Group shot help needed

Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 3:26 pm

Hi,

I am going to be doing a large group shot of 50 or so people at our local church for some ones leaving gift. Can anyone give me any tips or anything I should look out for. What is the best way of getting everyone organised? There is a platform at the end of the church that people can stand on as well as the floor (about 1/2 down). There are quite a range of ages from 6 months to 60+ years.

Thanks
Marc

Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 350 Location: Ontario, Canada

If your church is like most churches I've been in, the ligthing is terrible. Since you only have one flash, the 420EX, I suggest borrowing or purchasing a 550EX or 580EX that you can use to slave your 420EX to get sufficient light.

A 35mm focal length at f/5.6 to f/8 should be sufficient to cover 50 people set in rows 8 to 10 feet deep.

If your ceiling is white, bouncing the flash from the ceiling and using ISO 800 will give more pleasing results than direct flash with harsh shadows and ISO 100.

TAKE SEVERAL IMAGES! Take a couple of quick test shots to check framing and exposure and examine them to see whose faces are being blocked by others. If you tell the group that you are just taking a few test images to check exposure, they will be more relaxed and natural looking. Some of my test shots end up being the best of the lot.

If you act professional and politely command attention, most people will respond accordingly. Do not be afraid to center out someone who is acting up or being difficult since they can ruin an otherwise good picture.

Use a tripod and cable release so you can shoot if you see an opportunity while not looking through the viewfinder.

If your weather is warm enough and you have a bright overcast day, arrange for an outdoor shoot. Lighting will then be to your advantage.

Frame your shot loosely so that you can make prints with different aspect ratios - 8x10, 5x7, etc.

If you seat children on the floor, be sure that the girls have their skirts adjusted properly. This saves some PS work.

You are professional! Do not let them rush you. If someone says they have an appointment and want you to hurry up, tell them to go ahead and leave because you want this image to be done properly.

SHOOT RAW! This will help with exposure and WB correction.

Use Manual mode setting the aperture to f/5.6-f/8 and shutter to at least 1/100.

Check for glare on glasses. It is easier to have the subject remove their glasses than to remove the glare in PS. For those who wish to leave their glasses on, position them so that they are at an angle that does not reflect the flash back into the camera lens.

If you have opportunity, do a dry run with a few friends to help get your exposure and framing down pat.

I'm not a pro but I have done some group photos for our church and others and am pointing out some of the things I've learned along the way.

Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 305 Location: Kentucky

Watch for hiders. I'm not sure why some do it , but they'll thank you later when they're visible in the photo and not just present behind someone else's head.

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 4:08 am

Thanks for you help especially "pturton" for you comprehensive guide. The lighting in the Church is much better than traditional Churches because there are no stained glass windows etc. The ceiling although white is quite high so I'm not sure how much effect the flash will have, but I will still give it a go.

I always shoot in RAW so that solves the white balance issues.

Thanks again.
Marc