Group shots: Will be shooting a family photo gathering in June. Will be outside with about 2 dozen people/kids. Help! Shooting with Nikon d5100 with 18-55mm kit lense and have Nikkor...

kibbles304 Loc: Indiana

Will be shooting a family photo gathering in June. Will be outside with about 2 dozen people/kids. Help! Shooting with Nikon d5100 with 18-55mm kit lense and have Nikkor 50mm f1.8. Would the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 be something that I could use? I would like to have a wide angle w/f2.8. I was just trying to justify the purchase but I think the 18-55 would be pretty close to what I need???

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

kibbles304 wrote:

Will be shooting a family photo gathering in June. Will be outside with about 2 dozen people/kids. Help! Shooting with Nikon d5100 with 18-55mm kit lense and have Nikkor 50mm f1.8. Would the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 be something that I could use? I would like to have a wide angle w/f2.8. I was just trying to justify the purchase but I think the 18-55 would be pretty close to what I need???

One thing I can say, you're generally not going to get the best from a lens by using it at any of its extremes - focal length or aperture. Using a very wide angle lens could make the people on the edges look funny. Maybe that's what you're going for. :D

Practice taking shots of the same sized area at different settings. Renting a good quality lens for a few days is an option. It's all done through the mail.

photoninja1 Loc: Tampa Florida

I woulnd't buy an extra lens just for one photo. The 50mm is the best choice. It's sharper than your kit lens or the Tokina, and you really don't want to go wider than you have too when shooting people (unless, of course you want to make them look fat!) Try shooting at or slightly above f8 and back up as far as you have to. Since you are outside that shouldn't be a problem. shooting at a low f stop will limit your depth of field. Not what you want for a group shot.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

If you have the budget and want to purchase the Tokina then do so. Personally I don't know if I would want to use such a wide angle on such a large group, the distoration might be a little much. A mid-tele would be better suited (24-70 comes to mind).

Your not going to want to have your aperture wide open anyway unless you don't want the people in the back rows to be in focus.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Seat the elders, have their children stand behind then,with grandchildren in front of then.Parents and grandparents can hold infants and small children. Use manual focus on the middle row, aperture of f8 or f11 at whatever shutter speed the ISO calls for. Use the 50mm prime lens. Avoid midday sun if possible or pose in the shade and use fill flash.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

photoninja1 wrote:

I woulnd't buy an extra lens just for one photo.

I think you missed the point. " I was just trying to justify the purchase..."

He thinks like me. :D

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Rent a lens [or two] before buying. BorrowLenses, RentGlass, even local camera shops [they tend to be pricey for more than a day or two].

kibbles304 Loc: Indiana

Thank you one and all for your comments and thoughts. I really enjoy this site for the people on it. I think I will try the 50mm prime. It is a really sharp lens and I can back away as far as needed. Will use the f8 / f11 for depth of field (thanks for reminding me). Again, many thanks for the input and taking the time to do so.

DPFotos Loc: Pembroke, Ma

I take a lot of group fotos A little trick I have discovered for outside group shots is to set my camera to landscape mode. This will ensure you get every one in focus. Also if there is a lot of people in the shot try to elevate the camera above everyone. This ensures everyone is seen.
I am posting a foto of a group shot I took Sat night 11 May 2013. Camera D600, Tamron 24-70mm F/2.8 lens. Nikon SB700 speedlight. 1/200, f/5.6 30mm focal length, ISO 200. Speedlight was camera mounted tilted at 45° with the on board diffuser and the white card extended. I remote triggered the camera. I am sitting bottom right.

CajunLou Loc: SW Louisiana

kibbles304 wrote:

Will be shooting a family photo gathering in June. Will be outside with about 2 dozen people/kids. Help! Shooting with Nikon d5100 with 18-55mm kit lense and have Nikkor 50mm f1.8. Would the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 be something that I could use? I would like to have a wide angle w/f2.8. I was just trying to justify the purchase but I think the 18-55 would be pretty close to what I need???

Notice DPFoto's reply and pic. Same as I do, large group in a slight semi-circle so the ones on end same distance to lens as those in center, better focus on all.

kibbles304 Loc: Indiana

DPFotos wrote:

I take a lot of group fotos A little trick I have ... (show quote)

Wow! That's what I would love to turn out. Don't have all the flash equipment at this time but will be outside for the photo group. Thank you for the input and taking the time and detail. This helps a great deal. Very nice photo.

kibbles304 Loc: Indiana

CajunLou wrote:

Notice DPFoto's reply and pic. Same as I do, large group in a slight semi-circle so the ones on end same distance to lens as those in center, better focus on all.

Thanks. It's so suttle and looks so natural I didn't notice the arc. Very good to know. This is the best site for info! Most all of the people are really decent and helpful. Thank you for your comment. I learn something about photography almost every time I log in.

Coker Loc: Havana, IL

Dear Kibbles - Let me guess. You have been asked by the family to take a group image. After all, you have a very nice camera... The answer is very simple. And you will get a fine looking image. The stock lens from Nikon will do. It is the F/stop you need to consider. As you stated, regarding the f/2.8 lens has a very shallow depth of field. That is, first row clear, and the last row might be out of focus... Pull your nikon lens back to 18mm (wide angle) select ISO 400, Use Aperture Priority or (A) on a Nikon (Av) on Canon. Set your (A) to f/10 or f/11 <-- this will give you depth of field to keep the eyes clear and sharp. Set the subjects in the shade and use a pop up fill flash. And remember, if this setting gives you a shutter speed below 1/60 of a second, bump your ISO up to the next number. I'd love to see your work. Good Luck!

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

kibbles304 wrote:

Will be shooting a family photo gathering in June. Will be outside with about 2 dozen people/kids. Help! Shooting with Nikon d5100 with 18-55mm kit lense and have Nikkor 50mm f1.8. Would the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 be something that I could use? I would like to have a wide angle w/f2.8. I was just trying to justify the purchase but I think the 18-55 would be pretty close to what I need???

I wouldn't be afraid of the 18-55. The trick to remember with groups, especially out doors this is easy, keep your aperture high as in 10 or more. This will lengthen your depth of field so the entire group is in focus. And don't be afraid to fire off as many shots as they'll stand still for.

Good Luck

kibbles304 Loc: Indiana

Coker wrote:

Dear Kibbles - Let me guess. You have been asked... (show quote)

Thanks Coker. You are exactly right about the family photo. I will try the 18-55 kit lens and if they will let me, I'd love try a few with the 50 f1.8 lens at the f10 or 11 to see which is sharper. If I can even get everyone in using the 50mm.