How to get super SHARP Group Portraits

5 surprisingly simple steps for getting SHARP group portraits. Where to focus, important camera settings and common mistakes to avoid in order to get tack sharp group portraits, whether capturing wedding groups or family portraits!
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SHARP FOCUS SERIES VIDEOS:
▷ How to Get Sharp Focus Portraits with a Low F-Stop: • How to Get Sharp Focus...
▷ Camera Lens Calibration for SHARP Portraits | AF Fine Tune & Micro Adjustment Tutorial: • Camera Lens Calibratio...
▷ How to Use the DETAIL PANEL in Lightroom for SHARP Portraits: • How to Use the DETAIL ...
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► Free Lightroom Preset: bit.ly/2mdmAcS
► SUBSCRIBE for videos sharing photography tips, Lightroom editing tutorials and marketing strategy videos for photographers: / @chelseanicole
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MY PHOTO GEAR: kit.co/chelseanicole
CAMERAS
Nikon D4 amzn.to/2Klb4UU
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless www.amazon.com/dp/B07H3JVDJC?
LENSES
Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 [MUST HAVE LENS]: amzn.to/2r7tfFv
Nikon 85mm 1.4 [FAVORITE LENS!]: amzn.to/2Fp2W1K
Nikon 105mm 2.8 VR Macro: amzn.to/2HAG2q5
Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 VR: amzn.to/2KoQMdc
Nikon 24mm 1.4: amzn.to/2HByKGA
Nikon 50mm 1.4: amzn.to/2JDlZbn
KZbin KIT:
Camera: Sony A7s amzn.to/2zgRRCg
Sound: Sennheiser lavalier amzn.to/2MSYZXw
Edited in Adobe Premiere Pro
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ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
In this video, we're talking GROUPS: How to get sharp wedding portraits, bridesmaid & groomsmen wedding party photos, and family portraits.
Shooting groups of more than two people can pose some new challenges when it comes to get get sharp professional looking images WITHOUT losing that gorgeous depth in our backgrounds. So, in this video we're diving into 5 tips that will help you confidently nail focus when photographing groups, including where to put your focus point, what aperture and camera settings to use and LOTS of photo examples. Whether it's 5 or 50 people, my goal is that by the end, you will feel more confident when capturing group photos!

[@ChelseaNicole]

QOTD: What's your favorite lens for photographing group portraits? 📸Share here!

[@miaeskin]

Lately I've been loving my 35mm lens for family photos on wedding days. Thanks for always putting out such great content. Loved this video!

[@lizle9322]

I try to stick with a prime lens but if the group is too large I go with the 24-70mm!!!

[@ChelseaNicole]

@@miaeskin 35mm is an awesome lens for groups! So happy you enjoyed the video Mia 🙂

[@crollinsphoto]

Mine is either the 50mm prime or like you, 24-70 with vibration control for the little shakes I may do.

[@moidutoiphotography8427]

My fave is the Sigma art 35mm for groups. Brilliant info as usual and your videos are so easy to watch and get your point across in such an effective manner. Thanks Chelsea for sharing your knowledge with all of us :)

[@lauriegreer1466]

Hi Chelsea! Your video came in perfect time! I'm getting ready to do a generation shoot and this is the perfect refresher video! Thank Y ou! and I was going to use my 24-70mm 2.8😍 Also, Your shoot to edit class taught me so much about lighting and composition and editing! it was the best class I've taken! I Thank You for all your great knowledge and support!💕🙏🏼

[@ConnerLeeMedia]

Perfect video to re-visit to make sure i wasn't missing anything before shooting a small ceremony today. Thank you Chelsea!

