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The most important thing to do with any photoshoot is to learn as much about what you will be a part of, and to plan accordingly, to the best of your ability. Prior to each homecoming I know which Carrier Air Wing is returning home, which lets me know how many squadrons will be participating, and of course, I pay attention to the weather forecasts. Knowing which squadrons will be returning home helps me to know if there is anyone particular I want to make sure I get some photos for, but it also helps me plan what equipment I will use.
During a typical homecoming there are three or four squadrons that will be returning home. I like to try to get a variety of looks for my images, so I use both a 24-70, and a 70-200. I prefer the look of the 70-200, so if there are four homecomings I may use that lens for 3, and the wide angle for 1, or sometimes it’s two and two. The 70-200 gives me the ability to get in nice and tight and capture the emotion of a moment, but lets me stay far enough away that I am not intruding in that family’s personal space. The 70-200 does present some challenges during this type of situation however.