How to Take Group Photos?

[taisuibao]

Hello,

I need to go to an event, company event, indoors at a winery. I was wondering, how to take a great group photos? For example, what would be the f/stop setting? F2.8? And where would I focus? Which AF points do I use?

In the past, when I take group photos, I usually focus on one person but then the rest of the group is blurred. I usually use f2.8 because I want the background to be a bit blurred. Maybe I am focusing wrong.

Please advise.

Thank you!

[jinky]

Yes you need to change your aperture. What you need will vary according to the lens used but on my 28-75 or 50mm I usually shoot between 5.6 - 11 depending upon the size of the group. At 2.8 your dof is often too shallow for a larger group but if you are using a wide angle and making sure no distortion etc you might get away with f4 if that is possible. Thus you need to think about what is in the background and distance of the group from it depending whether indoors / out and how moveable they are. Even in a small grouping you can lose focus at the back at 2.8. Think about the sweet spot of your lens too for ultimate sharpness.

[digitalvirgin]

One thing you really need to do is to get everyone happy and looking at the camera. Try and work quickly because peeps get fed up hanging around. Ask the organiser what results they want well in advance and see whatimage they require, ie happy fun type or is it serious formal. What ever, you need to make sure you have everyones attention. Oh and yes, shoot at f11 ish and up your iso if need be.

[ianpinion]

Just be careful of your depth of field. Use the depth of field preview button if your camera has one and adjust the aperture accordingly to ensure everybody you want in focus is in sharp focus. Also ensure that you get the eyes in sharp focus as this will add to the general impact of your image.

[basujanha2610]

Originally Posted by jinky

Yes you need to change your aperture. What you need will vary according to the lens used but on my 28-75 or 50mm I usually shoot between 5.6 - 11 depending upon the size of the group. At 2.8 your dof is often too shallow for a larger group but if you are using a wide angle and making sure no distortion etc you might get away with f4 if that is possible. Thus you need to think about what is in the background and distance of the group from it depending whether indoors / out and how moveable they are. Even in a small grouping you can lose focus at the back at 2.8. Think about the sweet spot of your lens too for ultimate sharpness.

hello!

nice tips buddy!

i'll try it!

thnx 4 sharing!
_________________
supercharger

[heronfisher]

Camera Positioning
Understand that where the photographer stands to take a group photo dictates how close the subjects will be and how creative the photo will look.
Change the angle of the photo to add interest. Instead of taking a photo straight on from a standing position, get low and take one looking up at the group, this gives a feeling of the group towering over you. Standing on a chair or ladder or looking down on a group from a balcony gives a different feeling to the photo.
Fill the frame with people, not background. As you look at the group through the viewfinder, it should be filled with people side to side. Take a step closer if it is not.
Use good judgement. If the two farthest people are at the very edge of the viewfinder and there is a lot of background on the top and bottom, ask the group to squish closer. Take a step closer to the group to fill the frame.
An alternative is to rearrange the group so that it isn't as wide.
Know that the closer the photographer can get to the group to fill the frame, the better the photo will come out.
Group Composition
Remember the idea is to create compact layers where every person's face can be seen. The outline of the group should create a square, diamond or circle, not a long rectangle with everyone standing in a line next to each other.
If the group is less than six people, divide them in half; if seven to 12 people, organize them into groups of three or four. For larger groups of more than 12 people, divide them into four or five groups, trying to have the least amount of people in each group as possible.
Arrange the groups in rows. The first row could be a group sitting. A second row can be standing behind those that are seated. A third row can be kneeling in front of those seated, and if needed, a fourth row can be sitting on the ground.
Once you have people placed, tell them all to take two steps towards the middle.
Now tell them to take another step closer together.
Ask them one more time to really squish together.
Expressions
Understand standard group photo scenarios. There is something about "rabbit ears" when groups of people get together for a photo. Then of course, at least one person closes his eyes when the photo is taken, or someone looks away from the camera. Try these steps to get a great group shot with everyone cooperating.
Always take more than one photo of the group; the more people in the photo, the more photos that should be taken. A general recommendation is a minimum of three and maximum of six or as many as you can before the group says no more.
Take a serious pose and a funny or funky pose. This lets the jokesters in the group get that photo with the "rabbit ears."
Give a warning and a countdown. Sometimes snapping the photo early gets the best reactions. For a serious photo, I've been known to say, "Put your hands on your laps. Sit up straight. Look at me. On three...one, two," Snap the photo, "Three."
Lighting
Know that lighting is sometimes the hardest thing to control. Indoor lighting is sometimes not bright enough and bright sunshine creates sharp shadows. Think about the following before taking the photo.
If indoors, turn on as many lights as possible that will be in front of the group. Turn off lights that are behind the group.
When setting up the photo, try not to place people in front of a window. This light affects the camera's light meter, washing out the background and making the faces dark.
Use a flash to fill in extra light. Remember that a flash works best within 10 feet of the subjects.
If outdoors, place your subjects so they are facing the sun (sun is behind the camera).
Try to place everyone in the same kind of light. If some are in shade and others in direct sun, some faces will be dark and others will be light.
Try taking large group photos on cloudy days or in shady areas so that there is even light and the subjects aren't squinting because of the sun.

Tips & Warnings


Sitting takes more width than standing, therefore the group that sits should have a fewer number of people.

Have the tallest people sit in the front or middle row.

Take large groups of people on a staircase. The rise in each step helps each face to be seen.

Make sure the camera and flash are ready before organizing the photo. Groups of people do not like to stand close together waiting for the camera flash to be turned on.

Be careful standing on surfaces such as chairs and ladders. Safety should come first before the interesting photograph.