Some of the most common photos you’ll be asked to take as a photographer are family photos. Especially around the holidays or other times when big groups are known for getting together after long times apart, many people want to commemorate the occasion by getting photos done together.
For many photographers, it can be hard to know how to handle working with big groups of multiple families coming together. So to help make this a little easier for you, here are three tips for photographing big family groups.
Base Your Timing Around The Kids Or Elderly
One of the hardest things about taking photos of big groups is getting each person to look happy in the photos. With family groups, you’ll want to cater to the most temperamental of the group in timing when to take the photos.
According to Sarah Rodriguez-Martinez, a contributor to ExpertPhotography.com, it’s best if you can work with the group to find a time for photos that will keep either kids or grandparents in the best spirits. With kids, you usually don’t want to schedule anything around nap or meal times, as this is when kids can get cranky. Also, waiting for the golden hour in the evening can be hard for little ones and the elderly, who may be used to going to be early at their homes or care facilities. So if you can find a time where all of the kids and older adults will likely be in the best spirits, which is usually earlier in the mornings, that’s generally best for scheduling big family photos.
Suggest Small Groups
In addition to the big family pictures, it’s wise to break into smaller groups so that you can give your client a wide variety of shots to choose from.
Sometimes, your client might know the exact groups they want to have photographed. But if they don’t, it’s good to have some suggestions on hand. According to Jackie Lamas, a contributor to Digital Photography School, some groups you might recommend could include grandparents with grandchildren, parents with their children, all grandchildren, siblings, men and women, cousins, and individual shots.
Take Photos Of Everything
While it’s good to get the more posed group shots, Pete Lagregor, a contributor to ImprovePhotography.com, recommends that you take photos of everything that you can, including the interactions and reactions of the family. Although these candids likely won’t be the images that your client is planning on taking, these moments in time are often found to be the images that people love the most when the photoshoot is over.
If you’re going to be photographing some big family groups soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you get some great shots of everyone.
