How to take great group photos
Posted on August 8, 2008
Filed Under Photography lessons
Group photos are the most common of photos, and the one most commonly ends up the wrong way. With many people, no shot is ever the same. So it’s great fun and a challenge to get the perfect wedding or party photo.
The secret to great group photos is actually quite simple. Breeze through common sense rules to learn everything you need to know.
What generally goes wrong with group photos are people looking away or blinking and having the wrong expressions or just getting cut out from the frame.
An expensive camera can’t help you. It’s the people, the time and the place that you need to control. Follow these tips to ensure great group photos.
Be ready for the shot
Have a picture in mind of how you want your shot to be; so you can quickly place people when they are ready for you.
Check out the area a few minutes in advance and find some interesting places that are free to occupy
Inform people about the shoot a bit early so they can be fresh, and spare time for you
Have a checklist of things to run through to be ready – starting with batteries and equipment.
Find the spot that relates to the people
People are happier when taking a snap with something they are proud of – your parents beautiful garden is the best place to click their photo with your kids.
Put people in their natural surroundings – like a snap of kindergarten kids in their playground.
Keep an eye out to make sure there aren’t too many distractions and shiny surfaces like glass or metal that can bounce light and mess up your photograph.
Use the camera in continuous mode
Taking multiple shots increases the chance for a great snap.
1. People are unorganized for the first shot after which they settle down for the next few shots
2. While taking multiple photos, adjust zoom to get a variety of perspectives.
3. Take some photos early as people push around to get ready. Some of the most treasured group photos are ones where no one is ready 
Move closer for better details
Get close enough to capture the details, particularly from the shoulder up.
Break up the group into rows and ask them to lean forwards, so you can get in closer.
Position and place people
Move taller people to the back and center and shorter people at the edges. At events to honor people, place them at the center of the photo. Get everyone to focus on them to give emphasis.
Find the right time
Take photos when groups are already together, when they are (and look) naturally comfortable.
Capture people’s emotions when they meet at events like reunions when it’s after a while.
Take some snaps towards the beginning of events when everyone is there and is fresh.
During the later stages, people loosen up for some fun photos too.
Guide the group
Keep talking or the group might break up into conversations even if you’re not done.
Look happy and compliment them on how great they look.
Encourage people by telling them how you would love to get a great snap of the occasion.
Control lighting
Ensure proper lighting to capture details. If there is less light, or from the wrong direction, using a flash is effective when the group is small and if you can come in close for the flash to take effect.
Position yourself to avoid having to make people face the sun, or they will be forced to squint.
Get some elevation for larger group photos
Getting to higher ground is a good way to capture big groups clearly, because it gives you a view and still keeps you close. Focus on the faces to get some unique shots with a wide focal length
Use the right equipment
A tripod also frees you up to point out directions and you can have all your settings ready and
focused to take the snap when the group is how you would like it to be.
Multiple group shots – get an assistant
Volunteers from the family or friends, who know everyone, can help in controlling the group. They can also manage a list to ensure that no one is left out.
Be Nice
Be nice and smile a lot. Happy groups provide better subjects - don’t yell or get angry, even if people are a bit distracted. With a bit of patience, you can get everyone to help you take a great snap.
Also read
Fun ideas to take great photos of children
50 must-try children photo ideas
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