Tip #4061 - Group Photos
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Group
Photos
Taking photos of a
group of people isn’t as easy as it sounds. Just when you thought
you captured a Kodak moment on your camera, you realize one or more of
your subjects seem to be looking away. Or worse, some are found blinking
or maybe someone is missing from the photograph. Then there is the problem
of different subjects in different moods (smiling, serious, playful, etc).
But, the worse part is when the camera’s viewfinder is not able
fit all the subjects into one shot. Now, these kinds of situations can
happen at weddings, outdoor camps, parties, sporting events, etc. Luckily,
there are solutions though. Read through the following "rules of
the game" and you will be smiling all the way to the laboratory.
Here we go!
Rule 1: Have
a Plan
Managing a group is
difficult, particularly when it’s a large one. So, it’s important
that you don’t keep them waiting while you are setting up the shot.
Here is a checklist of things to do before you even call them for the
shoot:
1.) Find a place where
you want the shot to be taken, complete with props and anything else you
might need.
2.) Think of the group
and what it is most pre-disposed to before framing the shot. For example,
if it’s a collegiate crowd, you could ask them to make funny faces
at the camera when you say, "Now!"
3.) Alert each of
the members in the shot to be ready for the shot. If you can also tell
them what kind of pose you want from each of them, that will go a long
way in making the shot come out beautifully.
4.) If it’s
a shot of people in two rows (one behind the other), make sure you inform
all the shorter people they need to be in front and the tall people in
the back. You could even have the people in the first row squat on the
ground while the people in the second row remain standing.
5.) Last, make sure
your camera is ready to fire. Importantly, make sure your batteries are
charged and you have spares as a backup, especially if you are going to
take a lot of indoor shots.
Rule 2: Location
Just like realtors
scream, "location, location, location" when it comes to property
buying, it works the same with photography. The location plays a major
role in defining your group photo and giving it that edge over the others.
If it’s a group photo of the alumni of a school, the school building
could be the best backdrop and not the school playground. Also, ensure
there are no new elements in the photograph, be it the foreground or background
that could distract the viewer from the subject. It could be a light behind
the subject or a tree branch in the foreground. Either way, choose a position
where your group will fit, where there is enough light for the shot and
avoid setting up a group shot directly in front of a window where the
light from your flash might reflect back and mess up your photo.
Rule 3: Take Many Shots
Part of the fun of
taking group photos is to try and take as many pictures as possible using
the "continuous shooting mode." With that, you can manage to
get the best picture with minimal problems, like no blinking, no different
moods and so on. The best trick is to inform the group that you are taking
many shots. That way, you'll get the best shot. Most times, the initial
shots don’t come out very well, but the ones taken later on are
more realistic, as the subjects tend to relax and become their natural
selves. That’s when your shot gets a traction of its own!
Rule 4: Get
in Close
Another trick while
taking many pictures is to take some tightly framed shots and some at
a wider focal length. This kind of mix up helps later when you are trying
to crop the shot in Photoshop, for example. Also, it’s always best
to try and get as close as you can to the group. The closer you can get,
the more focused your shot will be and the more detail you can catch with
your camera. If it’s a smaller group, you could get them to touch
their heads and shoulders. Another way is to move people out of a one
line formation and stagger them by putting some people in front and some
behind.
Rule 5: Position
the Group
Now, you know that
most people lighten up when they are being photographed and are quite
at home to pose pretty naturally. Of course, all the tall people will
go to the back and the shorter people to the front, but there are other
things you can do to add to the photo’s composition, like:
1.) If the event is
centered around one or two people (like a wedding or a birthday), make
them the central focal point by putting them right in the middle of the
group. You can add variation to your shots by taking some of everyone
looking at the camera and then everyone looking at the person/couple.
2.) For formal group
photos, put taller members in the group not only toward the back of the
group, but also centered with shorter people on the edges of the group.
3.) Try not to make
the group too "deep." (For example, keep the distance between
the front line of people and the back line as small as you can). This
will help to keep everyone in focus. If the group is "deep,"
you should use a more narrow aperture.
4.) Tell everyone
to raise their chins a little as well. They’ll thank you later when
they see the shot them without any double chins!
Rule 6: Timing is Everything
The best time is usually
right at the beginning or the end. Nonetheless, pick the moment for your
shot carefully. Try to choose a time that works with what is happening
at the gathering you’re at. It’s best to do a group shot when
the group is already close together, if possible, and when there is a
lull in proceedings.
Rule 7: Let
There Be Light
Make sure there’s
ample external light, so your flash can make your shot that much better.
Avoid positioning the group close to a wall, because that will lead to
shadows. Similarly, avoid any harsh light behind the subjects or in front
of them. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a collection of squinting
faces in your shot.
Rule 8: Take
Complete Charge
Now, this doesn’t
mean that you should become a dictator and end up with some angry faces
in the picture or worse, confused emotions. Try and be relaxed yourself
and the group will go along with you. Crack a joke and give them a reason
to listen to you. You could say something like, "Mr. and Mrs. X have
asked me to get some group shots." If it’s a birthday, say,
"Let's have all the friends together to celebrate the birthday"
or if it’s at a sporting event, say, "Let's take a group photo
to celebrate our win!" When you give people a reason to pose for
you, you’ll find they are much more willing to take a few minutes
to pose for you. If there are more photographers than just you, it's best
to wait until the others have finished their shots and you can then get
the attention of the full group. Otherwise, you’ll have everyone
looking in different directions.
Rule 9: Height
Matters
When you are taking
photos of large groups, it makes sense to capture all the faces in the
group from two or three feet above them. If it’s a couple at a wedding,
arrange for a ladder to take a shot looking down on the group. In doing
this, you can fit a lot more people in the shot and still remain quite
close to the group (you end up with a shot of a lot more faces in focus
and less bodies). Again, if you can manage to get all the people tightly
knit to each other, the better your photograph will be.
Rule 10: A Tripod is a Must
There are a number
of reasons why using a tripod when taking photographs of groups can be
useful. First, a tripod communicates that you’re serious about what
you’re doing and can help you get their attention. Secondly, it
gives you more freedom to be involved in the creation of the posing of
your subjects. Set your camera up on your tripod so that it's ready to
take the shot in terms of framing, settings and focus. Then it will be
ready in an instant when you get the group looking just right to capture
the perfect moment!
Rule 11: Smile
Away
Smile! It makes everyone
feel better and it will show in the group photos you take. After all,
posing for a group photo is kind of stressful too. By smiling, you are
making the group relax and you're putting a fun spin on it. That usually
does the trick.
Rule 12: Be
Creative
There's nothing like
a unique angle or a different way of composing the photo. And this is
only limited by your imagination. So think, plan and fire away!
I wish you the best
of luck with your group photos!
~ Zahid H. Javali
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