I've had a few FULL family sessions here lately...

When I used to shoot weddings, I had lots of large group images to shoot as well...

Photography can already be daunting when you are really wanting beautiful story-telling images...but, throw roughly 15 different individuals into the mix and things get a little crazy...

and not just with the photography part...

there's posing and keeping kiddos happy and lots of checks and rechecks...

Here are a list of things that I tend to run through the checklist in my mind as I'm photographing large groups...

1. Try to keep everyone on the same plane:  This means, you almost want to pretend that everyone is a mime and they are trying to get out of the "box" so to speak (are you picturing everyone with white gloves and painted faces putting their hands on the imaginary glass?) The more you are able to keep everyone's faces somewhat on that "plane" the better chance you have at being able to still get some beautiful bokeh AND getting sharp images.


2. Keep in mind your depth of field as it pertains to your aperture.  There are two schools of thought here...1) you CAN have a low aperture...even as wide as 1.6 with lots of people (see my example above) However, IF that is the case, it is IMPERATIVE that you not only keep them on the same plane but, you also have to keep in mind just how far away you (and your camera) are from the subjects.  The further away you are, the wider IN focus area you will have.
2) bump your aperture up to at least f4.  If you remember in our Snapshop class we talked about aperture and I gave you the example of the telescope?  The higher the number, the more in focus...but, you will also lose bokeh if you go too high.


3. Have everyone touching in some way. This goes more in line with my philosophy of photography than anything else, but the last thing you want with large group photos is for it look like a mugshot line up.  Typically, with large groups, in my line of "work" they are FAMILY...so remind them to get close...even into each other's personal space...it's only for a little bit of time, but very worth it in the end.

4. Line up feet.  This pertains more to groups that are only in one line, but people tend to want to form a "U" shape instead of staying on that "same plane" as I mentioned before.  Sometimes I just have them scooooot back on the ends to form a straighter line.

5. Keep your shutterspeed FAST!  This is critical!  Especially if your aperture is lower...It also sometimes means that you have to bump up your ISO to compensate and allow for that increased speed.  You still need a good amount of light!

6. Check your LCD screen.  Yes, this takes time and you have to make people wait a second before moving...but, the alternative is to realize AFTER everyone has moved out of position that you have blinks or someone's head is hidden or there is a blur somewhere...I typically will sing them a song or tell a joke or do something to keep their attention IN THEIR SPOT while I do a quick check!  

Friends, I hope this helps you when you are planning your get togethers this fall and winter!  I know large family pictures can be challenging, but if you keep these tips in mind, I know that they'll help you in getting those images that you envision!!!

(if you are still having trouble, I would definitely look into getting your lens and/or camera cleaned & calibrated just in case there is a mechnical issue...especially if you've tried all these suggestions listed above)

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!