Featured Article

Outdoor events - The beginners guide to event photography

Group shots, getting it right first time

The group shot is one of the most important photographs of any event. This is the chance to bring everyone together to make an image that will be displayed in the pride of place in many homes for years to come. Unfortunately this is one of the hardest shots to get right and it simply comes down to trying to due deal with many people. Follow this simple advice and you could be pleasantly surprised.

1. Choose your background carefully. The background needs to be reasonably plain, as to not draw attention away from the group and you will find a plain background easier to expose. Don’t make the mistake of placing the group right against a wall as this will make the shot look like a police line up and shadows will become a problem for you. 

2. Props can be a great way of arranging a group and chairs are especially useful if you are photographing old people. Try to use chairs that have no arms as you can place them close together so they cannot be seen in the photograph and make sure that people’s hands and feet are all reflecting each other. If it is a formal shot than this looks more professional.

3. Try to be as nice as possible when it comes to moving people. You need to be reasonably quick as people (especially children) do not like to stay still for long. Make eye contact with the person and don’t be afraid to move them with physical gestures such as your hands on their shoulders. Place short people the front and tall people at the back and ask everyone if they can see you and if they can’t see you then you can’t see them.

4. Although the majority of people love having their photograph taken there are always a few who don’t like to participate. If they are really needed for the shot try to nicely remind them why they are there. For example “so and so has asked me to get a shot of everyone for their special day” and place them to the side of the group so they wont feel so exposed.

5. Perspective is going to play a key role in your group shot. Shooting from eye level or above will give you the best angles but from below will give people double chins. A good way of gaining some height is to get a foot ladder or if you have no ladder then try and improvise by using surroundings. Be creative when thinking about perspective and consider your subject matter. For example if you are photographing older people than go for a more traditional approach however with young people or children try to be more active. You can get people to jump or stand in a circle and shot from above. This makes taking the shot more fun, for you and for them.

6. Regardless of whether you are going to use a tripod or not it is a good idea to set one up as this shows people you are in charge and you will look professional.

7. Whether you are using a cheap end compact or a DSLR most cameras will have a continuous shot mode. Multiple shots can be a great way of avoiding closed eyes and will give you the best pick of a bunch. It will also make editing easier and swapping some open eyes or a head from another image will be relatively simple to do. Remember to check the resolution you are shooting as with most continuous shot mode the resolution can be reduced substantially and you don’t want to be recording too low. 

8. Where possible use a long lens. When photographing large groups you will find a wide angle lens will make people on the sides fatter and nobody likes to look bigger than they are.  

9. And finally have fun and smile as people will mirror this in the photograph. There is nothing worse than a stressed out photographer so even if you feel it, hide it! There is a limited amount you can fix post shooting so remember try to be as organised as possible.

Return to features archive »