Family/Group pictures?

djspinner2k

This topic intrests me too. I have taken many group pictures. none of which were going to be used for making money. So I am really nervous now to take the shot that I would want some one to pay for instance $12 for an 8X10.

Having said that. I have a Canon 30D with a 24-70 F2.8L and a 70-200 F2.8L. I have a tripod, some portable studio lights that can be used with AC/DC power. the lights are said to go 300 watt sec at full power a peice. I have 2 of them. I have a 430 EX flash and a camera bracket. A backdrop stand with one backdrop. that you can see on my pictures petrovphotography.smugmug.com

I am new to the whole digital SLR group. I have been taking pictures for 10 years but just reacently started a business in photography.

I am planing on shooting family pictures. some outside in the back yard others inside like by a fire place. or a christmas tree. something like that, I have never done this before so my creative juices aren't flowing. so here comes the questions.

If I am shooting a family husband, wife, and 2 kids. how to you position them?

when shooting indoors do I go with the flash on the camera (430 ex) or roll in the lights on the stands? (I don't have a studio so all my shots are at the peoples houses)

What is the trick to using a defuser? (I have a cheap rectangle looking one, that I never use because the pictures don't seem any better)

Thanks for any help you can offer to me.

System

bump-

maybe someone can direct you to a discussion of what you want to know here on dgrin or elsewhere-

this thread might need to be moved to another board-

Mr. 2H2O

First I'd recommend hitting http://strobist.blogspot.com/ and paging through the posts to learn principles of lighting using the equipment you have on hand - there is a LOT you can do with just simple flashes - especially outdoors.

Second I would recommend searching Google for "studio posing" and read through the various opinions about posing individuals and groups and take notes and develop a standard style (common posing style) plus some of your own original style for poses - I get surprised at how some off-beat posing seems to please folks more than "standard" poses sometimes.

It seems to me you have done a really good job with your post-processing on your pictures I viewed.

- Mike

djspinner2k

i will start with your suggestions
.

Scotty_R

Here are two excellent books on the subject--well worth their price. Please make sure to post your efforts so we can share in your progress!

The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing
http://www.amazon.com/Portrait-Photographers-Guide-Posing/dp/158428126X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/102-9110751-4904113

and

The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Family-Portrait-Photography-Professional/dp/1584281723/ref=pd_sim_b_2_img

Both by Bill Hurter, both fine starting points.

tlee

Scotty_R wrote:

Here are two excellent books on the subject--well worth their price. Please make sure to post your efforts so we can share in your progress!

The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing
http://www.amazon.com/Portrait-Photographers-Guide-Posing/dp/158428126X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/102-9110751-4904113

and

The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Family-Portrait-Photography-Professional/dp/1584281723/ref=pd_sim_b_2_img

Both by Bill Hurter, both fine starting points.

I have just started to do more "human" portraits--small and large family shots included. So, I am in a similiar situation regarding posing, and lighting.
Thanks for posting these book reccomendations--I think I will invest in one (or maybe both) of them.