quick question ... shooting group portrait

[krisz]

Hello all,

super newbie here, just finally learning my settings other than auto :D, so please be gentle...

I am taking some pictures of my friends family tomorrow, outdoors,mid day, super sunny-i'm in Vegas :), was wondering what are the best setings would be,,i have a Canon rebel Xs, kit lens..thank you!

[BurnUnit]

Depending on the size of the group you'll probably want to shoot toward the wide end of your lens' zoom range. Use the AV mode and work around f8 or f11 to increase depth of field. The real challenge you're making for yourself is shooting in the high mid-day sun. The harsh shadows on peoples' faces  will be less than flattering and you subjects will be more prone to squinting.

Lower morning or afternoon sun will provide better lighting. If possible, get your subjects into the shade somewhere, even if it's under an awning or marquee. They'll be happier and more likely to smile and keep their eyes open. Keep the sun at your back or to the side, out of the scene. Try to find an uncluttered background. Take plenty of shots from slightly different angles and distances. Move in closer for some wider angle shots then step back and zoom in a little bit to fill the frame as needed.

At least you're not having to shoot this group in northern Indiana at the moment. Below zero and single digit temps means you can't shoot till everybody stops shivering.

[krisz]

Thank you so much for the reply!!

I was trying for a softer light, so told them later in the day, but they didnt have time then. ..And of course last two days were perfectly overcast, hah!

I will take everything into account, appreciate the advise!

Thanks 🙂

[ScottyP]

Shoot zoomed out leaving a LOT of extra space around the subject. If you use a wide-ish lens ( 16-24) people on the edges of the photo will be bloated. Frame loosely so you can crop the distorted edges out. 

[RobertTheFat]

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ScottyP wrote:

Shoot zoomed out leaving a LOT of extra space around the subject. If you use a wide-ish lens ( 16-24) people on the edges of the photo will be bloated. Frame loosely so you can crop the distorted edges out. 

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Try to find a shady area where the light is less harsh. Try to use fill flash, but remember that most eyeglasses will cause glare spots. If the group is small enough that you get to worry about people's expressions or whether they have their eyes open, take at least twice as many pictures as there are members of the group.

If someone else insists on taking pictures too, insist that he/she stand as close to you as possible. Otherwise, some people's eyes will be pointed at the other photographer. And remind the members of the group, that if they can't see your lens, their faces will not show.

[ebiggs1]

"Try to find a shady area where the light is less harsh."

That is the main thing you need to do.  Never shoot people in direct Sun light.  Contrast soars with the Sun. You shouldn't need a tripod either.  Make sure everyone knows if they can not see the lens, the lens can not see them.  Either set the camera for low speed continuous shooting or take multiple shots.  Somebody will invariably have their eyes closed or yawn or some darn thing else.  Also be aware of your form factor.  2x3 is not an 8x10 photo.

Of course you need to set for correct exposure but a good start might be f8, 1/100, ISO 200 and AWB.

[krisz]

Thank you all so much for the input!!
I found some filtered light, and put them in kind if a shade..about to see what i did! 😄
Appreciate all the helpful advise, thanks guys!!

[BurnUnit]

Be sure to post some samples... we want to see how you did!

[krisz]

They are not the best 😕 

but this is before photoshop..so i m hoping

i learned a lot today..thanks again for all the help!

[RobertTheFat]

Those aren't at all bad. You got good expressions, and I think you handled the lighting very well. I'll offer one suggestion in response to what I've seen categorized as a "rookie mistake": Don't cut off the feet in a group picture. It's OK to end the picture mid-torso (like you did in the first one), but when you cut off just the feet, it looks sloppy.