Band Banquet...I need Glasses!

I had the opportunity recently to do portraits at a banquet for the McKinney High School band. The theme of the banquet was Casino Royale...makes for some interesting possibilities when choosing a background. Unfortunately I had only three days to prepare, so I was unable to procure any props or special backgrounds.

I brought along my black muslin background because that was the most formal looking background I have. I was given some plastic party hangers that had dollar signs and playing cards and I hung these on the background. The problem was they were too reflective, and in every practice picture I took they looked like giant glowing white balls. We also tried using some giant dice as a prop. But the problem was they had GLITTER on them which is not good for the camera. It sticks to your hands and there's always a possibility that some could get on your lens or worse yet on the sensor. So we ended up going with....NOTHING. Just the plain black background. The results, although very plain, are not too bad.

When I do these types of portraits I always tell everyone to remain where they are while I double check the image to make sure the composition is acceptable and no one has their eyes closed. Well, I guess I need to start wearing my reading glasses because one person DID in fact shut their eyes (NOT the picture above). I didn't notice it until I was home editing the pictures. Not a good thing to find after the event is over. I printed the picture anyway and attached a note apologizing for my mistake, refunded their money and offered to do a reshoot. Reading glasses are now on my shopping list before I take anymore pictures.

In all the event photography I've done, this is the first time I let something as simple as someone with their eyes closed slip by. I'd post the pic but if the girl with her eyes closed sees it she probably wouldn't be too happy.