I made contact with the new head coach and set the date and time. I showed up to the school, unloaded my car of all the gear I thought I might need and use. Strobes, stands, umbrellas, softboxes, power cords and camera equipment. I get everything on to the gym and search for the players. I hoped the players would be in full uniforms, but I was told, they can not be in uniform, hold bats or baseballs, as it would break a NJ HS Athletics rule. The coaches are not allowed to have anything to do with the players until March 1st. Wearing the uniform and posing with bats and balls would be considered a 'team event' and be considered a breach of the rule. The AD said they could wear the Freshmen jerseys and no pants.
I had planed on using the gym and the large school logo on the gym wall, so I didn't bring a backdrop. I scope out the gym and it is full of basketball players and coaches, no go. The hallway and stands, alternate choices, was also being used by a strength training program, and the weight room was out of the question.
So the locker room was all that was left. I tell the coach, that I be setting up in the locker room, and I'll need about 20 min. His comment, was great, I'll let them know, some of them have to leave in 45 min. At that point, all the players start to pile into the locker room, along with all the other students changing for an after school work out.
With the clock ticking, I throw together a set-up for the standard mug shots, two lights; main and fill. I have the players come through one at at time, take their head shots. Then we look for a spot to do a group shot. Before the group shot, I try an alternate head shot; a main light and a grid spot kicker from behind. Here are a couple of the shots I got. I only wish I had more time, more room and the kids in full uniforms. Outside would have been challenging, but would have also made for some great photo opportunities.