[@jessicat3372]

Thanks so much for this video! It's like you read my mind! I have a shoot coming up where I'm capturing a bigger family and never feel fully confident when it comes to photographing groups. This is sooo helpful! 😀

[@ChelseaNicole]

Aww I’m so happy to hear this was helpful!! Hope you have an incredible shoot Jessica! 📸🎉🤗

[@tereguzman1010]

You are becoming one of my favorites ☺️👏🏻 you give clear and complete information and I love how you explain things, you help me to stay inspired in my learning process thanks so muc and greetings from Baja California México 🇲🇽

[@ChelseaNicole]

Aw thanks Tere! This comment made my day ☺️❤️ I’m so happy my videos help you stay inspired while continuing to grow as an artist! Sending hugs from Vegas to Baja!

[@rhw2005]

Have a big job coming up and you’ve really helped me clear up a lot of doubts I had. Thanks so much for making this tutorial. We’ll appreciated❤

[@hurleygreen927]

Good information on a much-needed topic: getting sharp group portraits..THANKS for this video!

[@garyadams5201]

This is EXCELLENT photo advice Ms. Nicole! Thank you!

[@stuartross1081]

Thankyou for being generous with your advice and hints. I was asked to step in after the pro withdrew from a wedding in our friend's family. I watched your video the night before. I would say it is very very hard, so much going on, beyond the mere technical aspects which were tricky in bright sunshine. I know not your topic here, but my biggest issue was overcoming strongly backlit subjects with a normal speedlight in a soft box. As soon as you enter HSS shutter speeds the power drops right off. I had to go way down on ISO to stay at 1/250 and even took double shots so I could PS out the intruding softbox from frame. I was terrified of messing up but both families are really happy with the shots. They knew I was out of my comfort zone and were so kind to me. It was a streep curve. Thank you. (BTW mostly using my Nikon D700 and Godox flash kit)

[@joseochoa5527]

Thank you, thank you. You covered all the important points.

[@lizle9322]

I love how easy to follow your tips are! Great video!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Liz! 🤗

[@dhirajrai5817]

Absolutely helpful video as usual! Keep up your good work, thanks ❤

[@garryhughes3747]

I've been asked to photograph a couple of old friend's wedding next week. I'm an amateur landscape photographer so I've found this super useful! Many thanks. I might just use aperture mode, try to get it in focus and pray! Many thanks.

[@ChelseaNicole]

So glad this was helpful Garry! Have fun photographing your friend's wedding! I'd love to hear how it goes :) Also, I have several other wedding photography related videos that may help prepare!

[@DanDan-im8nk]

Wow, thank you Chelsea! These tips are really helpful!

[@scottsater]

Thanks, Chelsea! Very helpful and straight-forward and upbeat video! I have several family sessions this summer, so I really wanted to learn from an expert :)!!

[@michael-4k4000]

A lot of unprofessional photographers are out there 😢

[@jrotcdrillnation7110]

Thank YOU! Plane of Focus I have been LAZY with. I shoot 35-45 military kids on 3-step choir risers (slight horseshoe). I have always just had them "toes on the line" and changing that to a straight line across helped!

[@johnha9914]

I am really enjoyed the you present. It is simple and easy to remember quick cheat sheet. Thank you so much

[@marijanespeer2096]

Love love love your channel. Great tips just enough technical stuff and good cadence whe. You speak

[@JayneNicoletti]

If I was doing weddings, I would invest in a small monitor to check. Great tips! Will be trying next time I do groups.

[@lstefani5503]

Very clear explanation, quickly to the point, and lovely summary at the end.

[@gregtuzman386]

I've been doing wedding photography for over 20 years . 24-70mm 2.8 . Its probably pretty much what i need from beginning to the end of the wedding day.

[@activehabit]

I've never thought about plain of focus.. Oh gosh that explains my blurred group photos.😅😅 Thanks👏👏

[@m.legato3698]

Great Video. You touch base on everything we need to know in an easily understandable way. Thank You

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thank you so much for the positive words! I'm glad I could help 😊

[@raymondgriffin8850]

Thank you so much for this video. As a portrait photographer myself I've been trying to sharpen up my images and this was really helpful.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Of course! I'm so glad I was able to help :)

[@hurleygreen927]

Just reviewed your video for a second time...will be taking pics of children and their parents at a Public Library Book festival with my 24-70mm lens. Your tips are right on time!

