Tuesday, July 2, 2013

How to Photograph a Wedding - Groups


Many wedding photographers avoid taking large groups. You should never refuse to shoot a large group, there is always a demand for groups if you pose them correctly.

Most photographers who say there is little money to made with large groups, usually do not have the creativity to pose the groups.

In fact the opposite is true, you will get many reorders for groups shots if you take the time and effort to ensure that your customers are happy with the shot.

You often see wedding photography where the photographer has posed the group in a long straight line. In order to get the group to fit the frame they then have to walk backwards or use a very wide angle lens. The effect of walking backwards to make the group fit the frame is that you end up with lots of sky, lots of ground and an unattractive looking group somewhere across the middle of the frame.

There are two methods I advise you to use when shooting big groups.

The first is to shoot from a high angle, for example from a first floor window above the group. This can often be achieved at the hotel. Directing the group from here is not easy, but you will gain the advantage of a group which can be five or six deep and whose faces can all be seen.

The other method is to use a set of stairs, often available at the church or at the hotel. Ensure the bride and groom are at the foot of the stairs and get arrange everyone else in an ascending manner from there. Before you press the shutter check quickly that you can see everyone's face.

Also beware of your depth of field when using stairs, you will probably be shooting at least f8 if not f16.

So, don't be afraid of the big groups!

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