Ideas for group photos
Published: 28.12.2021
Group photography is one of the most challenging types of photography. It is necessary to correctly compose the shot, convey the mood and character of the group. The difficulty lies in the fact that there will always be someone who doesn't like how they turned out in the group photo. Capturing the mood and emotions of even one person in a photo is difficult, and when it comes to a group photo, the task becomes even more complex. Even when taking a standard corporate photo, try to find a unique touch that will highlight the group's distinctiveness from all others. Properly compose the shot, adjust the lighting, choose the angle, and your photos will look high-quality and professional. Don't try to please everyone and accommodate the wishes of every member of the group. You should lead the shoot and position people in a way that will look harmonious in the photo, rather than how it may seem to someone present. Let's consider what should be taken into account when creating group photos and what ideas for shooting can be used.
What are the types of group photos and how do they differ?
Group photos are divided into three main categories:
- Corporate and business photos.
- "Pictures of a group of friends."
- "Family photos."
Each category has its own style and features of shooting. In corporate photos, it is important to capture the spirit of the company, the work environment, and the business atmosphere. Such photos do not involve bold non-standard ideas, it is important to adhere to an official style. Choose a solid color wall as a background or take photos in a work office. It is important to show the cohesion of the team, do not try to single anyone out. Of course, you can place the boss in the center, but do not make a fuss over them and dedicate the photoshoot only to the director. A company is its people, show their interaction and friendly atmosphere in the team. In corporate photos, it is not necessary for everyone to be serious and stand at attention. Let the employees smile and feel at ease. Group photos of friends allow you to embody the boldest ideas and fantasies. There are no restrictions on clothing styles, poses, or composition. Feel free to experiment, take photos from different angles. Photos taken from a height or, on the contrary, lying on the floor look interesting. Let the participants of the photoshoot have fun, chat, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Don't make everyone pose and smile for the camera. Usually, the best shots are taken spontaneously, when people don't even realize they are being photographed. Take candid photos, as they can reveal the character of the people depicted in the images. Family photos also have their own specifics. It is important to convey the feelings, love, and care of family members in such photos. Let the people in the photos hug, hold hands, and kiss. Try to convey all the warmth and love that exist in the family. For a family photoshoot, a home setting, studio, or nature can be suitable. The main thing is to choose warm and light tones, then the photos will look more cozy and attractive.
What ideas can be used for group photos?
There are many ideas for group photos, it all depends on your imagination and the mood of the people. Let's consider several options for composing a group photo.
- Place the leader in the center, and the rest of the team members on the sides and behind, to emphasize one person. Make sure that everyone in the photo is in focus.
- Ask the group of friends to stand closer to each other and hug. This way, everyone will fit into one frame and you will capture warm and close relationships in the photo.
- Group photos where people are at a short distance from each other look interesting. This composition would be suitable for a music band or a company team, but it definitely should not be used for family photos.
- Ask people to lie on the floor with their heads towards each other and take photos from above. This perspective looks interesting and attractive.
- Arrange people in a ladder or pyramid shape, the geometry in the photos looks stylish and unusual. You can place one person in the center, and evenly distribute the others behind them. Experiment with poses, the more unusual they are, the more original the group photo will turn out.
- Tell the participants of the photoshoot to jump simultaneously. Taking a photo while in mid-air will transform their faces and capture lively emotions.
- Family photos can be taken on a favorite couch or in the park on a bench. When parents and children are sitting, the height difference is less noticeable in the frame and the photo will be more proportional. Keep in mind that such photos should not be taken standing, you need to sit down so that the camera is at eye level with the participants of the photoshoot.
Always make sure that the entire group fits into the frame and that no one is blocking others. Look for moments that can add a special touch to group photos. For example, a funny shot can be when someone is taking a selfie and trying to fit everyone into the photo. Highlight individuals who stand out from the group. Sometimes a seemingly imperfect shot at first glance can turn into a masterpiece. For example, a child suddenly running past posing parents in the background can add charm to the picture. Use burst mode when taking photos, so you have a better chance of choosing a shot where everyone looks good. Don't rush to delete or discard photos where one participant didn't turn out well. You can always crop the image or fix flaws in graphic editors. Set the group of people in a positive mood, it is important to have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere during the photoshoot. If people enjoy the shooting process, they will look better in the photographs. And the best group photos you can keep by ordering a Light album or a photobook from Mapi.
Cool photos deserve unusual framing. Print your cool photos in a Polaroid style. Fans of instant photography from the 90s may experience familiar feelings holding a photo in the Polaroid style. Those unfamiliar with traditional Polaroid will enjoy square images with space for captions.
