Large Family Group Shot - Advice Needed

Hi,

I've been asked to shoot a large family group shot, probably around 18 people.

Its probably going to have to be outside due to the size of the group, but Im looking for some ideas or advice on posing them. I really want to avoid the boring normal group shot if possible. Has anyone got any examples of any shots they've taken of a group this size?

I'll be lighting to group with strobes.

The majority of the group will be middle aged, with a few people in their 20's.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Chris

With that large a group..it is diffult to get everyone on the same game plan..one suggestion, instead of the normal standing, arranged by size etc....have people on the ends leaning in toward the center, maybe turned with backs toward center and looking over shoulder, mix and match, maybe ask everyone to create their own pose....spread them out...

Unless you have unlimited time, I would never waste it on the group shots. I think it's the only part of the day that has historical value -- and very little (if any) artistic value. Trying to get creative/artistic with 18 people is going to suck up serious time that you could spend making beautiful images with the couple or of them hanging out at the cocktail hour. I line up and shoot group portraits with the goal of getting the family/bridal party shots done in ten minutes. My couples (and families) love me for it

Food for thought...

Bobby

Hi thanks for both of your comments.

Bobby, this is actually a portrait shoot and not a wedding, Its their Grandmothers 80th Birthday and they're after a group shot of all of the family.

The weddings I do I tend not to focus too heavily on the big group shots, I'm always stuck for creative ideas with such big groups.

Why don't you just ask these people what they want?

I'm guessing they're looking for the traditional, "wall hanger" maybe 3 rows deep with granny seated up front surrounded by her various offspring.

With the elderly it's hard to do anything casual.

Do two photos. One with three rows, keep the heads so they're not aligned vertically and mix it up horizontally. People in the front can sit on chairs if you like. Nice and simple. Next you can space them over a wider area, have them more casual - check out the thread that includes the title "toogy style" for examples.

Cheers Tim.

Here's a typical group shot... stand way above ground level, e.g. stairwell about 6' high, and have the entire group huddle around in an arc and look upwards toward your camera. Take the shot!