Group of Six....Outdoor

[ReenaG]

My friend asked me to do her family photos....she has seen my photos over the years, but this will be the first time photographing 'officially'.... I think she has more confidence in me taking them then I do!!

We have decided on an outdoor setting as it is a group of six....we will be doing this at the golf course later in the evening, around 6:30 (I will check out the lighting again tonight--I was there too early last night)

I know that I shouldn't put them in a straight line; I should stagger the heads, no one directly behind another (heads) made it a shape (triangle pyramid) shaped. Standing and/or sitting.

I am most concerned about the lighting situation....I am hoping that the sun will have gone down enough that the area will be shaded (see above) so no direct sun...will it be ok though if the sun is behind me as long as it's not directly on them? if I turn them around the other way I am shooting into the sun...so that isn't going to be very good....

well any thoughts, tips or suggestions I will appreciate; anything I should bring beside the camera/lens ... as you can tell I am nervous! and no, I am not charging them for this as it's my first time (other then my kids) It gives me practice and exposure and her, hopefully some nice family shots!

[JAD40]

My girlfriends family wants me to take their family portraits on the beach so I'm in the same situation as you. I've been teaching myself photography for almost a year now. I was thinking of having a couple people hold up a white bed sheet that way my lighting is diffused, and I don't get any squints.

[SusanH1970]

If you can find open shade you'll be all set.

Here's a family of six - the only time they were available was at noon on a bright and sunny day. I found a pretty, wooded area where there was plenty of open shade and there were no issues with squinting, etc.

[ReenaG]

Gorgeous shot Susan!! nope there is no shade trees as it's the golf course!! we will be shooting next to a pond area on one of the holes. If these shots don't turn out well there are a few other places we can try. She didn't want to have to go far to take the pictures and this is the closest spot to her house.

did you any kind of reflectors and/or flash?

JD40, I would for sure think you are going to have to have some sort of thing set up to block out that light unless you do it early morning or late afternoon.... that sun/beach is even more wicked then what I would be dealing with!

[SusanH1970]

Thanks, Reena. No flash, but just out of the frame was my voice-activated reflector stand (my son). If I remember correctly I believe I had to clone out part of his shoe.

At 6:30 the sun should be low enough that the light won't be harsh and they shouldn't be squinty. Having them positioned with the sun neither directly in front nor directly behind them will be ideal - about a 45 degree angle to their faces will provide fairly even light. Move them around and really look to see how the light is hitting them and watch for any harsh shadows before you click the shutter.

Good luck, and be sure to post some of the photos!

[ReenaG]

Thanks again Susan! OMG, I am so glad I wasn't having a drink when I read about your 'voice activated reflector stand' as I would have spit it all over my computer screen....that is just priceless!! I have two of those types

Thanks for the tips and I will post the pictures....it won't be for a few weeks so have time to gather up my nerves!

[SusanH1970]

Since it's not for a few weeks, it might not be a bad idea to go there a few different days at that time for practice sessions with family or friends. Go when it's sunny, partly cloudy, overcast....that way you'll be prepared for anything on the day of the actual shoot.

LOL, yeah those voice activated stands are expensive, too!

[Benji]

Some group photo tips.

1. Always hide any woman who is 3 ounces or more overweight by positioning her skinny children partially in front of her. Standing her will also allow her extra bulk to be better distributed. Never seat a heavy woman, especially in the front which will permit the viewer to see her bulges, large legs etc.

2. Have a clothing consultation. Everyone should be dressed in clothing that is similar in tonal range. That means no bright pinks, reds, white, patterns checks or stripes. That does mean everyone in the same colored slacks (black looks good as does khaki) and shirts or blouses in the same tonal range such as dark blue, dark green, deep maroon, dark gray, dark wine/purple etc. Bright colors and pinks or reds or white and bold patterns attract the viewers eye to the subject wearing it, rather than the group as a whole. Everyone should be dressed formally, or business casual or casual, or very casual but not all four in one shot.

3. Never position a head directly above or directly below another head. Also no two heads should be at the same height when the two subjects are posed beside one another.

4. Ideally there will not be huge differences in head heights. I usually seat men who are over six feet tall on tall stools and I usually stand their 5' 5" wives. Children normally stand.

5. The two people at each outer end of the image should face inward toward the center.

6. All subjects should be at a 45° angle to the camera, no exceptions.

Benji

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Benji

Some group photo tips.

Have a clothing consultation. Everyone should be dressed in clothing that is similar in tonal range. That means no bright pinks, reds, white, patterns checks or stripes. That does mean everyone in the same colored slacks (black looks good as does khaki) and shirts or blouses in the same tonal range such as dark blue, dark green, deep maroon, dark gray, dark wine/purple etc. Bright colors and pinks or reds or white and bold patterns attract the viewers eye to the subject wearing it, rather than the group as a whole. Everyone should be dressed formally, or business casual or casual, or very casual but not all four in one shot.


Benji

I totally agree, but in this instance it was a special situation. This family lives in Japan and were only home for a couple of days to attend a wedding. They called me from Tokyo explaining this and wanted to have a family session done while dressed up in what they were wearing to the wedding. I concur that all the patterns/colors are busy in this, but they purchased a 16x20 canvas of this, so I guess they didn't mind. Normally I advise my clients to coordinate much better than this.

[autofocus]

do some, or any of them actually play golf?...if so, also consider doing some "fun" shots. ...somebody taking or lining up a putt, maybe one with the bag over the shoulder, a few doubters scraching their heads, etc. Try a couple of different setups..tell them to have fun, and get into the action..they'll relax (and PS, so will you)