Varying physical size, as well as varying attention spans, make photographing a group a challenge for most beginning photographers. Most group photos attempt to express the unity of the group. Arranging people around a large object such as a car, tree, or piece of furniture can help create this effect. Likewise, unity can be shown by having members of the group touch or stand at varying depths within the scene, rather than shoulder to shoulder. For large groups, arranging people in several interconnected sub-groups can give the scene better visual balance. The image will be more appealing if heights are staggered, but men usually prefer to appear taller than women. In the ideal situation, everyone should wear clothing of the same tone, but for unplanned shots, place brightly clothed people in the middle of the group. For married or dating couples, a sense of intimacy can be created by posing the couple facing each other or with each person facing the camera, either side by side or with one behind the other. Minimal physical space between the two people also adds a sense of affection to the portrait.
Frame the Subject
To present the subject as the central element in the image, it’s important to fill the frame by getting as close to the subject as is feasible. That said, framing the subject with an interesting element in the foreground, such as doorway or tree, can add personality to the scene. To create visual balance, imagine the frame being divided by three imaginary lines both vertically and horizontally and place the subject where those lines cross. Also, consider how much of the subject you want to appear in the frame. Will you focus on just the head and shoulders or take a few full-length shots, as well? While portraits lend themselves to the vertical format, don’t neglect the horizontal format, either. As you shoot, keep moving around to adjust your angle of view and capture various aspects of the subject.