So, I have been asked to do a group family photo of about 12 people (ages grandparents to grandchildren). However, with it being winter, they want to do it at their house, indoors. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to pose them, position for lighting (I have no lighting equipment as I don't do this professionally) or ideas? I'm totally clueless,and any suggestions would be great - or if you have pictures you've taken of clients you can show me, that would be even better!!
no advise on lighting, but make sure to tell the adults that they need to stay facingv forward and keep their smiles on, and let you deal with getting the attention of the kids.. nothing worse than ALL the photos ruined because the adults are frowning at the kids. and if its only the kids to worry about then you can fix that in edit program afterwards..
This was my attempt at a family gathering. You may have young children, which will be a challenge!! i have to say even with adults it wasn't easy!!
Good luck!
No advice for planned or more spontaneous, standing or sitting. I would ask the family to send you photos of what they had in mind for themselves which will then help you with lighting, but you will need real lighting if it is at night.
I would make sure that you have a more spontaneous or interactive session that involves the children and family. That way they have some options to have more relaxed candid photos. Here is an example of our new annual Christmas Photo Tradition of getting everyone interested involved in a photo. We went outside with LED lights and made various patterns and shapes while the camera was on slow shutter. I set it up but let the eight year old push the shutter. This photo actually is on my aunts wall and her grandchildren love pointing to their circles.
Keep it relaxed, often groups can come together on their own - grandkids on grandparent's laps, significant others next to each other, etc. You might only need to help correct a pose - the most important to me is that I can see everyone's faces. It's easy to lose most of a face behind another person!
Lighting - if you can, just find a couple lights that you might use to help light up the room, especially in the evening. Set them in front of the group, off to the side, outside of the view of the camera. If you use flash, try to diffuse it with some paper, tissue, bounce it off the ceiling - it'll help with minimizing the zombie look.
If you can do the shot while it's still light out, that's my favorite! A little supplemental light and poof everyone looks great.
@brumbe I like Paula's idea a lot, may have to steal it for a future family photo!
You need a big window and a bright sunny day ....or you may need to rent some lighting equipment. What do you know about the setting for the photo? What kind of lens do you plan to use?
I might have a similar task soon, but I'm hoping it will be outside. If its a special occasion you could make use of balloons, with the children holding them to keep their attention, but hopefully not blocking their faces! How about standing all the same direction in age or height order, that should produce some natural smiles. And some shots with Dof, with some people softening into the background. My fave idea is to colour pop one specific colour, try to get the group to wear something blue or red, anything, top, tie, scarf, socks! Then colour pop the photo just picking the chosen colour out. Have fun, good luck, it would be great to see the results, then I can get some ideas from you!! : )
Window light is your friend!!!!!! Ask the client what kind of shot they would like - posed or more of a casual feel? Props or no props? Hopefully you can get some idea from them as to what they are after and that will give you much more info to work with.
Took this at a family wedding the other day. Nearly everyone in this photo is related and likes to ham it up. Another favourite is to get everyone to line up youngest to oldest, or tallest to shortest, and come back in ten and twenty years to see what has happened. All you need is time...
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Good luck!
I would make sure that you have a more spontaneous or interactive session that involves the children and family. That way they have some options to have more relaxed candid photos. Here is an example of our new annual Christmas Photo Tradition of getting everyone interested involved in a photo. We went outside with LED lights and made various patterns and shapes while the camera was on slow shutter. I set it up but let the eight year old push the shutter. This photo actually is on my aunts wall and her grandchildren love pointing to their circles.
Lighting - if you can, just find a couple lights that you might use to help light up the room, especially in the evening. Set them in front of the group, off to the side, outside of the view of the camera. If you use flash, try to diffuse it with some paper, tissue, bounce it off the ceiling - it'll help with minimizing the zombie look.
If you can do the shot while it's still light out, that's my favorite! A little supplemental light and poof everyone looks great.
@brumbe I like Paula's idea a lot, may have to steal it for a future family photo!