1. Key information you need before heading into the field
Group photography
Key information you need before heading into the field
Adapted from materials by Darren Rowse

2. Group photos common mistakes
One or more subjects are looking away/not where they should be
Subjects are blinking/eyes closed
Someone is missing from the photo
Facial expressions and body language communicate different moods within the group
The group is too far away
The group doesn’t fit in the frame

3. Ways to improve group photos prepare
Scout the location ahead of time
Think ahead about how you will arrange and position people
Be clear with people about who should be in or out of the shot
Make sure your gear is ready: batteries charged, lenses cleaned and ready, tripod set up, etc.
Pack any props that you may need

4. Ways to improve group photos location
Your back drop for group shots is essential to the success of the shot
Think carefully about busy backgrounds or others that are too stark
Consider context – are you at the zoo? The leg? Disney? This detail can help.
Select a group location where your group can fit
Consider the size of your group
Consider the lighting circumstance of this spot.
Avoid lining groups in front of windows or mirrors because of reflection of flash casting back onto the sensor

5. Ways to improve group photos Multiple shots
Take multiple shots
As a way to overcome the dilemma of someone looking away/eyes closed, you should take many shots of the same pose
Consider using continuous release mode so to overcome blinks or partially closed eyes
For family or friends fun, take some shots while the group is organizing itself. These can often be funny to see who’s “bossy” or exasperated.
Experiment with perspectives: try some wide angle (lower focal length number i.e.: 18mm) and some tighter frame shots (higher focal length number i.e.: 55mm)

6. Ways to improve group photos get close
Try to get as close as you can to the group without cutting off body parts
The closer you get, the better facial expressions you’ll capture
For smaller groups, get right in there. Capture some shots with heads and shoulders, and others full body.
Line ups shots are boring; arrange your subjects in rows by height so as to clump the group

7. Ways to improve group photos pose the group
The common trend is taller people in the back, smaller in front
Other techniques include:
making the central subjects (bride/groom/grad) the central focal point by placing them in the middle of the group. Variations on this theme include placing primary subject in middle and encircling them with other subjects, or having other subjects face the primary subject
Arrange the tallest people in the centre of the back, and have less tall people flow out to the edges for a unified look
Keep your groups “shallow” meaning try to have a small distance as possible between the front and back lines
Tell everyone to raise their chins slightly – this helps eliminate double chins and shadows around the eyes
SEE IT IN ACTION - Google Annie Leibowitz groups to see how she uses clusters, triangles, and height levels in her group poses.

8. Ways to improve group photos timing
Time your shoot well
The best time for group shots is when the groups would already be together and close (i.e.: hugs after crossing the stage at grad)
People often look their best before the event begins (no time to get sweaty, have make up run, lose interest, fiddle with hair, spill on clothes, drink too much…)

9. Ways to improve group photos lighting
Think about your light
If you have a small group, consider using a flash
Flash is especially important if your group is light from behind
On sunny days, avoid staging your group in front of the sun. Just like window light, we want the light source ON the subjects.
Conversely, n sunny days when the sun is low, try to not position the group so that they are blinded by the low sun in their eyes – you’ll jest get squint faces.

10. Ways to improve group photos take control
Communication is key. You need to be clear about where you want people and how you want them to be.
Give the group feedback about how the shoot is going, how much longer it will be, and what is coming next.
Remind groups that if each person can see the camera, it can see them. If they can’t see it, it can’t see them.
All of this needs to happen with a light amiable tone. Bossy photographers only get jobs in movies about fashion 

11. Ways to improve group photos tripod
Use a tripod
Tripods communicate that you’re serious about photography
Groups are lazy and silly – you’ll be holding that camera for a long time!
A tripod also allows you freedom to move to pose subjects without picking up and putting down your camera
Finally, smile at your group to help put them at ease and he happy about the event

12. Ways to improve group photos large groups
Get higher than them to fit more in
Use a ladder or elevate yourself somehow
Layer your group in lines and tiers
Annie Leibowitz triangle clumps her groups – she arranges one standing, one leaning middle ground, and one sitting lower as if forming a triangle. Then, she clumps these triads around the frame.

13. Ways to improve group photos smile