How to Arrange Poses for Group Photographs

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, taking a group photo can be tricky. In group photography, the chances of someone sneezing, looking in the wrong direction or blinking is increased ten-fold, making the perfect shot almost impossible. One of the best ways to get a good group shot is by correct and purposeful posing. If you’re getting ready for a wedding, your child’s birthday party or taking a photo for a business function, here are a few tips and tricks to arrange your party for the best group photo possible.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• Memory cards
• Step ladder
• Stools
• Chairs
• Risers
• Large space both indoors and out
• Poster board
• Black marker

1. Prepare ahead of time by thinking about the different kinds of poses you’d like to try. You may even benefit from writing them down. Having poses readily available will help the process go smoothly and keep your group from getting bored and impatient. Remember to take into consideration who you’re photographing and why.

2. Arrange your group. When arranging group photos, create a good balance while steering clear of the traditional chop block style of group photography. You don’t have to arrange by height. Of course, height should be a consideration, but experiment with several different arrangements and shoot all of them. Groups with mixed gender, age, body type and size can be some of the best photos out there. If you have a group of eight or more, try forming them into a stacked half circle instead of in rows for a unique pose.

3. Place each individual separately. Don’t expect a large group to get into position by simply following your shouts and commands. Be patient and if necessary, show by example. Individuals should never stand so that they are directly facing the camera. Always have them stand at a slight angle.

4. Use props. Risers, chairs and stools can be beneficial if you have a large group. These props can also create depth for stacked rows and give you a way to manipulate angles without forcing your individuals to get in awkward and uncomfortable positions.

5. Take several pictures from different angles. The most natural way to pose a group is to stack them in rows and shoot them head on, but try different things like getting in closer and snapping from an angle. If you get low to the ground on an angle or slightly above the group on a step ladder, you’ll be able to get a closer, more natural-looking shot.

6. Stay relaxed. Even the most photogenic person will take a bad photo from time to time and with a group, you’re more likely to have at least one person looking off in every picture. After you’ve placed everyone, ask them to relax and talk amongst one another. When you’re ready to shoot, give them a quick heads up. The less time they spend posed and staring at you, the more likely they are to look natural and happy in the photo.

7. Ask the group to smile just before you take the picture and give them a 1, 2, 3 count. A forced smile goes cold after a few seconds, so once they’re smiling you need to be shooting.

8. Try to take photos in the morning or late afternoon when the sun casts the best light. Position your group so that the sun is on faces and behind the camera. If you shoot into the sun, your pictures will be dark and your models will be in shadow. If you shoot inside, you still need to be aware of the light. Overhead lighting, lamps and windows will have an effect on your photo. If using a flash, make sure to pose the group within your flash range. A safe flash range is between 6 and 9 feet, but you can check your camera’s guide for recommendations.

9. Check your background. This is a common mistake that many photographers make, especially in group photos. Check for mirrors that may cause flash marks and distracting objects such as bushes and trees.

10. Take a lot of pictures. The more photos you take, the better chance you’ll have to get one that everyone will be happy with. Digital memory is reusable, so you don’t have to worry about wasting film.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative. Try things that may seem different and unique. They may work, they may not, but you’ll never know unless you try.

• Work with extra large groups. If you have a group of 40 or more, you’re going to encounter a bit of chaos. You can help to calm the storm by creating a story board or grid. Simply draw your concept, using Xs or circles to denote people, onto a large poster board. You’ll still need to explain your concept thoroughly, but the visual will help people understand the basic concept.

• To avoid squinted eyes in outdoor photos, have everyone close their eyes until just before the photo is taken. Tell them that on the count of 3 they should look up or open their eyes. Count to 3 and then shoot on 4.