Advice on taking a large family shot please

[ShawWellPete]

I have been asked by some family friends to take a family shot for their dad. There will be 6 adults, a baby and a toddler and they are open to ideas about the style of the photo.

I could probably get hold of some lights and do a studio shoot but I think I'd prefer to do it in natural light maybe with fill flash. I was thinking of taking them to Clapham Common (there's quite a nice recently refurbished Victorian Bandstand) or just out in my garden in late afternoon Sunlight.

Has anybody got any advice of how to compose the image so it looks good? I'd like to do something a bit more fun than just getting them in a row!

 

[InaGlo]

Never taken a group shot myself so cant help.

But if GillyB doesnt see this thread, drop her a PM ... she does these kind of shots all the time.
Good luck.

 

[CT]

In a large group, you'll always have people who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. A good idea is get people making contact with the person next to them - squeezed up close, linking arms, use your imagination. It's amazing how people feel more comfortable and look more relaxed straight away, and actually start to smile quite naturally.

Avoid lining them up like stumps at all costs.

 

[theMusicMan]

Great question SW4peter... I have two family portrait sessions over the next two days too. One tonight and another tomorrow afternoon with 3 and 5 people respectively.

Will be watching this thread with interest.

 

[ShawWellPete]

Thanks for the advice so far, I'd love to see some examples of similar shots...

 

[theMusicMan]

If the ones I take of the family of three tonight are any good Peter, I'll gladly post the link to them on here for you to peek at.

Not sure if they'll be any good though... fingers crossed.

 

[cjnicolai]

Jhob posted a similar question not long ago. I'm in a bit of a rush or I'd link it for you -- should be very easy to find, though.

- CJ

 

[mjwman]

IMHO you should avoid a tight group. That is fine for some stock wedding groups.
How about spacing everybody out. Sitting standing etc. Men crossed arms, hand in pockets etc.
Kids in front doing their own thing, even moving or jumping. This will make a more vibrant, personal and alive photo.

 

[ShawWellPete]

That's good advice mjwman. I saw a portrait in The Sunday Times today taken in the British museum, I may take them there. The entrance hall has amazing light...

 

[W.Smith]

The entrance hall has amazing light...

So don't kill it with flash . . .