Posing Groups

[slightlyimperfect]

This is some family shots of a wedding I shot this weekend. I was hoping to get some ideas on how I could of posed these family shots better.

Any other sugestions are also welcomed and appreciate. I am shooting another wedding this weekend so I could use the help.

Thanks for C&C

Robin
Ps I posed both pictures how ever I did not take the one with the babies in it as I am in that picture.

[PeterToronto]

The groom is looking away in the first shot, and the child in front has his hand up in front of his face.

The most striking problem with each of these shots without question is the location. The background is just a wall, and a drab one at that.

I tend to shoot larger groups from above to provide something other than the typical lineup shot like you have. If the opportunity presents itself next time, give it a try.

Peace
Peter

peter anthony PHOTOGRAPHY - Home (http://www.peteranthonyphotography.com)

[Mad Aussie]

To add to PerterT's comments ... all of which I agree with ...

I find the arrangement very messy also. With the babies in the shot I would have had the mothers holding the babies and standing in front of their husbands with their husbands arms around them. Similar to how it is in the 2nd shot really.

The focus seems to be off a little in the 1st shot too. There's also too much space to either side and above.
The 1st lady (coming from the right hand side as we look) appears to be squashed behind the bride/grooms father. Although if she was holding the baby as I suggested that wouldn't be the case.

Keeping kids attention is a skill and a shy person will rarely obtain it. Charisma is needed just before the shot is taken ... something that grabs everyone and makes them look where you want them to look. If you can't do it ... every wedding has it's clown so get that person to help. You'd be surprised how a bright kids toy and a funny voice will get every child ( from 1 yr old through to 90 yrs) looking ;)

I just re-read your post Robin and noticed you didn't take that first shot. Thank goodness. It wasn't taken by anyone who had a clue I'm afraid. The 2nd shot is definitely better with it's tighter grouping and everyone looking, lack of other distractions. Suits buttoned up, it all helps tremendously.

The subdued colouring in the processing doesn't work for me.
I think for weddings people usually expect to see either B&W or full, strong colours. I would stick to this for the 'std' shots like these family groupings. Get creative if you wish with the bridal shots etc but take some 'safety' shots, in other words std shots as well.

No flash? A flash is a very handy tool for this sort of thing. But you need to know how to use it.

That's about it from me I think ... :rolleyes:

[Bambi]

I just wanted to add that this thread is very informative. Thanks for posting Robin and thanks for the responses Peter and MA.:)

and a sure fire way to get a child's attention is bubbles....

[Mad Aussie]

I just wanted to add that this thread is very informative. Thanks for posting Robin and thanks for the responses Peter and MA.:)

and a sure fire way to get a child's attention is bubbles....
I can see how that would work for adults as well ...
http://www.blogthecoast.com/runway_ready/archives/bubbles-gaga-0309.jpg

[slightlyimperfect]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions. So very helpful. There is so much to remember with wedding photography. I didn't even notice the Jackets not buttoned up in the first one. Yikes!
I think I do have a picture of kid actually smiling I just have to go threw the thousand of pictures to pick the best ones out of the bunch.

I didn't have a lot of choice for the location. It was sinfully sunny and this was the only shade. It was the side of the church. I had hotshot flash...still learning how to use it tho. If this was your wedding shoot Peter, would you have moved the whole family to a park or something? I just thought its better just to shoot close to where the ceremony is for ease and time restrictions.

Thank you also for the input on the coloring. I liked it but your probably right about people wanting crisp color or BW.

The lady squished... is me :) Should have held the baby for sure I can see that now.

oodles of thanks
Robin

[Mad Aussie]

Most weddings I've seen these days are chosen because there is nice areas for photography at the location. I've never been to a church wedding though. Then the Bride and Groom are sometimes transported to a nearby beach, park etc for some alone photos.

Sounds like you were restricted in this regard on this one.

Have a look at some wedding photographer sites and learn some of the poses but also some of the creative shots people take. For instance ... the brides shoes draped in her necklace with some flowers behind. That sort of thing.

[PeterToronto]

Bubbles...bubbles...did someone say bubbles...where are the bubbles?

I'm a sucker for them too.

Sorry I couldn't resist the opportunity.

Peace
Peter

peter anthony PHOTOGRAPHY - Home (http://www.peteranthonyphotography.com)

[Mad Aussie]

Bubbles...bubbles...did someone say bubbles...where are the bubbles?
She's so popular!!! ;)

[jlabel]

When I shoot that type of group shot I tend to ask ppl to get closer each other and frame them leg up, instead of the whole body cause some person might be wearing something weird that can pull the attention down, if theres small kids someone would carry them, plus if theres straight lines in the scene I like them leveled without perspective for this type of picture, I also like to put the camera on tripod, since sometimes youll have many shots like that and you dont want to risk the nice one blurred out, unless youre using flash.