Afraid your Big Group is going to turn into a Hot Mess?
Never fear - with a little planning, you can avoid such a fate!
(Unless you WANT it to be a Hot Mess... say if you just told your Suitstuck group to act drunk... *whistles innocently*)
For Big Groups, the hardest part for me is finding the balance between shots of the WHOLE group and still giving people individual portraits. Here are the things I've found to be helpful - and if YOU have ideas, please please PLEASE share!
1. Go Long!
Try for at least one lineup shot. Make sure you have a high enough depth of field to get everyone in focus!
(I try to shoot my groups at f/11 or higher)
My Little Pony, Katsucon 2013
Fancy Tier, Ohayocon 2013
2. Go High!
Balconies and stairs are VERY useful
Sailor Moon, ACEN 2013
3. Portraits - Swap Out The Center
Set up the group in the background, then take turns shooting different characters in the center. (For a more casual shot, you can let the group members joke around and talk!)
Street Tier, Youmacon 2013
Street Tier, Youmacon 2013
"Center" isn't literal
Set up Zombies, switch out Hunters!
Walking Dead, Ohayocon 2013
Walking Dead, Ohayocon 2013
4. Break It Down
Work with smaller sections of the group for a few shots. (Inner and Outer Scouts, rivals, couples, teams, etc.)
Sailor Moon, ACEN 2013
Walking Dead, Ohayocon 2013
5. Go Short!
Shoot a fun detail everyone has - symbols, shoes, etc.
Street Tier, Youmacon 2013
Fancy Tier, Ohayocon 2013
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