Tips on shooting a formal group portrait

[Anorakus]

I've been asked to do a formal group shot of some Special Constables... the sort of thing that's done in a school photo, i.e. two or three rows, rear standing, front kneeling.

Does anyone have any tips on positioning - especially if there are an even number of bodies - and posing the subjects in each row? (I was thinking about having them hold their hats under the right arm)

On the technical side, the shot will be done outdoors... would shooting with fill-in flash produce a better result?

Thanks for any advice,

A.

 

[CT]

Front row kneeling doesn't sound very dignified for this sort of formal shot?

It's usual for shots of uniformed groups for the hats to be worn. I'd suggest the front row seated with the hands uniformly placed on the knees, second row standing, and third row standing on a bench or something similar, which is the usual drill for this sort of shot. Try to arrange the bods in the second and third rows so that the height is as uniform as possible in each row.

It's usual to have the most senior at the centre position in the front row, with seniority reducing towards both ends if that makes sense.

Boring as hell tbh, but that's the sort of shot that's usually required for these formal groups.

Fill flash should certainly brighten the shot a bit.

 

[Techno-Geek]

Got any remote flashes? Stands etc. . .

Stands as in, for the back rowers to stand on lol