Group photos: get everyone sharp, visible and looking good

Group photos at weddings, conferences and family reunions need to be fast, organized and sharp. Nobody wants to stand in the sun for ten minutes.

Arrange the group

• Tallest people in the back and center, shorter people in front and at the ends.
• Stagger rows so every face sits in a gap, not behind a head.
• Keep the group tight; gaps look odd in the final photo.
• For large groups, use steps, a balcony or shoot from a raised position.

Focus and depth of field

Use f/5.6 to f/8 for groups in more than one row, focusing on the middle row. Eye AF on one face is not enough when rows are at different distances.

Prevent blinks

Take several frames in a short burst. Counting down and shooting on two, rather than three, catches people before the blink.

Get attention

Speak clearly and loudly, give a quick reason to smile, and ask everyone to make sure they can see the lens with both eyes. If they cannot see the lens, the lens cannot see them.

Light

Open shade or the sun behind the group avoids squinting. Add fill flash if faces are dark.