Group Photo

[JPS]

Guys, I have a photo of a group of people (maybe about 20) that I am taking tomorrow. I envisage getting them in a 'back and front' row instead of all in a line. My question is, would it be best to focus on the faces of the front row or the back row to keep as much of them in focus as possible. Or is there a better way to do this?

I have never photographed a group like this before, had a smaller group at a recent wedding but not 20 faces.....

 

[WeddingHack]

Focus on the front row, the area of focus is divided one third in front of the focus point, two thirds behind.

Use a smaller aperture like f8 and you'll be fine with two rows.

Duncan

 

[W.Smith]

A 'back and front row' is very static, very classic. And very boring! Try 3 rows. That compacts the scene somewhat. E.g. on steps if they all are standing. Or, if there are kids and/or 'sub-adults' in the scene, seat those on the ground in a front row, elderly people in chairs in the middle row, adults standing in a 3rd row. One or two squatting next to a chair in the 2nd row.
Still a classic group shot, but not as 'stiff' as 2 rows standing.

Consider the group's position relative to the sun. Keep the sun at their backs. Prevents squinting. Use fill-flash to 'open up' shadows in faces. Focus on the front row, with a medium F-stop (5.6 or 8.0).

Ideally, I'd try to make an entirely different group shot: shooting down from a high viewpoint (a stairway landing, balcony, or roof), the group standing, bunched up, and looking up into the lens, saying "SEX". Fill-flash!
That makes for a compact, and different shot.

Have fun!

 

[inaneredstripe]

or even arrange them in an arc, so theyre all the same ish distance from the camera.fill in flash is a def this time of year if your outside.
the higher viewpoint works well. theres always a shorta*** who insists on hiding.
get em to wave, even.
we do that at most weddings for the "everyone" shot" and we always sell it.looks a lot less stiff.

 

[JPS]

Thanks guys