No wedding, reunion or other event that involves gathering of friends and relatives is complete without a group photo. Here are some thoughts on how to photograph and be photographed in such situation.
Tip #1: Avoid interference from other photographers.
If there is more than one photographer taking pictures of the group, it is helpful to communicate to everyone, who the main shooter is at any given time, so that everyone is looking in the right direction. Here is an example from a very fun and relaxed wedding photo shoot a couple of weeks ago. Armando and I were taking pictures at the same time, but we explicitly asked everyone in the group to look only at Armando, so that he would take a more traditional shot, while I would try to capture candid moments as they were setting up.
Tip #2: Make sure you can see the camera.
If you are standing/sitting/laying behind other people and cannot see the camera, you won’t show up in the picture. A careful photographer would notice this and ask you to re-position yourself.
Tip #3: Mind the dynamic range.
If the photo is taken outdoors, the first thing to do, as far as exposure is concerned, is to “get to neutral”, according to the excellent advice of Jim Harmer of Improve Photography. This means avoiding sharp shadows and highlights on the faces. Bring the entire group into the shade or, if that is not possible, have them face away from the sun. (yes, do shoot against the sun! … just try to avoid the lens flare – make sure that the front element of the lens is in the shade).
Tip #4: Mind the depth of field.
The depth of field in the group shot should be larger than that in an individual portrait (so that everyone is in focus, of course). It is also helpful if the group is not spread too much front-to-back.
Tip #5: Take several shots using continuous drive.
In case someone blinks, you would be able to photoshop them in from another frame.
