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Simple Tips for Taking Group Shots

I’m finally getting around to editing the digital photos I took of my daughter’s birthday party. The birthday party that her entire kindergarten class attended. It was a wild and crazy day, but I scored a ton of great group shots of the kids and some of the parents. Whereas I would have loved to have been able to afford a professional photographer for the event, knowing how to take decent group shots of a big event can help you save valuable time and money.

Here are some tips I always keep in mind when shooting group shots:

Consider Color: If you are shooting a formal group shot, then it’s a good idea to consider wardrobe color. While most professional photographers recommend traditional head and shoulder group portraits be shot in simple, long sleeved tops in solid tones of brown, burgundy, green or blue, your photo subjects might want to select a color that better suits their personalities. Allowing everyone free reign over their color selection is not exactly the best choice; rather, consider discussing several choices that will offer a harmonious look, even if it doesn’t include subtle shades.

Placement: When arranging subjects for a large group shot, be sure to place shorter people in the front and taller ones in the back. Taller subjects should be placed on the sides of a group, so they don’t dominate the photo. In addition, by arranging subjects in a circular or oval pattern, you avoid losing shorter individuals in the group. Also, to create an eye-pleasing formation, position subjects so that the top of one person’s head is between the eyes and chin of the person next to him or her. By doing so, you can avoid creating a top-heavy photo.

Tripods: If you want in on the shot, then invest in a good tripod. A tripod is used to hold the camera in place and should be positioned at eye level with the tallest person in the photo. By placing the camera slightly above the majority of your subjects, you can avoid the appearance of double chins and squinting.

Related Articles:

Telling A Story With Your Shots

Natural Framing

Snapping Frameworthy Shots Of Your Kids

Spicing Up Your Shots

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About Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. She spent the next ten years as a television anchor and reporter at various stations throughout the country (from the CBS affiliate in Honolulu to the NBC affiliate in Green Bay). She has won numerous honors including an Emmy Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. In addition, she has received awards from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her reports on air travel and the Wisconsin Education Association Council for her stories on education. Michele has since left television to concentrate on being a mom and freelance writer.