Group Photo 101: Poses, Lighting & Other Tips

Taking a group photo is always a challenge. Getting people coordinated, fitting them in the shot, and hoping no one blinks can be quite tricky.

Many times, the act of trying to memorialize an event with a photo ends up detracting from the joy of the moment. 

Fortunately, there are a few secret tricks photographers use to capture amazing group photos. Try some of these the next time you're hanging out with a group of friends.

Stagger Your People

When lining up for a photo, it's natural to want to stand in a straight line. However, staggering can create an incredible image with plenty of dimensions and ensure everyone fits in the frame. 

Instead of standing in a line, have people stagger into a loosely formed front and back row. You can also use a V-shape set-up for a narrower frame and put someone at the pinnacle— this is a fantastic set up for weddings and birthday parties. 

You can also take a big step back and have people scattered over a larger area. This option is a fantastic way to get large family photos or capture socially distanced events with some great captions.

Avoid Front-Facing Poses

While you'll likely want everyone looking at the camera, their entire body doesn't have to be pointed forward. Adding a slight tilt can help you fit more people in less space. Additionally, it adds dimension to the photo that's more flattering for the subjects, as they won't appear flat.

The idea that the camera adds weight or distorts someone's appearance comes from the fact that a 3D object (a human) is being converted into a 2D object. By adding an angle, this effect is lessened.

As an alternative to the tilted bodies, you can also pose people in a semi-circle facing the camera. This positioning has the same effect as a staggered pose or V-formation but draws the eye differently. 

Everybody Snuggle

In theory, if people are getting a group photo together, they should like each other. Unfortunately, that isn't the case in some scenarios, but it's best to ensure that everyone is next to someone they're comfortable with. In other words, if Aunt Helen and Uncle Bob are at odds, put them at opposite ends of a family wedding photo.

Most groups will default to letting everyone have some semblance of personal space. This politeness doesn't always work for group photos. Encourage people to get in, throw their arms around each other, and move a little closer. 

Not only will moving everyone toward each other improve the spacing of the photo, but it also looks more relaxed and natural. It's possible to have people in contact with one another while maintaining professionalism and poise in workplace group shots as well.

Mind the Horizon

If you're taking photos outdoors in a scenic area, be mindful of the horizon behind the subjects. If the horizon lines up with their shoulders or neck, consider changing the angle of the image. This alignment creates an illusion that can distort the image and be distracting.

If possible, look for a solid or neutral background. You can also adjust the focal point by taking the photo from above or below standing height. Keep in mind that neutral doesn’t have to be boring. A group photo in front of a brightly colored mural or backdrop can create an incredible photo— it just has to be consistent for the visuals to work.

Look for Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is the cream of the crop when it comes to taking beautiful group photos. Look for a place that's free of shadows or bright lights, if possible. When planning family photos, consider scheduling them for the evening when the sun is beneath the treeline. Don't panic if it's raining or cloudy— that diffused lighting makes for the best possible pictures.

Be careful when snapping group photos on bright, sunny days, as the overhead light can cause weird shadows. If possible, move into an evenly shaded area, being mindful of the dappled effect from trees.

Use Props

Props can help make it easier for everyone to fit in the frame. In this context, props don't pertain to the photo booth party masks and accessories. Things like chairs, stools, and even stairs can help fit more people in a narrow frame. Having seating available also adds to the staggered approach and can be beneficial for family photos with older family members. Additionally, props prevent people from having to crouch awkwardly or sit on a potentially dirty floor, especially when they’re all dressed up.

If this is a planned photo session, make sure the props are in place before everyone is gathered. Trying to find these elements after the group is assembled is a dangerous game, as the subjects will start to get disinterested and are more likely to wander off.

Use a Smartphone Flashlight

One of the best tricks for capturing fun indoor group shots at a party or dimly lit area is to use a smartphone flashlight. Have someone turn on their flashlight and hold it up toward the group. This creates even lighting that you can adjust to suit the surroundings.

For this to work, you'll likely need some help taking the photo. You can also use a selfie stick or tripod to assist.

Go Sideways

While we tend to stick to the upright photos to make social media posting easy, sometimes it's better to tilt the phone sideways. Landscape shooting allows for more people to fit within the frame without having to stand far away.

If you're snapping photos in portrait mode, be sure to get at least one shot taken sideways to ensure everyone fits and doesn’t get blurred into the background.

Watch Out for the Arm

A well-timed selfie is a fun way to capture a group shot at any event. However, it can be ruined by a misplaced arm. To take a proper selfie, the arm holding the camera shouldn't be evident. There are a few strategies for ensuring this distracting faux pas doesn't happen in your images.

The first strategy is to have the person taking the photo in the center or slightly in front of everyone else. The second strategy is to have the person with the longest limbs act as your human selfie stick while standing at the edge of the group. Take your time to find the right positioning before snapping the photo.

Use the Timer

Using the timer gives everyone a chance to prepare themselves and make their final adjustments before the camera clicks. Using the timer is also a great way to prevent blinking, as everyone will be able to get it out of their system.

The main challenge when using the timer is that people tend to hold their pose for longer. As a result, the photo may look stiff or false. Encourage the comedian of the group— everyone has one— to get people going. Alternatively, get everyone moving and joking around instead of holding a pose. 

The essence of a great group photo is capturing the emotion, not focusing on the subject. If some people laugh and look at each other rather than the camera, the photo is a success.

Fix Your Focus

Whether you're capturing a group photo with a proper camera or an iPhone, choosing the right focal point is essential. When using an iPhone, be sure that portrait mode is turned off for large groups. If it isn't, some subjects may end up blurred into the background. Portrait mode is a fantastic tool for getting a bokeh effect on close group photos, as long as no one is staggered.

When using a smartphone, click and hold the point on the screen where you want the light to focus. Generally, this will be on the central subject of the photo. However, if the lighting is slightly off and you're combatting shadows, you can click elsewhere to balance it out. Hold the screen until it confirms that the focus is locked in place. This feature is fantastic when using the timer, as it ensures that movement doesn’t alter the focal point of the image.

When using a camera, adjust your aperture accordingly. Check to ensure no one is faded out in the background. If you have rows of people, focus on the midpoint or forward.

Use Burst Mode

Burst mode is a group photographer's best friend. Taking a photo in burst mode using the timer or by manually triggering the setting makes it easier to get a good picture without having to reset. That way, if one friend is closing their eyes in one photo, you have multiple other chances to get it right.

Burst mode is also perfect for snapping action shots. If you’re getting photos of your friends dancing up a storm or trying a cliche-yet-fun jumping pose, burst mode is a must. 

Relax and Have Fun

Finally, the best way to get a group photo is to encourage everyone to relax and have fun. Let kids move around and get a little wild in their nice clothes. Let cousins catch up and comment on their aunt’s dance moves at a family wedding. Start clicking before everyone is posed to get some fun candid shots as the group laughs and engages with one another. As with life, the best moments are often those fleeting memories between significant events.

Use a countdown to give everyone a chance to relax and pose. Keep everyone loose and comfortable by taking pauses to move around and get resituated between bursts.

With these simple tricks and some light editing, you'll be able to capture amazing group shots.