Written by Biz Photography Admin on February 24th, 2010

Group Photos at Events

Group Photos at ANY Event – Creating the Best One Possible

As you know from my posts, I photograph a lot of Event Photography. Many times the promoter will want a Group Photo to use in their marketing, to show social proof of the amount of people in attendance.

And believe me – a good group photo of anywhere from 50 to 400 people is not the easiest photo to capture! Often there are smaller sub groups, like coaching groups within the larger group, and they request group photos also – as long as I’m taking them already!
And as much as they want their photos taken for posterity – or more likely to include into a blog post or article about the event – they don’t want you to take any of their time to get the job done! So, you have to be prepared to move them quickly into the positions that you need for a good group photo.

So here are some tips on how to be prepared for whatever comes up at your event.

Be Ready for the Group Photo Request:

You know it is going to happen. So as a matter of course, always think ahead and choose the best location possible that will accommodate the amount of people, and have the best lighting for you. You know how many people are in attendance, and can estimate how many people will fit into your camera lens. Shoot it in your mind’s eye so you are ready.

The location will be important to group shots for several reasons. First, the location you choose can give context to your photo. Your promoter will love that! I try to make sure their banner or event marketing is visible in the photo. Or if you are in an especially unique and gorgeous location that is identifiable and will make non-attendees envious – shoot there. Just be very careful of selecting a background that will have distractions to the eye. You don’t want the viewer reading signs or trying to figure out what something is, rather than looking for faces of who was attending.

I once chose a location of HUGE plate glass windows overlooking a spectacular area in San Francisco. I was pleased, and went off to work. I let the Operations Manager know the location, and he announced it. Unfortunately the time had to be adjusted to several hours later to accommodate a speaker’s schedule. By the time we were ready for the shoot, the sun was shining directly in at us, rather than illuminating the city. Aarrgghh.

Choose wisely.

I usually try to give a note to the promoter’s assistant to slip to them just before a break, to announce that the photo will be taken, so return a few minutes early from break. By the way, the promoter is usually the one who is requesting the group photo, so make sure the timing is cleared with him. The note is a courtesy so the photo is taken for them.

This is an interesting point to remember – try to take the shot on the first day of the event if it is two days, or the second, if it is a three day conference. The reason? More people will be present on those days, and the result for you will be much better. I learned that through trial and error. 400 people in attendance, then on the last day people had to leave early to travel home, and only 200 were there for the shoot. It was okay, but could have been much better.

If you have been shooting for any length of time, you know that not everyone will do exactly as you want them to! People will be chatting with one another, regardless of what you are directing them to do. I usually just begin taking photos as I am instructing them where to stand and what to do. I gesture from behind the camera as I am instructing them.

From prior years of getting wedding groups together, I find that sometime the best shots are the ones that they aren’t even sure I am taking, or they assume they aren’t the ‘real’ shots. The promoters often like those better, because they show everyone having a good time. So what I am saying is, don’t just wait until everyone is ready and you get the ‘perfect’ shot. Take lots of photos before during and as they are relaxing immediately when you tell them they are done. You may be surprised that they are the ones that look the best.

Sometimes it is difficult to get close enough to the group. I use a 10 to 24 wide angle lens, and it usually captures from wall to wall easily. This lens makes it fairly easy to get everyone in the photo, and you can really get in quite close. Just remember that when you choose the location, try to NOT take the front of the room with chairs and tables in the way. It makes me crazy when the promoter thinks it’s the best place, and many times it just is the worst. Be creative. Look around for something with no distractions.

Positioning yourself above the group looking down at an angle will give you a better view of everyone, and allow you to move in even closer. It is also a most flattering position from which to shoot. Remind them to look up – and life their chins. The subjects will thank you later.

If you have an assistant to help you, that is great. Discuss with them ahead of time exactly what you have in mind, so you can move through the shot quickly. Your group will appreciate not having to stand around waiting for you to figure it out. So smile, keep a smile in your voice as you guide them through the posing process, and enjoy being there. They will appreciate your attitude, and will work with you more easily.

You are a photographer because you enjoy it. So have fun, be creative, plan ahead and get the best shots ever!

My site about  Business of Photography has many articles and interviews posted that will go into depth on many subjects. So get on over there and check it out. It’s worth it!

Until next time,

Mary

Have Cameras …. Will Travel