[@frankbolstad7339]

Thsnk you for being so concrete and providing great examples 🤩 Premium content!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Frank!! 🙏🏻

[@jillmarielyon]

Oh EMM GEEE... This is my first video I've found of yours and I think I'm in Love. You're Amazing. Can't wait to see what other videos you have.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thank you so so much! Your support means everything 💜

[@daveh8679]

Really great help for issues with groups! Thanks

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Dave! So glad it’s helpful! 🙂

[@kirankumarg144]

Thanks so much for this video Thank You your great knowledge and support!💕🙏🏼

[@richardmardex3014]

Good informative video. I'm intrigued by the soft and light look, something I've admired but never tried in my own work. One suggestion I would make that like others who are facile with LR, you sometimes jump from one kind of an adjustment to another as your are working on the image. For some of us who are less familiar with the adjustments, it might helped if you highlight each adjustment a bit before you do the step. Thanks again for your excellent video.

[@tamasapro3948]

Thank you very much for this video! It was very use for me as a beginner. :-)

[@markwatson5984]

You rock Chelsea, thanks as always 😍😍

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks so much Mark! So happy you liked it! ☺️🙏🏻

[@dhavalr775]

Amazing video Chelsea very informative and helpful.. Also would you share your insights on how do you get those 'bright' images. How do you balance your exposure with ambient light and how do you post process these ?

[@melissamarie1963]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@guyinutah]

Great tips, appreciate your time and video!

[@corisanders8286]

First birthday party shoot coming up and only have a 14mm and a 85mm so this helped a lot for know what to do with the lenses I have

[@martin9933]

Great video, compact and well structured guide! Thanks a lot!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Martin 🙏🏻 so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jpsanchez50]

Great info as usual Chelsea!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks JP! 🙏🏻🙂

[@militeschristi6151]

Hi will you please make a video on indoor low light photography..as i struggle with these at weddings..can you do this without flash..what is the best camera settings...ect.

[@Sadiehoney]

I struggle with low light / indoor photography too 😩 I die an event and the location had 0 windows and low lights and it was a struggle

[@Bathingwookie]

@@Sadiehoney how fast are your lenses?

[@bobbyjackson5172]

​@@Sadiehoneydid you have a flash?

[@blanked3]

Tip for all, settings, shoot at least F4.0, minimum 1/125th sec (my preference but you can shoot down to your lens minimum focal length ei 24mm don't shoot lower than 1/30th) and bump up the ISO as you need too, smaller sensors may struggle a bit but full frame is a beast at high ISO's. Also for flash, use it if you can, especially bounce flash, at f4.0 1/200th secs and ISO 800, you can shoot at flash 1/16 power bounce and it's great

[@CFLDumpsters]

Raise iso, use a fast lens, and make sure shutter speed is higher than focal length. It’s a balance for sure, your focal length will be almost fixed, so really your iso, and aperture will play a big role in getting it right. Flashes aren’t bad, just bounce or use a diffuser and know your needed power to get proper exposure.

[@komanguy]

Thanks for these useful tips.

[@echodelta7923]

Hi Chelsea and thanks for all your great videos. I'm new and in love with your channel! How do you make people smiling and laughing to have this spontaneous effect? Cheers from France

[@MiamiVPG]

Thank you! I am exclusively a nature/wildlife/landscape enthusiast photographer. As a favor, a dear friend that is getting married today asked me to take some photos. It is, thankfully, a small and casual ceremony. Your video was excellent and provided a lot of great tips and information. I doubt I would ever change genres, but at least, I think I may get a few decent photos today thanks to your video.

