Basic Photography Course

results must appear casual and realistic. The members
may be seated, kneeling, or standing in a variety of

positions and do not have to be looking in the same
direction.

Arrangement of personnel to obtain the best

composition is one of the most important factors in
group photography. Regardless of the number of
persons in a group, they should be arranged to fill the
picture in such a way so you get the largest possible
image size of each person. One exception to this general
rule is when the importance of the background is equal
to or greater than the group itself. This often occurs with
an informal group when the picture is actually intended

to emphasize an object or piece of equipment, rather
than the individuals. In this case, locate the camera for
the best composition of the object; then arrange the
people in the picture to enhance the story being told

A formal group of about five people can be

composed to fill the picture area very nicely. When six
to ten persons are being photographed in a group, it is
advisable to arrange them in two rows. For larger formal
groups, arrange the people in as many rows as necessary
to fill the frame. Avoid stringing out one long, narrow
line of people across the frame.

When a large group is formed into three or more

rows, you must devise some method to prevent the rear
rows from being blocked from view. Furthermore, in
order to compose the picture properly and fill it from top
to bottom, you must see that each row is higher than the
preceding one. One method is to arrange the group on
the steps of a building, bleachers, or a terrace, so each
row is higher than the preceding one. On level ground
the first row can be seated, the second standing, and the

third standing on benches. Another method that can be
used in combination with the first is to elevate the
camera so it is pointing down at an angle on the group.
This method is useful as an aid in composing and filling
the picture area. A higher camera angle can be useful in

eliminating an undesirable background. When raising
the camera above eye level, you must avoid excessive
distortion of the figures and vertical lines by too much
elevation.

Particularly in formal group photography, the

arrangement should be symmetrical. But avoid having
an equal number of persons in each tow. Keeping the
number unequal permits each person in the second and
succeeding rows to stand directly behind the space

between the heads in the preceding row. This provides
a much better view of each person. The number in each
row should differ by one person.

Figure 6-3.Arrange long rows in a semicircle.

Customarily, in a formal group, the highest ranking

person is located in the center of the first row and other

members of the group are arranged alternately to the
right and left by grade. When all members of the group
are the same grade, arrange them according to height,
with the tall ones either in the center or at the ends, or
occupying the rear row.

When you are arranging a large group in which

about twelve or more persons are in each row, it is
advisable to form them in a slight semicircle instead of
a straight line (fig. 6-3). This places each person
approximately the same distance from the camera and
keeps the images a uniform size. Instruct each person to
turn slightly so he or she is facing directly toward the

camera.

The shorter the focal length of the lens used, the

more pronounced is the distortion effect of apparent
bending of a straight row. A proportionally greater
distance exists between the center and the ends of a row
with a camera having a short-focal-length lens than with

one having a long-focal-length lens.

When the formal group is arranged and ready to be

photographed, ensure each member is in the same
relative position, hats are at the same angle, and
uniforms are correct and neat. See that the hands and

6-8

contents

Basic Photography Course

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DOFMaster for Windows On-line Depth of Field Calculator DOFMaster for Mobile Devices On-line Depth of Field Table Hyperfocal Distance Chart Articles FAQ Recommended Books Support Contact Links Home As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.	contents <- previous page next page -> results must appear casual and realistic. The members may be seated, kneeling, or standing in a variety of positions and do not have to be looking in the same direction. Arrangement of personnel to obtain the best composition is one of the most important factors in group photography. Regardless of the number of persons in a group, they should be arranged to fill the picture in such a way so you get the largest possible image size of each person. One exception to this general rule is when the importance of the background is equal to or greater than the group itself. This often occurs with an informal group when the picture is actually intended to emphasize an object or piece of equipment, rather than the individuals. In this case, locate the camera for the best composition of the object; then arrange the people in the picture to enhance the story being told A formal group of about five people can be composed to fill the picture area very nicely. When six to ten persons are being photographed in a group, it is advisable to arrange them in two rows. For larger formal groups, arrange the people in as many rows as necessary to fill the frame. Avoid stringing out one long, narrow line of people across the frame. When a large group is formed into three or more rows, you must devise some method to prevent the rear rows from being blocked from view. Furthermore, in order to compose the picture properly and fill it from top to bottom, you must see that each row is higher than the preceding one. One method is to arrange the group on the steps of a building, bleachers, or a terrace, so each row is higher than the preceding one. On level ground the first row can be seated, the second standing, and the third standing on benches. Another method that can be used in combination with the first is to elevate the camera so it is pointing down at an angle on the group. This method is useful as an aid in composing and filling the picture area. A higher camera angle can be useful in eliminating an undesirable background. When raising the camera above eye level, you must avoid excessive distortion of the figures and vertical lines by too much elevation. Particularly in formal group photography, the arrangement should be symmetrical. But avoid having an equal number of persons in each tow. Keeping the number unequal permits each person in the second and succeeding rows to stand directly behind the space between the heads in the preceding row. This provides a much better view of each person. The number in each row should differ by one person. Figure 6-3.Arrange long rows in a semicircle. Customarily, in a formal group, the highest ranking person is located in the center of the first row and other members of the group are arranged alternately to the right and left by grade. When all members of the group are the same grade, arrange them according to height, with the tall ones either in the center or at the ends, or occupying the rear row. When you are arranging a large group in which about twelve or more persons are in each row, it is advisable to form them in a slight semicircle instead of a straight line (fig. 6-3). This places each person approximately the same distance from the camera and keeps the images a uniform size. Instruct each person to turn slightly so he or she is facing directly toward the camera. The shorter the focal length of the lens used, the more pronounced is the distortion effect of apparent bending of a straight row. A proportionally greater distance exists between the center and the ends of a row with a camera having a short-focal-length lens than with one having a long-focal-length lens. When the formal group is arranged and ready to be photographed, ensure each member is in the same relative position, hats are at the same angle, and uniforms are correct and neat. See that the hands and 6-8 contents Basic Photography Course <- previous page next page ->	As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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