Posing groups
Nov 11, 2011 12:15:46 #
There is a lovely brick wall just begging for a group shot. There are four people...three males and one female. How do you avoid having them lookk like they are in a police line up?
Nov 11, 2011 12:34:10 #
Nov 11, 2011 12:45:34 #
Nov 11, 2011 12:47:53 #
dfalk wrote:
Have the officer step out of the frame?
LOL!!!
Perhaps have them step away from the wall a bit.
I have a small sub-group of friends who seem to be experts at posing for photos. I really hate taking group photos, but I will do it for them. They stand together and have me take photos of them as they talk, turning to 'notice' the camera every so often. The shots that work from the session are far more interesting than the standard line up.
Nov 11, 2011 12:49:11 #
Nov 11, 2011 12:49:22 #
Have them step out from the wall at least 4', use a long lense. Don't have their eyes line up at the same level. Try using a chair for some if you need to. Try to get them to put their arms in different positions, on hips, other people's hips, shoulders, etc. If they cross their legs, they won't be as stiff looking, either--not all of them, of course. They don't all have to be looking at you, either, btw. Some may be smiling at each other. Just have fun with it.
Nov 11, 2011 14:19:48 #
Shoot with the widest aperture that you have f/2.8 if you can to decrease the depth of field and blur the background. Use a little fill flash to light up the subjects and not the wall,
Nov 11, 2011 14:23:31 #
. Don't put 'em in a line up! he he . by using the triangle or diamond posing rules
DVogt wrote:
There is a lovely brick wall just begging for a group shot. There are four people...three males and one female. How do you avoid having them lookk like they are in a police line up?
Nov 12, 2011 08:06:09 #
photodaddy
Loc: Missouri
Photography is capturing life. Have the group imatate some aspect of life without being in the "lineup." I liked the one suggestion of having subjects sitting, standing, etc. good luck.
Use props, umbrella, etc.
Use props, umbrella, etc.
Nov 12, 2011 08:28:09 #
Have three standing, with two seated in front of the standing subjects. Some kind of circular pose is always better than a straight "lineup" group. If it's to be a goofy "fun" shot, set your camera to burst mode and fire off a flurry of shots while having them all jumping in the air at once, arms extended, etc.
Nov 12, 2011 09:19:01 #
Mary P wrote:
Have them step out from the wall at least 4', use a long lense. Don't have their eyes line up at the same level. Try using a chair for some if you need to. Try to get them to put their arms in different positions, on hips, other people's hips, shoulders, etc. If they cross their legs, they won't be as stiff looking, either--not all of them, of course. They don't all have to be looking at you, either, btw. Some may be smiling at each other. Just have fun with it.
Stagger them in hight, 45 degree angle, you might try a box for a seat foron or two, you could split the group into two groups and cluter them, knel oneor two down, Chars with one sitting on laps (Santa Style). Do site lines andhave one withhan on elbow or on wrist, Guys hands 'just' in pockets. On leg forward, tip of toe out.
Like this list there are a million things you can do, But who sez the line up does not look good? Silly works toooo!!
Silly Walkers
Nov 12, 2011 09:19:55 #
I would have to do one "line-up" shot complete with them each holding a sigh with a number on it :)
Nov 12, 2011 09:31:10 #
Let the Group have their Fun first, taking those crazy photos, then walk in and arrange the Group the way YOU want the photo taken, use some props if available, shoot tight, avoid clutter, I use a small megaphone to get their attention. George
Nov 12, 2011 10:15:26 #
I new at this, but you could have someone stand on the other side of the wall or on the wall to break-up the line.
Nov 12, 2011 10:16:54 #
naturalite
Loc: Up state NY
Yes, I agree totally. Candid shots where there is some sort of interaction is better than the "deer in the headlights look".
Relaxed conversation between grouped people and having them somewhat facing the camera is a good start.
Relaxed conversation between grouped people and having them somewhat facing the camera is a good start.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.