I've been asked to take some family portrait shots for my brothers family. Pleased to be asked and very happy to do it, but I've never shot portraits in a serious way before. In fact I've never shot anything in a serious way! So, I'm seeking some advice.
In terms of equipment/accessories, what do you consider to be the essentials for a group portrait shoot? Lenses, lighting, etc... preferably in order of importance as my budget is limited.
I currently have my camera and a single zoom lens (18-200) and that's all. The photos are most likely to be taken outside.
I would have the camera set on continuous. With large groups there will always be someone blinking, looking the wrong way etc . If you get 3 / 4 shots of each picture you increase your chances of getting a good one. Also handy if you have Photoshop which has a tool for replacing faces in group shots.
I shot an extended family recently (11 people, 4 distinct families, 4 generations). The little ones lose interest quickly. We were in a spot where they could play some, which helped. I only used my camera and zoom but also a fill flash. We started around 10 AM to avoid harsh lighting and some areas were shaded. We could only do an hour before everyone was too hot (very hot day). Wish we had longer to get them more relaxed. Good luck! Oh, and go to the location ahead of time to take practice shots.
I would also like to add that while being prepared with the technical aspect is great don't forget about what you are going to do once you have them with you. Going with the flow sounds like a great plan but once you have them in front of you then you might need some ideas for posing and etc.
I have done a few of these with the biggest group I have taken around 70 people.
One thing is for sure, you HAVE to take charge. You have to be stern yet understanding.
if you don't they will stuff around way too long and people will become edgy and want to leave.
If you can photograph then early in the morning then that is the best time (i.e. straight after dawn). If outside seek shade and lots of it. You want everyone in shade but if possible have the background not dark so you dont see the shapes of the people within.
To ensure everyone has their eyes open I do this:
Explain that you want to get a great shot of everyone with their eyes open.
Tell everyone to close their eyes and on the count of 3 open.
Then count. 1,2,3 (they open their eyes), then on 4 or 5 you take your photo.
Check each and everyone in the image to ensure they have their eyes open and repeat around 4 or 5 times.
This works really well if it is bright.
If possible have them with the back to the sun and use a flash to fill the shadows.
When you take the photos use a longer lens as it flattens the face. It also allows you to use a ladder and you can be far enough away from the action so that when you climb up people are not looking up at you.
Once I have everyone in the rough positions I then go from left to right and mentally point everyone out so I can see every face.
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Thanks for the tip.
One thing is for sure, you HAVE to take charge. You have to be stern yet understanding.
if you don't they will stuff around way too long and people will become edgy and want to leave.
If you can photograph then early in the morning then that is the best time (i.e. straight after dawn). If outside seek shade and lots of it. You want everyone in shade but if possible have the background not dark so you dont see the shapes of the people within.
To ensure everyone has their eyes open I do this:
Explain that you want to get a great shot of everyone with their eyes open.
Tell everyone to close their eyes and on the count of 3 open.
Then count. 1,2,3 (they open their eyes), then on 4 or 5 you take your photo.
Check each and everyone in the image to ensure they have their eyes open and repeat around 4 or 5 times.
This works really well if it is bright.
If possible have them with the back to the sun and use a flash to fill the shadows.
When you take the photos use a longer lens as it flattens the face. It also allows you to use a ladder and you can be far enough away from the action so that when you climb up people are not looking up at you.
Once I have everyone in the rough positions I then go from left to right and mentally point everyone out so I can see every face.
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