How to Pose for Outdoor Group Portraits
Outdoor photography is a great way to capture a group in a peaceful setting. Just be certain to remember a few key details and you'll soon be on your way to taking great outdoor portraits!
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Instructions
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Pick a suitable location. Scan the area as if you are photographing the landscape. Make sure there is nothing too busy in the background, such as a road full of traffic, people walking by or parked cars.
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Locate an area that has an attractive building in the background, or try a park setting. The location should be in the shade if possible. Bright sun will make your portrait subjects squint, no matter how hard they try not to.
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Arrange the group in an arching semicircle, with the tallest person in the center. Make sure each person stands at a slight angle to the camera, to create a three-dimensional effect. Shorter people should be placed in one of the front rows and staggered between subjects in the back row.
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Make sure everyone's face is visible to the camera. If you have a very large crowd, it may be necessary to have some of them kneel in front of the semicircle. They should kneel on one knee and rest their arms on the other knee. It's easier for the very tallest to kneel, rather than the shortest.
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Stand back and view the overall look of the intended portrait. If the size variance does not blend well, ask some people to trade places, or to stand taller or duck a little bit. People want a good portrait, so they will accommodate your vision; just make your adjustments quickly.
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Snap several pictures. Use a tripod if you are more comfortable with one. Most photographers prefer not to, because they like to move around with the camera in hand. Put yourself at slightly different angles to the group, but side-to-side only. Never shoot with the camera lens pointing upward or downward. Take several shots until you are satisfied you have a few great ones to choose from.
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Tips & Warnings
Have a vision in mind before you start setting up the group.
People will only tolerate standing for portraits for so long. Be quick yet efficient.
Pay attention to trees. You don't want someone looking as if he has a tree growing from his head!
