There are a lot of different things to consider when posing groups of people. I found a couple of other websites that offer tips for photographers, and I was moved to add some here. I thought I’d start by sharing one thing that has helped a great deal when photographing groups of people, and has allowed me to start seeing more consistent results with groups. But first, some of the many things to keep in mind that make Better group photos are:
1) Compositional Elements
2) Posing of each subject
3) Lighting of each subject
Compositional Elements include a swish, a diagonal, a pyramid or triangle, or a “C”. There are other types but the overall grouping should have some asthetics to it.
Posing of Each Subject Some things to look for when posing each subject, is to have everyone looking at the camera, both eyes visible and open. It’s good to have the heads staggered, so you don’t have one head directly above the other. Also, with groups of people, you want all the adults to have only one hand visible, and preferably not the broad-back side of the hand. Possibly even one ear visible. In traditional shots, never put adults on the floor, especially women with skirts. Each person should appear comfortable and relaxed.
Lighting of Each Subject The lighting of the group can be challenging, especially in larger groups. The mask of everyone’s face should be completely illuminated, but not so bright they appear to be glowing. The amount of light on the face and the amount of light on the background shouldn’t have a large difference. — There are many different lighting styles, which is a subject all in itself. But basically, the light on everyone’s faces should be even. If you don’t have any flash units, one quick and easy way would of achieving even lighting, would be to put everyone in a shady spot when photographing outside. Like beside on the shady side of a building. Learning and mastering lighting techniques is one essential element in capturing incredible photographs, so I would encourage everyone to do their own study here.
Basically, with so many things to think about and so many things going on, An easy way to eliminate the possibility of overlooking something is to have a set procedure for taking group photographs.
1) Start with the location that will give the best even lighting or set up your lights.
2) Place the main couple and then add everyone else into the pose, move people around or adjust their height with posing blocks, etc. While you’re adding people, create the compositional element.
By now, a bit of work has been done, the group may be anxious to get on with it and it’s tempting to snap that shutter to get it over with finally, but WAIT! We want to go the little bit extra to turn a good group photo into a better one. But it’s important to move quickly through all these steps. At some point, posing for a photograph may start to resemble being held hostage! Especially if someone needs
3) Look over each person in the group, methodically, from end to end and top to bottom. Make sure they are posed in flattering way. One hand visible, on men wearing suits - make sure a little shirt cuff is showing from under the jacket if possible. Check the details of everyone. You will probably need to make an adjustment to at least 1 person in the group. But wait, don’t snap just yet.
4) Go back through the group a second time! This time, make sure every face is properly light and facing the camera. You may need to ask someone to tilt their head or move out of a shadow.
Good Luck and Happy Shooting !