best lens for family shoot

[OurView]

I'm scheduled to do a family shoot in August. There are 10 family members in the sitting. Should I use a 50mm or go with a 28mm-75mm? I want them casual and relaxed, not cramped up close together.

[SusanH1970]

You can use the 50mm, but you'll have to step back fairly far to fit them all in. Go with the wider lens if you don't have much room to back up.

[Murtasma]

28-75 will probably be versatile depending on your shooting location especially if it's indoors. The focal length shouldn't matter as much as posing the family members correctly and selecting an appropriate scene and shooting during the right time of day at the right location, or providing a nice large diffused light source if shooting indoors. For a group that large you will need a really large diffuser if your shooting outside to avoid harsh shadows and raccoon eyes. Your best bet would be to use shade or shoot it on a cloudy/overcast day.

[OurView]

I was figuring the 50 mm would be more difficult to use. Thanks for the tip about using shade - glad to know my thinking is on the right track!

[look_yau]

one thing to remember is that when using wide lens, there will be disortion on the edges, and this will affect hugely on family portraits.

so my personal preferences is to stick with 50mm. if this cannot be done due to space, try not go further than 35mm