Lighting is an important factor and if it isn’t used correctly, it can destroy an otherwise great group photo. If your group photos will be shot outside, try to avoid direct sunlight as it will result in squinting faces and harsh shadows.
For indoor photos, try using as much natural light as you can. Pulling the shades back from windows and having your group stand near the light source is a good idea, but be sure not to position them directly in front of the light, or your photo will result in a bunch of silhouettes. If your group photos are going to be taken when it’s night time, turn on extra lamps to provide more light. If possible, experiment with your camera’s flash system before hand in similar conditions so you can decide what you like the most.
Try not to have people in the front be too far away from the people in the back. Aim to have everyone near to the same distance away from the camera; otherwise some people in the photo will be out of focus. If you absolutely can’t avoid having a distance between everyone, try using a smaller aperture.
If you’re shooting in lowlight conditions, consider increasing your camera’s ISO settings. Keep in mind that when the ISO is increased, your photos may result in more noise (grainier photos). Also, because higher ISO means quicker shutter speeds, it’s imperative that you avoid any camera shake or you’ll be looking at blurry, out of focus group photos.
There are several techniques you can follow when composing a photograph. However, when composing a group photo, here are three that you should definitely consider:
- Fill Your Frame: If you’re taking a photo of a large group, chances are that your frame will already be filled. If your group consists of fewer people, get as close to them as you can. You’re likely to capture the moment more effectively this way. Getting close will show peoples expressions better and give the overall picture a more intimate feeling.
- Avoid Unnecessary Clutter and Distractions: When composing your group photo, try to avoid background clutter, this will draw the viewers’ eyes away from your subject. Additionally, make sure that anything that is in the background isn’t going to appear as though it’s protruding from somebody’s head.
- Try Different Angles: Try thinking outside the box. Let’s face it, a lot of group photos are dull, boring and so unoriginal. Try standing on a table or ladder to take your shot from above, or get on the floor and have everyone circle around you as you look up at them. It isn’t just the angle of your camera that should be thought of; also consider positioning people at different angles. For example, if you are positioning the dinner hosts in the middle of the frame, have all the other guests turn slightly to face them, or if the group photo consists of Grandma and Grandpa with all the grandchildren, have them sit on the couch with all the kiddos surrounding them. Oh, and don’t forget to ask everyone to raise their head’s slightly to avoid the horrid double-chin!