Photographing 3 Generations?

[no.absolutes]

I have been asked by a local family to take portraits of their children and grandchildren. There are around 14 members, I think. As soon as I find out ages I'll let you know. Anyways, these portraits are going to be at the grandparents' house in the yard and also some in the pool. Any tips for poses on larger families with children? I have a tripod and I also I figure I'll practice shooting in "burst" mode to try to accommodate for blinking/funny faces. I also want to do some fun poses. Any ideas? I know it is hard without knowing the area beforehand, but I don't want to go in completely blind!

Thanks in advance for any examples or suggestions you can provide!

Just in: Ages of the children are 3,6,9,10,11 and there are 8 adults.

[windrider86]

Do you have access to a ladder? I ask because you could stand up high on the ladder and shoot down at everyone.
I'd probably pose them with the younger ones in front. Maybe the older kids kneeling at the side and then the adults by height. Shorter ones in the front and middle

[AnneWynne]

You have maybe 20 minutes with the younger kids. I get everyone to close their eyes while I count to 3 then on 3 open your eyes, then I snap the photo. I have seen another photog say "on 3, 1-2" then snapping on 2 rather than 3.

Go on Flickr and see if you can find any examples of multi-generational or large group photos.

Also, you can use Photoshop to create a panorama of the group.

You may want to pose children with parents, with the grandparents in the center.

GL

[no.absolutes]

Thank you for the ideas! I love the ladder suggestion!

[no.absolutes]

In case you haven't seen it, here is the result.

[gamescomputer]

Thanks for this site very helpful.

[raenme]

HI;

I'd probably want to scout the area first, figure out where the best angles / best background / time et al are in relationship to the sun. Figure out what extra equiptment you'll need, i.e. reflectors etc. This way you have a game plan in mind.


Best of luck