Family (Group) Photography Advice?

leon1p

leon1p

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Graeme
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I'm not really into people pictures at the moment.. but I have been asked to take some family/group snaps at a meal I'm going to with my other halves family.

It's a pre overseas wedding get together in October and they know I'm not a pro photographer but I would like to be able to give them something decent at the end of it.

As I have never really looked at portrait/group photography before can anyone give me any tips/hints to look out for. Will a built in flash do the job?

Some pics may be indoors some outside but as it is October the weather could be anything.

My thoughts at the moment are

1. Shoot RAW so the white balance can be changed (as well as everything else)
2. Use a tripod
3. Take a million pictures so I can even paste open eyes onto people..

All advice and pointers appreciated (Check out my "Camera Bag" in my profile for kit I have)

Cheers

Graeme
 
I was going to suggest good lighting but I see you have a nifty fifty which should help.

You might find space is a problem though... The 18-55 used wide should get everyone in although you don't say how many people are attending, or whether it's a group shot around the table. The built in flash will not be good enough for this type of shot if the room light is dim. Get as much light as possible, use a high iso if you need to. If you can borrow a decent external flash that will help tremendously. You might also want to pick up some collapsible reflectors to make the most of any lighting in the restaurant. You can get some dirt cheap on ebay.

expect to do some pp work lifting shadows in CS3...

Hope that helps and good luck.
 
Thanks guys.. there are a lot of unknowns at present, I have literally been asked to take some photos for them with very little details of numbers or the kind of photos.

Thankfully I have some knowledge of the hotel and I know that it is likely to be in a well lit conservatory like area (or outside).. and is a place I can visit anytime.

My dad has said he has an external flash I can use so I will grab that and try to familiarise myself and get the camera set up. I'm not sure if it's as formal as requiring reflectors etc and given that I'll be there as an amateur I don't want to look pretentious as if suddenly I'm an expert (or do I :D).

Thankfully as an amateur I have given plenty disclaimers that I don't guarantee any results and I was told that I have only been asked because they know I am getting into photography and since I'm there they can make use of me.. and I can make use of the opportunity.. so I will be semi relaxed when doing it.

How are reflectors used? Do they just get beamed at the subjects or again diffused towards the roof?

Thanks for the tips so far!
 
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