Aperture for Group Picture

[katman]

What Aperture, AF setting to use for group picture, let's say a reunion group picture taken indoors.

I noticed that photos I took focuses only on some of the people in the group, Is it possible to obtain a portrait effect but with many people inside the frame

Thanks in advance

 

[zac08]

What Aperture, AF setting to use for group picture, let's say a reunion group picture taken indoors.

I noticed that photos I took focuses only on some of the people in the group, Is it possible to obtain a portrait effect but with many people inside the frame

Thanks in advance

Use a smaller aperture, i.e. a setting with a larger number f11 onwards. This will reduce the shutter speed, so you may need to compensate with either a higher ISO or by using flash.

 

[kelccm]

When shooting a large group photo, the best is to use a small aperture and mount your camera on a tripod. Also take the time to arrange the people properly, try to avoid too many rows if possible.

 

[eng_keow]

Because you'll be using a wide angle lens, it will allow you to use a lower shutter speed. As I am using a 17-40mm f4, I tend to use manual, f5.6, 1/50 or 1/40 with a bounce flash. Focus at the nearest member of the group, usually the corner person as the group is usually concave towards you. This is for a group of about 8 to 12 ppl. I find that there is no need to use that small an aperture. Well, that's for me.

Oh yes, if you are using the flash direct, eg for a bigger group, remember to pull out your wide angle diffuser from the flash so that you do get a vignetting effect from your flash.

 

[katman]

When shooting a large group photo, the best is to use a small aperture and mount your camera on a tripod. Also take the time to arrange the people properly, try to avoid too many rows if possible.

If I use flash, do I still need a tripod?

 

[katman]

Thanks for all your advise, will practice this and hope to get better pictures, thanks again

 

[eng_keow]

If I use flash, do I still need a tripod?

If you are taking 20 -30 ppl, It think you probably have to. I once tried to take 80 ppl in 3 rows using Sigma 12-24mm with 3 flashes - 1 master and 2 slaves. The lighting was still horrendous.

 

[fotoudavid]

pump iso to 800 or 1200, set 1/60, f5.6 or maybe f8.

 

[spazzer]

mount in on a tripod and f5.6 should be good!

 

[fotoudavid]

tripod a good choice if can use.

 

[contaxable]

Hi, maybe it might be good to set to infinity. Aperture would not matter then for fear of DOF issue between front to back rows.

Hence the 16-35mii do come in handy for tighter space for group shots. (I have dosed a tint of BBB poision here :bsmilie: ). Any doctor here for the BBB cure?

 

[Artosoft]

Hi, maybe it might be good to set to infinity. Aperture would not matter then for fear of DOF issue between front to back rows.

I prefer not to set it to infinity distance. It is still better if you focus on your group than infinity distance.

Unless your group is at infinity distance.

Regards,
Arto.