Digital Camera Master

Many of the rules for engaging portraits apply to group shots, too, so keep in mind everything that you’ve learned so far.

The first challenge is to arrange the group into a decent composition. If you’ve ever participated in a wedding, you know this drill. Avoid, if possible, having all of the heads in a straight line. This creates a static composition. Notice that in the figure one of the subjects is positioned on the ground, avoiding the straight-line composition. Also resist the urge to center all of the subjects in the middle of the frame. You can create a little compositional dynamism by working the Rule of thirds

Family group shots should not look like police lineups. Look for a pretty setting, and think creatively as you position your subjects. This portrait was shot in open shade, using a fill flash for supplemental lighting.

Remind everyone in the shot that they need to have a clear view of the camera. If they can’t see the camera, then the camera won’t be able to see them. Next, position people as close together as possible. Group-shot participants tend to stand too far apart. That might look OK in real life, but the camera accentuates the distance between people and the result looks awkward. Plus, you can’t afford to have the shot span the width of a football field, or you’ll never see people’s faces unless you enlarge the image to poster size.

Remember to take lots of shots—for large groups, a minimum of five frames for each composition. This gives you a chance to overcome blinking eyes, sudden head turns, bad smiles, and unexpected gusts of wind ruining your pictures.

Before pressing the shutter button, quickly scan the group and look for little annoyances that will drive you crazy later: crooked ties, sloppy hair, and turned-up collars will make you insane during postproduction.

PRO TIP
Carry a stepladder for big group shots. When shooting groups of 10 or more, it’s best to position your subjects on steps so you can stagger their heights and compose a more compact shot. But if steps aren’t available, you can climb a few rungs on a portable ladder—elevating the camera gives you a better chance of capturing a clean shot of everyone’s faces.

Finally, work quickly. You’re not John Ford making the great American epic, so don’t act like you are. Keep things moving for the sake of your subjects. (And for your own tired feet!)