Over the past few days some of my clients have ordered Christmas cards using images from their photo shoots, making me realise it's coming up on that time of year - very quickly. In two weeks' time, people all over the USA will be gathering with friends and family for Thanksgiving, with Christmas and other holiday season celebrations occurring around the world soon after. What are you going to do to record this year's memories? Here are a few tips for taking great group photos.
One of the hardest things you'll face when photographing groups is to make sure everyone has their eyes open and is looking at the camera. I learned a simple trick from photographer Scott Kelby - ask the whole group to close their eyes and open them on your count: "3, 2, 1 - open!" and then wait one extra count before taking the shot. It works like a charm! The extra count allows the subjects to relax and avoids having wide-eyed, freaked-out-looking people in your photos.
If you are working with a large group, point out to them that if they can't see the lens of your camera, they won't be in the photo. It's amazing how many people apparently forget this and suddenly start shuffling around to make sure they have a clear view of your lens.
In the northern hemisphere we'll likely be indoors for our holiday parties and odds are you'll need to use a flash. Avoid using mirrors and windows as backdrops, unless you like the look of an all-encompassing reflection flare. Built-in flashes seem to be designed to make everyone look like Casper the Friendly Ghost. Simply fold a tissue and place it over the flash to soften the light, making your subjects look warmer and lessening harsh shadows.
Most cameras have a red-eye reduction feature, but you can help prevent this little nasty by adding as much light as you can to the room. Turning on all the lights shrinks the subjects' pupils - and every little thing helps!
One last tip - smile and have fun! If you're grumpy and getting frustrated, no-one will want to smile. Give them a reason to be happy about looking at you.
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