Group photos, in my opinion, are the most boring type of photography there is. Or at least that’s what I’ve always thought.
Lately, as I’ve been doing more corporate team photos, I’ve revised my opinion somewhat. I enjoy arranging the clients, paying attention to their attire, height and to the background. A well-balanced, symmetrical group photo can be quite satisfying visually.
And then there are the personal group photos. You know, the ones you take on vacation. Or at someone’s party, or graduation. Where you grab a few folks, have them face the camera, uncomfortable, while you fire off a few snaps with your cell phone. Everyone looks…well, unprepared. The scene often looks cluttered and sloppy.
Here are a few tips, then, for taking better personal photos of groups.
1. Ditch the backpacks, purses, handbags and totes. They junk up the photo faster than anything. Have your subjects put these personal items to the side, within your view if you’re in a public place and concerned about someone swiping them.
2. Turn everyone slightly sideways. Facing the camera head on is usually guaranteed to be unflattering. Women should extend one foot slightly toward the camera. Bonus points if you can get people to bend their knee slightly, to give them a more dynamic pose.
3. Watch the background. If you’re traveling and want to incorporate the background into the photo, great. Otherwise, try to find a wall, door or other area with as little distraction as possible. The exception is when there’s a colorful mural or street art. I’m a sucker for using them as backgrounds.
4. Don’t shoot in bright sunlight if you can avoid it. Shade is better. People aren’t squinting and sweating.
5. Give them something to do with their hands. Hands in pockets, hands folded, arms around each other if it’s a family or intimate group. Have them wave at you! Bring some energy to the photo.
This image was taken this weekend at a photography workshop I was leading in Fells Point. The gray door is a popular backdrop for wedding, engagement and senior photos. It was later in the afternoon so I knew the door would be in shade. I had everyone offload their gear but bring their cameras. I directed them to take the cameras from around their necks and hold them, to give them something to do with their hands. Then I moved them together so the spacing was even.
Christina, in the center, was our model. Because she had sort of a different role, and because she was wearing white, I kept her in the center, facing forward.
Usually these photos, taken at the end of a two-hour workshop, are kind of thrown together. Folks are tumbled and shiny, having walked a mile or two taking photos. Less than three minutes of prep and posing resulted in a much more composed and flattering image.