Photographing Groups

When it comes to photographing groups there are a few key things to keep in mind to get the best arrangement and shot.

It takes confidence and assertiveness to control a group of people to get the best shot. But if you know what it needs to look like, you'll be able to get much better group portraits.

So let's dive in.

First, what NOT to do:

Don't passively let people go wherever they feel like.

To get good group portraits, you've got to be in control as the photographer.

Position your subjects in good light and arrange them properly.

Have a line of faces

Use too shallow a depth of field (people at the front of the group are sharp, and people in back are blurry) f5.6 and f8 are usually good for groups of 2-3 rows.4-6 rows and you need f11 or f16.

What TO do:

STAGGERED LEVELS of faces: as much as possible try to get a low (seated/kneeling) level, a mid, and an upper level. Visually, our brains prefer to see variety and patterns.

TRIANGLES: one of the biggest tricks is to arrange the faces in triangle shaped arrangements.

Face bodies in DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS: Straight to camera, In to group, and away from group. In the following pictures, look at how some people's bodies are turned in towards the camera, and some bodies are turned away.

Row depth: f5.6 and f8 are usually good for groups of 2-3 rows.4-6 rows and you need f11 or f16. This will make sure everyone is sharp.

A few more tips:

1. Before gathering the group, decide on the best place to photograph them, look for things you can use to make different levels (couches, desks, chairs, stools, benches, etc.). Seat people or partially seat people (the arms of couches/chairs)

2. While the group is getting ready and into place, take a test shot to make sure your lighting works so you don't feel the pressure of adjusting settings while everyone is looking at you and waiting.

3. Say "HOLD THAT!" after you take the picture so they know that you're still working.

4. Don't release the group until you've checked to make sure everyone has their eyes open. I usually take at least 3-4 shots because the larger the group, the more likely someone blinked or was looking the wrong direction, etc.

5. With larger groups (10+), allow them to go where they naturally want to, then re-arrange them to make triangles and staggered levels. People will normally line up into a flat boring straight line unless otherwise directed.

The more you practice with this the better you'll get, the more comfortable you'll feel, and the better your final pictures will look.

Family Gatherings/Holidays, parties, and other special events are a great opportunity to practice your group posing and photography!

Happy shooting!