The holiday season is quickly approaching. It’s a time for family and friends to get together; perhaps it’s also the only time of year when photos can be taken of everyone together. This short article series will provide you with ten tips on how to take the best group photos.
Staff parties, family dinners, an evening of drinks with friends...it all happens this time of year. And with these occasions comes great photo opportunities...that is, if you know what you’re doing. Taking group photos during the holiday is common, especially if it’s the only time of year when everyone comes together. Taking great group photos during the holiday is rare, there is always at least one person (and how come it seems to be the same person year after year?) who has their eyes closed, tongue sticking out or is looking away. Besides people not cooperating, there are many other obstacles that can get in the way of taking a great group photo such as low-light conditions or cluttered backgrounds. Here are ten tips and techniques to help you take the best group photos.
1 – Plan Ahead
If you’re familiar with the area where everyone will be together, it’s a good idea to think ahead to come up with the best locations to take the photos and how you want everyone to position themselves (more on this in a moment).
It’s also a good idea to plan your group photos for the beginning of the event when everyone is looking their best, isn’t hungry or too tipsy. Alternatively, if you prefer the glassy look in people eyes and goofy grins resulting from a few hours of social drinking, plan to take your group photos after the event’s meal, when people aren’t anxious to get the photo shoot over because their bellies are rumbling and the kids are cranky from lack of food.
Planning ahead also means you should be sure your digital camera’s batteries are fully charged. Nothing is worse than getting everyone prepared for a group photo session and then finding that your camera won’t turn on or dies part way through.
2 – Think of Positions and Poses That Make Sense
Don’t line your group up in a long row, squaring them shoulder to shoulder. For starters, it’s an unnatural way to stand and will make people feel silly. Second, the results will be that your group photo looks like a criminal line-up.
Try to cluster everyone together nicely. Tall people should stand behind those who are more vertically challenged. Likewise, those who carry a little extra insulation will probably appreciate being placed behind other people (plan these arrangements in your own head, failure to do so may result in a broken camera or busted nose).
If you’d like to emphasise certain people, perhaps the hosts of the party or guest of honour, place them in the middle of the group. This will make them the focal point of the photo.
10 Tips and Techniques on How to Take the Best Group Photos This Holiday Season
The holiday season is quickly approaching. It’s a time for family and friends to get together; perhaps it’s also the only time of year when photos can be taken of everyone together. This short article series will provide you with ten photography tips on how to take the best group photos.