Charles Loy Loc: Wichita Kansas USA

I tell 'if you can't see this camera lens, it can't see you' I examine thru the lens but can miss that one tilted head. 35mm to 50mm will be best for your photo.

Old Al Loc: Litchfield County, Connecticut

I always use a shoot thru flash set several feet higher higher than the camera . Set all controls to manual (especially ISO), set aperture to a 5.6/F8, don't let shutter speed get lower the 1/30 (ghosting), make sure test shot had good histogram, and THEN turn on flash and "inch"it up where faces look good. Do NOT let the flash change the overall exposure - it will look artificial. And , tripod and cable release (with lens on MANUAL) so after focusing, you can face the crowd and become the CONDUCTOR orchestrating positions, spacing, smiles, etc. Look at the crowd and become their cheer leader/coach/teacher/discipliner/clown/comedian, whatever it takes makes for a fun shoot. Every group is different - it is my "golf game". Last thing, with a huge group, be prepared to switch a few heads (eyes closed, etc.). Second lastly, a PRIME lens is essential to avoid "pumpkin heads" on the edges - find o 35 or 28 with low distortion. Good luck and enjoy - no pressure (there's always pressure - its the high)

Old Al Loc: Litchfield County, Connecticut

great shot!!

Old Al Loc: Litchfield County, Connecticut

That's a wonderful shot - congratulations

Old Al Loc: Litchfield County, Connecticut

I believe fill-flash MAKES the difference in a good print. I disagree with the gentleman who likes the sun at his back - it gives raccoon eyes. I want the sun in back of the group ( never at mid day) which will result in Dark shadowed faces, which your fill will eliminate. You almost have to have a mirrorless camera for this to work - you haver to view the test shot THRU THE VIEWFINDER (to avoid the light from the sun) to see if the strength of the flash is perfect. Do NOT count on post processing to adjust the light of the subjects or the background - it can help a poor balance of light but will never look natural.. You need to magnify your shot ion. the viewfinder to determine the correct balance

cincykid

Agree with the comments of shooting from a high angle. Biggest problem I've found with large groups is getting everyone's face in the photo. I'm not a pro but I always tell the group if they can't see me, I can't see them. So they should not be looking at the back of someone's head. Take multiple shots & obviously give them a heads up before you shoot

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some links -

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-take-great-group-photos/
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/14-tips-better-group-portrait-photographs/
http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2013/11/tips-pros-posing-subjects-group-portrait-photography
http://improvephotography.com/1959/10-posing-tips-for-group-photos-and-my-cell-phone-number/

bittermelon

I like the word "voluntold".

As someone who has retired a number of years ago, I can tell you that group photo of everyone in the office was very quickly forgotton. After a couple of years, I can't tell you the names of half the people in it.

griffzky

The only thing I'll suggest without knowing more specifics is this: If you use the extra-wide lens put any heavy people inside the group. Avoid putting them on the perimeter because the wide lens will quite often add pounds to anyone on the outside of the grouping. That's where you want the slender people so that you don't make anyone feel bad about themselves. I was given this tip before I did my first wedding years ago and it was very helpful throughout the years.

les spencer

Don't forget to put film in the camera....lol