Group shots

My camera has various drive modes, from single shot to high-speed continuous. How do I know which one to use?

- Sally Hall

A Shooting one person is always easier than trying to harmonise

a group. With a group, it’s tougher to work up a coherent composition and, of course, you have the added pressure of trying to get a number of people to take direction from you all at the same time.

When you have more formal groups, such as a football team, it’s not quite as tricky because there is a simple formula we are all used to seeing. When it comes to a family with all ages, shapes and sizes to contend with, it can be tricky. First of all, you need to be the focus of their attention so they can take clear direction from you.

I always look for something that can be used as a prop to help knit the group together – like a bench or a tree! Then I start moving people about until a composition that looks ordered, but not too formal, takes shape. This can happen immediately, or it might take one or two goes to get right. If it’s not working, then just try a different direction.

The most important thing is that they look comfortable, natural and happy as a group: as a general rule, people don’t want to see family images of themselves looking miserable! It’s important that you are continually chatting and relaxing them. There is also the small matter of worrying about exposure and light (especially if you’re working with natural light, as I tend to do), making sure everyone’s eyes are open, and so on. It really can be exhausting, but don’t panic or rush, as that is when you get yourself into a flap and it goes wrong. Good luck!