[@ChelseaNicole]

So happy to hear Vivian! Hope you had a wonderful time capturing your friend's wedding! 🙂

[@invisiblespark]

Excellent video! You are so generous with all these details. Do you use the single shot or burst mode when taking pictures ?

[@eimantasmikutavicius9012]

Thank you very much! your advice is invaluable! :) you are very good at explaining things clearly and comprehensibly, which other people cannot :)

[@marijanespeer2096]

So much great information 👏

[@jimwlouavl]

Commenting early on because I’ve never heard the tip to align their toes. Thanks. Your advice is just so practical. For groups, I use my 35mm f/1.8. It’s a DX lens but I set my camera to a 1.2 crop and there’s no vignette here.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Jim!! 🤗 And 35mm is an awesome lens for groups!

[@speedypickup]

Thank you for these wonderful tips!! I will utilize them in my next group portrait tomorrow! I had to laugh - by your 4th point, your dog in the background sleeping on the dog bed had enough and left haha ;)

[@Samphorstra]

Thanks Sister for your excellent explanation! 😁

[@kathyperkins7628]

Really great tips, thank you ☺️

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Kathy!! So happy you got value from them 🤗

[@chinoyhueso3490]

Great video. Very informative and concise. Can you touch on focusing mode? Do you use a wide focus area vs manual vs central focus?

[@jdold1261]

I have the same question!

[@MindPowerFuture]

Thank you for the tips !

[@rgarciap7]

Thank you. Best tutorial.

[@stevehobart]

This is a really informative video. Thank you !

[@janetjones7794]

Loved that so much thanks heaps. what is your favourite setting for tack sharp/ person or tree with surrounding natural fog?

[@leadzmedia6109]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@matheusnanyemba9436]

Hi Chelsea , your tutorial video come on time and I very interested in watching your videos

[@leolight8799]

I love it, thank you

[@ginasalang9378]

Great video. I love the tips and the recap. I am shooting volleyball teams of 12. Thank you so much. I have a 70-200 2.8, do you think I can use this. I also have the 50mm and 35mm prime lenses.

[@rozaimiproductions]

Thanks Mam for the tips!

[@theleader5439]

Thanks 🙏🏾 for this info

[@janetjones7794]

really easy to listen to. Thanks

[@NikkiGoedhart]

Thank you so much Chelsea! So when do you use an F-stop higher than 8? And if you want to take pictures where people are not exactly alligned (in case you want to be a bit creative), do you switch apperature?

[@rickmurphy3327]

Thank you for this very informative video Chelsea

[@ChelseaNicole]

You’re so welcome Rick! I’m happy it was helpful 🙂

[@mmariattheresa]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@Glennsphotography1968]

Brilliant video and good tips. Inam doing my sister in law wedding photography on Thursday ( my first wedding photography ) I normally do street photography in London.

[@ChelseaNicole]

So glad the tips were helpful Glenns! Hope you have a blast capturing your first wedding for your sister-in-law! What a special gift you're giving them. 🙂

[@raymondmendoza4715]

Wow! you are amazing! May I know what focus area and focus mode are you using most of the time in taking portraits (single person and group portraits) Thank you!

[@crollinsphoto]

GREAT info. Thank you.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Charles! 🙂

[@muhammedtohirahmed4161]

Thanks for this Video Chelsea, pls I have a quick question; when you raise your aperture up and step back from the subjects, do you increase your ISO or you use strobes/Speedlight. Pls advise, thank you

[@Temple46]

Awesome information. Thank you.

[@1209jayt]

Thanks for sharing, nice video tips. What af mode do use for group shots? It’s looks all sharp across. Thanks!!

[@savedtea]

This is so helpful for me ! Thanks

[@ChelseaNicole]

I'm so glad!

[@kurtwangphotography5038]

Very inspiring

[@mzollitsch8242]

super erklärung!! danke!

[@hurleygreen927]

24-70mm lens ROCKS!

