To capture amazing group photographs, a little research along with techniques is required. Whether you are shooting in a studio before a pleasant backdrop or in outdoors in your desired location, here are few tried and tested tips that can help you capture great group photos.
Location & Background- When you are taking group portraits; consider a location, which can comfortably accommodate whole group and perfectly coveys, the mood you want to develop. For instance if you want to depict a fun mood then shoot in an amusement park, or if a formal set up is required then studio is your best bet. You can use plain backdrop be it muslin, paper or canvas to keep the background simple and effective.
Close-up - Get close enough when shooting group portraits, to add interest element to the shots. With a close up shot, you can show the facial details, twinkling in the eyes, expose the mood and many other details, which draw attention to the subject. Tell people in the group shot, to stand closer, tilt heads and avoid standing straight as it does not creates flattery pictures. Fill the frame with your group to add more contrast to the photograph.
Natural Shots - Natural shots look better than the posed photographs. Select a background of your choice and then ask people to be photographed in the group to arrange themselves and get ready for the shots and click photographs. Once after the session, they are all relaxed click some more natural shots, this technique often works and you may end up with some unique shots. If not, you already have some great posed shots in your lens.
Shoot in continuous mode - One great option to capture maximum pictures in different poses and style is continuous mode. You can get series of playful pictures capturing lot of fun and relaxed moments and it gives you enough options to pick the best one out of so many clicked pictures. Never delete pictures randomly after clicking, sometimes when you see pictures on larger screen later, you realize with some small tweaks or editing a great shot can be made.
Lighting - Lighting can make or mar your photographs. Make sure your subject is illuminated properly when shooting. For small groups you can also use a portable flash in on-the-go settings. When doing indoor shots, use natural light to your advantage and for outdoor photos, make sure sunlight is not shining directly into their eyes, and making them squint.
Tripod - Tripod is essential to capture amazing shots. As a photographer, it gives you flexibility to play with camera settings, and you can get more creative with your images. You can adjust your camera settings and place it on your tripod, to capture a clean and professional shot as however hard you try to avoid blur in the images but without tripod, a slight shake can ruin the complete photograph. So keep your tripod handy.
Location & Background- When you are taking group portraits; consider a location, which can comfortably accommodate whole group and perfectly coveys, the mood you want to develop. For instance if you want to depict a fun mood then shoot in an amusement park, or if a formal set up is required then studio is your best bet. You can use plain backdrop be it muslin, paper or canvas to keep the background simple and effective.
Close-up - Get close enough when shooting group portraits, to add interest element to the shots. With a close up shot, you can show the facial details, twinkling in the eyes, expose the mood and many other details, which draw attention to the subject. Tell people in the group shot, to stand closer, tilt heads and avoid standing straight as it does not creates flattery pictures. Fill the frame with your group to add more contrast to the photograph.
Natural Shots - Natural shots look better than the posed photographs. Select a background of your choice and then ask people to be photographed in the group to arrange themselves and get ready for the shots and click photographs. Once after the session, they are all relaxed click some more natural shots, this technique often works and you may end up with some unique shots. If not, you already have some great posed shots in your lens.
Shoot in continuous mode - One great option to capture maximum pictures in different poses and style is continuous mode. You can get series of playful pictures capturing lot of fun and relaxed moments and it gives you enough options to pick the best one out of so many clicked pictures. Never delete pictures randomly after clicking, sometimes when you see pictures on larger screen later, you realize with some small tweaks or editing a great shot can be made.
Lighting - Lighting can make or mar your photographs. Make sure your subject is illuminated properly when shooting. For small groups you can also use a portable flash in on-the-go settings. When doing indoor shots, use natural light to your advantage and for outdoor photos, make sure sunlight is not shining directly into their eyes, and making them squint.
Tripod - Tripod is essential to capture amazing shots. As a photographer, it gives you flexibility to play with camera settings, and you can get more creative with your images. You can adjust your camera settings and place it on your tripod, to capture a clean and professional shot as however hard you try to avoid blur in the images but without tripod, a slight shake can ruin the complete photograph. So keep your tripod handy.