Arranging the group
- Never just line them up. Mix head heights — that alone makes the composition dynamic.
- Front and back: smaller and shorter members to the front, taller and larger-framed to the rear.
- Closeness: families and friends should be touching and physically connected; business or unrelated groups stay close with no uneven gaps.
- Position everyone so nobody is looking off-frame; group interaction reads better than a row of faces, but "everyone at the camera" is a valid alternative.
The blink trick use it
If someone blinks constantly, have the whole group close their eyes, count to three together, then open and smile on the same beat.
Settings for groups
- Aperture: f/5.6–f/11 — enough depth of field to hold every face while the background still softens.
- Focal length: stay off ultra-wide lenses; edge distortion is obvious with people at the frame edges. 50–135mm is the safe range.
- Focus: focus on the front row's eyes; check the back row at 100% before moving on.
- Indoors: f/5.6–f/11 for groups (f/1.8–f/5.6 for one or two people), ISO up only once the shutter drops below about 1/125 s.
Placing them in the light
Put the group in open shade, or put the sun at their backs and use fill flash. Ideal window for outdoor family portraits: 45 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after. Sunrise gives only about 20 minutes after the sun clears the horizon.
Planning a family session
Clothing & appearance
- Ask them to plan outfits in advance and bring a change. Similar colour tones across the family read best.
- Avoid one person in bright colours, and avoid busy patterns.
- Clothes they're comfortable in — not too tight, short or warm.
- Make-up and accessories simple; trendy choices date the picture fast.
What to bring
- Props: toys or games to keep young children engaged (and laughing).
- Outdoors: towel or paper towels, a blanket for ground shots, hair ties and a brush for wind, bug spray, a small mirror, and a bag for purses and shoes.
- Tripod: frame first, then take your eye off the camera and talk to people directly — the connection is what makes the frame.
Consolidated from references: Photzy Group Posing Guide, Planning a Family Portrait Session, Outdoor Natural Light, Indoor Natural Light.