Ok well it’s only 15 people. So it’s kinda big.
Still, it’s more than just a couple of families at sunset so there’s going to be some heavy lifting going on.
To start with, you need a lot of flash juice to over power the sun in a wide angle shot.
When you bunch everyone further, it gets a little easier because you can get closer. And you can wait til the sun goes behind the horizon. But for a group this size (and really any group larger than four or five), you will still need more power than the typical camera flash unit can provide. Especially if you want nice even lighting across all of your subjects.
Its important to get several unique shots of the full group.
But it’s also important to get each individual family. That way that can be arranged in a photo album or a wall display and still look very cohesive. It’s good to mix the poses up so that each family portrait is even more unique.
Obviously you want to get shots of the kids.
But don’t forget the couples.
Yes there is alot to do in 45 minutes. Well more like 20-30 minutes.
That warm sunset background light doesn’t last long, but with some simple planing and the right equipment it can be done.
The’s always a few good minutes after the sun has gone.
The wrap it up with a silhouette shot 🙂