hated that idea anyway. Have the new form for tracking done, and it should work just fine. Now for a couple order forms, a business card, and some table tents. Should be a fun week. LOL Thank you again everyone, Rich