[@ronmurray4794]

Really enjoyed this vid, so i have hit that sub button ... any tips or tricks to getting the perfect sparkler shot

[@growandglowlife]

Yikes LOVE your hair! So Fun!

[@YonnBurgos]

Great information! Do you use flash for your group portraits?

[@jehanw543]

Thank you for sharing these tips so helpful. When shooting group photos how do you determine the focus mode and focus points generally to be.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Happy it was helpful! In general, AF-S (single point) with your focus point on person in the middle front. But keep in mind what I shared at 4:18 🙂 I will also shoot AF-C (continuous) if I have groups walking towards me, for more creative portraits.

[@pangphoakannam5754]

Thank you👍

[@raiderfrankdatank]

Thank you very much. Aloha

[@rar2024]

Very helpful

[@PeteySmoothJazz5059]

Great video. What are your ISO settings for group photos during a sunny day? Thanks!

[@lashawnwebster3451]

Great tips Chelsea. Thanks so much. Do you not typically use flash for any of your portrait work? I notice a lot of work that doesn’t have flash, the subject’s eyes look flat and dark. Your work doesn’t seem to have that.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Hey LaShawn! thank you so much 🙏🏻 I use flash in my evening reception images, but for day time portrait work, I always prefer taking advantage of natural light. In addition to carefully positioning my subjects for the best light, I'm also taking advantage of the environment I'm working by looking for natural reflectors. When doing this, there's no need for flash or modifiers. :)

[@simonwiltshire9324]

Great video and some really useful tips, thank you! I hate group portraits at weddings, I find them a real hassle sometimes. I find other people can be a real pain either taking photos off to the side and distracting people in the group or especially when the group consists of children and they're looking at their parents. I often get people standing behind me to counter this! In terms of favourite lens, if I have the space to get away with it, I love using a 70-200 2.8 at the long end

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Simon! Glad you found them helpful 🙂 One thing I also do for group photos to help them run smoothly, is ask at the beginning that everyone please not photograph during this time so that everyone's eyes know where to look (my camera) and things will move quickly to get everyone on to cocktails! When I ask this nicely letting them know why it's important, guests are usually respectful of it and it makes the portrait process much more enjoyable. Love the compression of 70-200mm 🙌

[@fredrogers4186]

Sorry my input is 2 years late butttt . . . usually when I start the formals, if there are people trying to get phone photos, I'll stand down and make a show (politely) of letting them take their time. At which point the people IN the photos usually tell the phone folks to take a hike and let me go first. Works every time. :)

[@aldi609]

Great video

[@jimpayton8285]

Thank you

[@chipcurry]

Tremendous contact. Thank you very much. I haven’t been shooting as wide as you have been for fear that part of the heads would be able to focus. I guess when you’re 10 or 15 feet back you have a little more latitude. But for close-ups within three or 4 feet maybe five, I’m thinking that wide-open would lose focus on parts of the head. Only criticism was that it took you close to three minutes to get into your primary content. Way too long. I would tighten it up. But thank you so much!

[@smitholu1419]

Much love from africa all the way Sierra Leone

[@aldi609]

love the video, a question do you think that I can do something good with only a DSLR and a 35-80 lens?

[@tcrawford342]

Beautiful wedding photos! May I ask, are most of these shots taken all by natural lighting or did you incorporate some lighting equipment?

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks T! All natural light 🙂✨ I prefer utilizing natural light when I have it, and only really use flash for evening receptions.

[@christinelee4640]

Can you do a review of the Nikon mirror less cameras?

[@pradeepniyumi]

👍 Thanks you

[@ChelseaNicole]

You're welcome Pradeep! 🙂

[@jackryder6732]

Great tips. Is Sony 35mm f 1.4 a great choice for group pictures?

[@Mbm-billiards]

So if you are shooting in low light. Are you by worried about your ISO getting to high or are you running multiple flashes at that point to keep your shutter speed up and aperture down?

