Picture this: 70 chefs, all in their best whites, lined up at Flemington Racecourse just before the Melbourne Cup. A picture-perfect moment—except, of course, when you have less than ideal time to make it all happen. Enter me and my camera, tasked with capturing this large-scale team in one seamless shot. The challenge? Get everyone in place, looking sharp, and, crucially, do it fast.

The Challenge: A Tight Deadline, A Big Group

When Hotelstaff approached me to photograph their team of 70 chefs at Flemington Racecourse, I knew this was going to be one of those fast-paced, high-energy shoots. Group portraits are always a little tricky—especially when you’re working with such a large crowd—but throw in the countdown to the Melbourne Cup and a tight schedule, and things get interesting.

The Approach: Precision, Planning, and a Bit of Fun

Before the shoot, I worked closely with Hotelstaff to make sure every detail was covered. From planning the best location to capturing that iconic Flemington backdrop, we ironed out all the logistics before the chefs even donned their aprons. We knew time would be our biggest challenge, so efficiency was key.

Then came the chefs themselves. Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to organise a near hundredfold culinary professionals, but let’s just say they’re used to running a kitchen, not lining up for a photo. With a bit of clever direction and a calm, confident approach, we got everyone in place. A few smiles, a bit of banter, and suddenly the chefs—who started as 70 individuals—became a team ready for their close-up.

Fast Thinking, Smooth Execution

Despite the ticking clock and the unpredictable Melbourne weather, we made it happen. It was all about quick adjustments—finding the right angles, getting the lighting just right, and keeping the energy up so the final shots really captured the spirit of the team. There was a moment where I thought, “This could turn into chaos,” but with the right preparation and a few quick cues, it all came together.

And the result? A vibrant group portrait, filled with energy and pride, right in front of that iconic Flemington backdrop. Hotelstaff got exactly what they were hoping for — team imagery that showcased not just their numbers, but the unity behind them.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re coordinating a large-scale event or managing a group project, you need a photographer who can work efficiently without compromising on quality. Whether it’s 70 chefs at a world-famous venue or your own team for a key campaign, I know how to manage the pressure, move fast, and still capture the essence of the moment.

Addressing Your Concerns

I understand the pressure of big events. You might be worried about the logistics, or whether you can get high-quality shots without disrupting the flow. With years of experience shooting everything from large group portraits to tight schedules, my goal is to make the process smooth and enjoyable—while delivering images that meet your highest expectations.

Conclusion

The Hotelstaff shoot at Flemington was a true team effort, and despite the time crunch, it went off without a hitch. The resulting portrait captures both the scale and energy of the event. If you’re looking for someone who can handle the pressures of a high-stakes shoot and still deliver top-quality results, I’d love to chat about your next project!