| ing pictures of large groups can be very challenging. | | | | Ultimately, at the end of the shoot, the final image is |
| With group photography, you have the normal | | | | your responsibility. This means that it is entirely up to |
| photographic challenges as well as a mix of people | | | | you whether or not the photo turns out great or |
| with different personalities, patience levels and | | | | terrible. Since the success of the shoot is riding on |
| thoughts on how the group photo can be taken so it | | | | your shoulders, you shouldn't hesitate in moving the |
| can often lead to a challenging experience. On the | | | | group around and having them pose the way you |
| positive side, when everything goes smoothly, group | | | | want. However, watch out for angry groups as the |
| photography can actually be a whole lot of fun. | | | | crowd's temperment can quickly change so stay |
| Here are some tips to help you avoid having your | | | | upbeat and focused. If you help the group |
| next group photo shoot end in disaster: | | | | understand the importance of the photo shoot this |
| Plan Ahead | | | | will go a long ways in getting everyone relaxed and |
| If you're planning on taking a group photo, always | | | | working towards the same goal. If the group thinks |
| make sure you've considered every element before | | | | the photographers knows what they're doing and is |
| your subjects arrive. Always have two locations in | | | | friendly, the group normally won't mind taking a few |
| mind- one primary location and a back up in case | | | | orders. |
| something goes wrong. One outdoor location and one | | | | Don't Forget the Fun Shot |
| indoor location will work well for this purpose. Make | | | | While this is by no means a requirement for |
| sure that your subjects know what time you need | | | | professional photographers, every group loves taking |
| them there and always have them come a 5-10 | | | | a “fun” picture where they’re |
| minutes early to keep things on schedule. Make sure | | | | allowed to make silly faces or put bunny ears over |
| your gear is charged, loaded, and ready to go before | | | | their friends and family. If you've gotten enough |
| they show up – the key here is to be as | | | | good group photos, don't forget to mix in some |
| ready as possible. If you have any clothing requests, | | | | creativity with your photos like having a shot where |
| make them early and remind everyone at least once. | | | | you let the group decide how they want to pose. |
| Better Safe than Sorry | | | | Sometimes these photographs can turn out better |
| Shoot as many photographs as your allotted time will | | | | than the ones where everyone is carefully posed. |
| allow. By taking a lot of photographs this will protect | | | | Taking group photos is definitely not for the weak |
| you from having to schedule a re-shoot and will also | | | | hearted. It requires great organization, an ability to |
| give your group plenty of options for choosing the | | | | work with people who likely have something better |
| best picture. Use a tripod to help make it easier to | | | | to do, and an innate or learned talent for getting the |
| shoot multiples times without any movement and, if | | | | right shot as quickly as possible. If you come |
| available, use a light reflector or studio light to soften | | | | prepared, remain positive and let the group have a |
| any shadows on your subjects. Flattering pictures will | | | | little bit of freedom, you'll find that taking large group |
| pass muster more quickly than shots where subjects | | | | photos isn't as difficult as you may have first |
| don’t feel they look great, so try to get this | | | | thought. All it takes is the right frame of mind and a |
| done in-camera as opposed to in the darkroom. | | | | bit of determination. |
| Don’t Trust the Group | | | | |