What aperture to use/where to focus for large family shoot...

I'm doing a shoot with a large family (about 20 people). What is the best place to focus/best aperture so I capture everyone without blur? Would an 85mm 1.8 lens on and xti be ok for it?

Thanks!

yep, but don't shoot it wide open.

Focus on the eyes of the middle person, front row. You get more dof going back, and anything out of focus to the rear is preferable to a front row oof, which is death.

Shoot at f/8 or f/11.

Also, a neat trick I learned from Scott Kelby (his books, not in person). Before you shoot, tell everyone to close their eyes. Tell them to open them on the count of 3 and smile. Count down, and when you say open, wait one more beat, and shoot 3 or 4 frames on continuous.

That way, everyones eyes are open!

Rockin tip! Thanks. Do you suggest investing in a different lens for general purpose? I have the 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 and the xti kit lens. What else is a must? (I do mostly portraits, and weddings)

I primarily use the 24-70 f2.8L and the 70-200 f2.8L IS for my wedding shots.

tatonkaowashee wrote in post #5742368
Rockin tip! Thanks. Do you suggest investing in a different lens for general purpose? I have the 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 and the xti kit lens. What else is a must? (I do mostly portraits, and weddings)

Not necessarily. If you get the results you need and your clients approve of, save the cash. Like Zoniart, I suggest buying great glass, not just any glass. You have two great lens right now.

Good to know this, thanks for the tips!

Here's something I've had some good luck with. After you shoot the 'posed' shots, say "great thanks" or whatever, make them think you're done. But keep your frame focused and composed, and shoot several images quickly. I've gotten some great images with a more natural feel that way.

tatonkaowashee wrote in post #5742314
I'm doing a shoot with a large family (about 20 people). What is the best place to focus/best aperture so I capture everyone without blur? Would an 85mm 1.8 lens on and xti be ok for it?

Thanks!

mattograph wrote in post #5742348
yep, but don't shoot it wide open.

I have to disagree, you dont want to use an 85mm to shoot a group on a crop sensor. You would need to be so far back the group wont even hear your directions. Use something wider, at least a 17-40 or equivalent.

The 85 is a little long for a group that large. You will need a lot of room to stand back. Also, if you have stairs to have everyone on a close plane, that would help, too. The f1.8 aperture is going to put some in clear focus, others blurred. If you can go f8 or f11, that would be much better. If that is the only lens you have, use it! But just remember, it's long on a cropped camera, more like 110mm. So, please, practice and have plenty of room to move back.

whoadude wrote in post #5745444
I have to disagree, you dont want to use an 85mm to shoot a group on a crop sensor. You would need to be so far back the group wont even hear your directions. Use something wider, at least a 17-40 or equivalent.

SuzyView wrote in post #5745486
The 85 is a little long for a group that large. You will need a lot of room to stand back. Also, if you have stairs to have everyone on a close plane, that would help, too. The f1.8 aperture is going to put some in clear focus, others blurred. If you can go f8 or f11, that would be much better. If that is the only lens you have, use it! But just remember, it's long on a cropped camera, more like 110mm. So, please, practice and have plenty of room to move back.

Sorry, I presumed that was what he had to work with. If he is in the market for the appropriate lens, I have to agree with you guys. Go wider.

EDIT: Also, I presumed that he was a he and not a she. I will never learn.

I would definitely think about investing in a good wide angle lens. Depending on what you can invest, I recommend the 17-40 for under $600. It's a bargain.

No need to buy new glass, (unless you want to ). Use your 50 1.8 or the kit lens. When stopped way down, like you'll need to do (f8-f10), they will be sharp enough. Be sure to use a tripod, since small apertures lead to slow shutter speeds.

When I shoot groups I use a 28mm or a 35mm. An 85mm is to long.