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Most group portrait photographers would define a “group photo” as three or more subjects in one frame. While two subjects do make a “group,” those sessions require less group portrait photography techniques.
Group portrait photos demand more attention from professional photographers. Instead of one subject, they need to account for multiple at one time. Group portrait photographers focus on these key details:
We prefer to have three subjects in photos with vertical dimensions. Any more subjects will tighten the crop and shrink head sizes. This concept is discussed in more detail when comparing Singe Page vs Two-Page Spreads.
As group portrait photographers, it is our responsibility to showcase each subject as a confident and powerful team member. Philadelphia is a hub for law firms, medical practices, and real estate agents searching for bold team photos.
Review this list before capturing your business portraits in Philadelphia.
Wardrobe selections can make or break a group portrait. We recommend communicating with each team member to ensure they wear suitable colors.
Loud reds or yellows can break the continuity and disrupt the color palette. When preparing for team photos, we recommend neutral colors that match. A navy-blue suit or brown dress is a simple and safe option.
Earth tone colors are an ideal choice for outdoor group portrait photography. Green, blue, brown, and khaki are common colors in nature. This kind of clothing will compliment outdoor environments and other natural settings.
Clothes with patterns will make a group portrait look too busy. The frame already consists of three or more subjects, which is already busy for viewers. Patterned clothes are an unnecessary distraction to the photograph. Solid clothes put less strain on the eyes.
Read more about How to Prepare for Portrait Photography to gain more insight about our style of business portraits in Philadelphia.
Sometimes a subject may accidently wear patterned clothes. Group portrait photographers can improvise in these scenarios. In response, try to pose the subject who is wearing patterned clothes behind another subject with solid clothes. This technique will reduce the pattern’s appearance in team photos.
Location is a key element to capturing a bold portrait photo. It elevates photos to the next level. There are plenty of stunning photo locations in Philadelphia for group portrait photography.
During a group photo location scout, photographers should account for elevation, dramatic lighting, and architecture.
Elevation is critical for posing subjects with varying heights. A staircase can balance the height differences between two subjects. In vertical group portraits, elevating subjects is a common and often necessary practice.
Try to implement a staircase into a group portrait. Curved railings add more posing options like shoulder leaning or resting a hand. Use the surrounding environment of a photo location to create new poses.
Locations can enhance a group portrait photo by adding great composition to the background.
Group portrait photographers should avoid aligning head positions on the same level. This mistake makes the subjects look stiff like a row of bowling pins. Playing with head elevation adds dimension and fluid eye movement across the photo.
In short, a group portrait photographer should try to create triangles with the subjects’ head positions. Keep their eyes at different levels, experiment with height, and swap furniture to achieve the best poses. Creating triangles with head positions is a photography technique that will vastly enhance a group photo.
Posing for group portraits is like solving a puzzle. It may take a few moments for a photographer to crack it. Once the subjects are set in their best position, each photo is a winner.
Head position is important for facial visibility. Oftentimes, stacking a large group into the frame can block faces or clutter an area of the photo. Proper head positioning ensures that the subjects appear, and the viewers can connect with everyone’s expression.
All in all, correct head positioning is a subtle detail, but will enhance the composition. It can suggest leadership, relationships, and dynamics among the group. A well-thought-out arrangement can create a visually pleasing balance and guide the viewer’s eye through the group photograph.
There are frequent challenges that stem from group portrait photo sessions. Sometimes one subject in the photo is striking their best post and expression, while another is blinking or smiling awkwardly. Consequently, this image is useless.
Face swapping allows photographers to replace a subject’s face with a better expression from another frame in the same session. This post-production technique is a necessary for fine-tuning the final photo.
When the headcount in group photo is high, then this increases the probability of awkward expressions. If there are less subjects, then there is lower chance of this. The total number of subjects can dictate the amount of post-production.
Small and large companies searching for business portraits in Philadelphia want group photos that embody the best version of their team. Photo studios that devote time to face-swapping can create a group photo that embodies this.
Photoshop is like magic. Every photographer should use this program’s face-swapping abilities to enhance a group photo. We consider a mandatory step to ensure a great final product.
Furniture adds depth and visual interest to a group photograph. It enables portrait photographers to pose subjects by stacking them closer together. Furniture is the best tool for fitting vertical crop dimensions and helping subjects feel comfortable.
Additionally, an armchair, stool, or sofa provides a natural way for subjects to pose. It helps each individual feel at ease, which results in more authentic and genuine expressions. They’re able to sit or lean their bodies and strike a dynamic pose for the camera.
Luxury furniture contributes to the color palette of a photograph. For example, a brown leather chair compliments a navy-blue suit. Aside from its functional ability, the visual appeal of furniture can enhance the color and contrast of a portrait photo.
If the group photo is indoors or outdoors, the right furniture can reflect the location. Outdoor furniture, like wrought iron chairs, is suitable for a photo location with greenery. On the other hand, sleek bar stools are practical for a group photograph in an upscale venue.
An ideal chair for group portrait photography has leading lines that draw the viewer’s gaze. This flow or sense of movement is beneficial for the composition. These subtle details and techniques involving furniture make each photograph feel more immersive.
Group portrait photography demonstrates team cohesion. It portrays unity and teamwork, while also instilling a sense of pride. They are a glimpse beyond the product or services.
Businesses can use group portraits for:
Upgrade your digital media with a group photograph that represents your team’s values, culture, and professionalism. Group photos humanize the brand and make potential clients more confident to engage. Also, an “About” page on the website is a popular tab for viewers to visit, so ensure it stands out.
A group portrait can convey a brand’s story. Some businesses are multi-generational, family-owned, or a collaboration between talented individuals.
Capturing a group portrait shows the evolution of the company. It is an expression of growth, and it honors the achievements of each contributor.
If you’re searching for business portraits in Philadelphia, then consider contacting our studio. We offer a range of portrait photography services to fit the needs of any business in the area.
For over 40 years, Phil Kramer has captured photo and video of portraits, fashion, lifestyle, and weddings. Trust Phil Kramer to photograph your next group portrait. Contact the studio today and discuss your vision!
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