[@eugeneyoungman5397]

hi nice video, will a 18-55mm f2.8 work for a couples engagement shoot at the beach for sunset

[@brynnwebb8264]

Hi Chelsea! I'm wondering if you have any insight for me! I shoot with a nikon 750 and have a tameron 24-70mm lens. My lens is great until it comes to group shots! It is sharp until a group is larger then 4-6 people and then anyone standing on the edges become out of focus. I have everyone stand straight in a line and have had this problem with my lens the last few months. I've had it recalibrated professionally, sensor cleaned, etc and can't get it to be sharp on the edges. I even have it at the tameron store currently to see if I can have them fix it. The store manager even has seen my raw pictures and feels that they should be shaper then they are. At this point would you just buy a new lens? I've had friends send me raw group photos with Sony and I've been amazed at the quality/sharpness so now I'm wondering if it's nikon? I've rented the new nikkor 24-70 with vr and had a hard time with focusing in the center for portraits. Have you had that experience or do you have the older nikkor version. Sorry for the long message, just any insight would be amazing!

[@robmeads3207]

As always a great video with terrific tips. I have a shoot coming up in a few days where we will probably be in direct sunlight (golf course) I'm shooting teams. Do have any advice for shooting with flash. Players will be wearing hats so shadows on the faces come into play. Same settings? Lenses? I have all the Nikon lenses you mentioned. Hope you get this on time. So great to be shooting again after this past year. Hope you're well.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Hey Rob! Hope you’re great too!! Glad to hear you’re back shooting again! 🤗🎉 For the scenario you mentioned (group in harsh sun on golf course), I would backlight them with the sun being back and off to one side (so that it’s not coming into your lens.) This will put their faces in even shade. You could also side light as the sun gets lower for some edgier portraits. You’ll just want to pay attention to shadows on their faces. For flash: I rarely use flash when I have natural light available, as I prefer natural light with my light + airy style. The bigger the light source, the softer the light - so with backlighting the entire sky diffuses the sun acting as a giant soft box. 🙂 But when I do use flash I think of it in the same way I think of natural light. The bigger the light source the better, so having a large modifier (soft box or shoot through umbrella) will give you a softer quality of light. Then the main thing you’ll want to keep in mind is the angle of the light with the hats. I’d simply do a couple quick tests with one of the subjects to ensure it’s not creating shadows on the face + adjust the light accordingly. Hope this helps some. Have a killer shoot!

[@miragenaples7485]

@@ChelseaNicole Thanks so much for getting back to me. I have copied and pasted your response so I can refer for future shoots. The event was yesterday. This event was not 'portrait' work as it was a golfing event and we had to move around the course and shoot small groups. It turned out great. While I was concerned about direct sun over golf hat visors, the flash took most of it out. I do think next time I'll take your advise and try to get subjects with their backs to the sun more often. As always, we're never done learning and your channel has helped a lot.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Glad to hear the event went good! And it makes me so happy hearing my channel has helped 🙏🏻 I completely agree with you on there always being more to learn, as we continually expand as artists and strive for our own personal next level. I think that’s part of what makes a creative career so wonderful. You never get bored or stagnant if you’re growth focused. I plan to be a lifetime learner. 🙂

[@JanetMPackham]

Great video, I have been asked by a friend to do a family group, I have the Nikon 85mm, 1.8 lens and the Nikon 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 lens and a D850 Would these lens be okay? Thanks. Janet.

[@TheDeamonLo]

I'm not a pro but group shots always make me anxious because I don't know what I'm doing. This video was very helpful!

[@ChelseaNicole]

I'm so happy I could help calm some of your nerves! Thank you for the support 😊

[@cassieperkins2618]

I know I’ve seen videos where they say if you step back further then you get more people in focus without having to up the aperture. How does that work? For example if you are 5 feet in front and dads with his daughters, not on the same plain but if you go back 3-4 more feet they will be in focus…