More group shot questions... - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/15/2008 10:17:02 AM · #1

For the group shots, how do you get that many people in and still have them take up more of the background? What am I doing wrong? It seems it would need to be in landscape with a bunch of people, do I need to be at a low angle, a high angle or straight on (which is what I was)? They loved them anyway and are quite happy, but I want to do better if I have another group to do. Any other suggestions?

drewbixcube

Canon EOS-7D

04/15/2008 10:37:23 AM · #2

I can't quite figure out what you are asking...Are you asking how to cut down on the amount of sky/background above their heads?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/15/2008 10:39:47 AM · #3

LOL, that's exactly what I'm asking. How do you angle your shot to make more of the people and less of the background.

Mike_Adams

Canon EOS-40D

04/15/2008 10:41:53 AM · #4

Well, I think the two different shots would benefit from two different things. The top shot with the larger group could probably benefit from tilting the camera down a bit to get more of the legs of your subjects. As the shot currently is you are cutting off the hands of everyone in the front row. Lots of people wouldn't even notice, but it leaves folks with an uneasy "something isn't quite right" that they just can't put their finger on (no pun intended since their fingers are cut off). So, on that top one the lower you go there the less empty space above the head appears. Additionally any more than about 8 folks and you should go to 3 rows or have them rotate in towards the middle.

The bottom shot only has three people. Any time I shoot two or three people I will ALWAYS try to go portrait in orientation unless I am trying for a really artsy shot. In this case they went shoulder to shoulder making portrait much more difficult. I always try to get folks to get in closer and turn towards the middle. Then you can go portrait and frame it up with less empty space.

Theres my two cents hope it helps!

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/15/2008 10:46:05 AM · #5

For groups, the rule of thumb is to never align the eyes if you can help it. Having them all lined up in rows leaves a rather dull composition, and yes, makes it harder to fill the frame.

You should try having some sitting, some standing, some kneeling, etc., to vary the head-heights, then in portrait orientation you should be able to fill the frame quite well AND have a more dynamic and interesting composition.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/15/2008 10:47:12 AM · #6

Thanks Mike, that makes sense. I did want to use 3 tiers with the large group, unfortunately they are all large people and I was using a picnic table. The top row they were sitting on the table and the bottom row, they were sitting on the bench. I wanted to put a row of kneelers on the top of the table too, but was afraid it might not hold the weight and they were not keen about kneeling on the ground. I will try the low angle on my next opportunity though.

Jib

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

04/15/2008 10:49:02 AM · #7

rules for group shots: always ALWAYS ALWAYS have an odd number in the back row then even then odd..it makes the picture more appealin to the eye and symetrical. talest person in the middle back row work from there...then it sounds like you want more backgrund to be filled? so either lower your camera or crop lower

drewbixcube

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/15/2008 10:50:05 AM · #8

In short...aim a little lower, it is ok to show hips, legs, and knees.

In long...framing all depends on the story you want to tell with the shot.

In the first shot I wanted to show a lot of the background, so I backed up, used a wide angle and placed the group lower in the shot.

In the second shot, I wanted to focus on the bride and groom, so I zoomed in and placed their eye lines higer in the shot. I did not want any excessive background taking the viewers' eyes off the couple.

So you need to think of what you want the photograph to express. If it needs a lot of background to tell the story, like at the capitol building then go a little wider and show more background. If the focus of the shot is strictly of the people, then zoom nice and tight (like you have done) and aim a little lower to include more of their bodies.

Hope this helps,
-drew