Photographing large families is hard. I remember when I was starting out, I used to dread photographing large groups of people. The commitment came with a lot of planning and decisions that used to overwhelm me.
After twenty years of practice, specializing in family photography, and some mistakes along the way, I’ve learned some tips for photographing large groups that I’m sharing with you. Here are 4 tips for nailing your next large group photograph.
Designate One Decision Maker in the Family
Whether you’re photographing your own family, someone else’s extended family, or a group of colleagues, you must have a single point of contact.
This person will be responsible for liaising all the information from you to the group, and vice versa. They will communicate all the essential information like location, time, wardrobe, must-have shots, and time of the shoot.
Usually, I prefer that the person who contacted me in the first place is the point of contact.
Plan Everything in Advance for Picture Day
It takes a little bit of extra time to plan out the details for the shoot if you’re photographing a large group. That’s why it’s best to do it in advance.
You must communicate the time, location, and dress of the shoot so that participants have ample time to plan their day and shop for necessary clothing. You can also ask the members to send you some sample shots.
Keep it Simple
A large group photo has a lot of moving people. Capturing a moment where the person in the center front looks as good as the person at the back corner is tough. Therefore, it’s best to keep it simple.
You may feel the urge to flex your skills and shoot at different locations with different lenses. I suggest that you resist that urge and use 35mm and 50mm lenses.
These will give you the versatility to capture portraits and group pictures efficiently. You can also use a narrow aperture of f/16 depth of field. It will create a larger focus area in front and behind your subjects.
Lastly, ask everyone to wear neutral colors so that you can coordinate their placement easily without worrying too much about the color contrasts and blocking.
Choose a Feasible Location for All the Group Members
It’s vital to think about the ages of all the group members when you choose a location with your point of contact. Are there elements that can distract the children while being photographed?
Are there any hazards like abrupt drop-offs or water bodies near the location? Is the site safe and accessible for disabled and older family members?
Ensuring everyone’s comfort when choosing the location can facilitate a smoother workflow and happier people in photographs.
Contact Me for a Family Photoshoot in Vancouver
I am Mary, and I specialize in family portraits, maternity, and newborn photography. Get in touch with me, and I’ll capture your family’s pictures in the most fun-filled manner.