When a group gets together for casual or formal occasions it is not unusual for someone to ask the majority of attendees to come together for a photograph. We have all seen the “stock” and “standard” look of such an image, and while these perform their assigned tasks – getting a permanent record of the group together – they don’t often do so in a stylish or impressive way.
(image credit : ACME-Nollmeyer )
By now, you’ve either gotten your first snowfall of the season, or local shops have at least sprayed some fake snow in their windows to simulate the effect. Either way, there’s no doubt that the holiday season is here, and you should be readying your camera for action. If it’s chilly where you live, be sure to read about how to winterize your camera–and read on for five tips on how to get the best holiday photos this year.
Choose a longer focal length
For starters, use a longer focal length to avoid distortion. Using the longer end of your zoom lens for group photos may not sound like a practical approach, but if you have the room for it, zoom in to a longer focal length that still enables you to include everyone in the picture. You can also step back a little in order to do so. The photo below was taken with a 50mm focal length. By the way, this was a super-quick shot taken with one speedlight on-camera, not off-camera. Whenever you have the chance, use as long a focal length as the space allows you to.
(image credit : nubui )
Shoot Some Candles and Decorations Up Close
As with any kind of night photography, there’s no right or wrong exposure. Set your camera to manual mode, pick a midrange aperture (like f/5.6), and then try a several-second-long shutter speed. Check your results. If you want brighter, more dramatic lights, open the aperture a little. If you want the overall scene to be brighter, lengthen the exposure time. You can bracket the exposure for a variety of effects and pick the one you like best afterward.
(image credit :JoelleW )
Watch your depth of field
Group photos typically require more depth of field than a portrait of a single person. This is because the more people there are in the group, the higher the chances that each person is standing (or sitting) at a different distance to you. Even when you focus on just one person, other persons at the same distance to you will appear equally sharp.
(image credit : Craig Marston )
Be mindful of backgrounds
Groups of people can occupy lots of space, so what’s in the background — an ugly wall, a distracting mural, etc. — becomes harder to ignore as the size of the group expands. Whenever possible, decide on an appropriate background in advance of the shoot, and have furniture rearranged or any other changes made before people arrive.
(image credit : Photo )
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