Last updated: June 2026
Whether you’re at a family gathering with a rare chance to photograph several generations together, or you’re an events photographer tasked with capturing a crowd, group shots are deceptively tricky to master. It’s even trickier when you’re acting as both model and photographer simultaneously.
From gear recommendations to general technique, here are our tips for taking better group photos.
1. Use the right camera gear
The right kit won’t make you a better photographer overnight, but it will remove a lot of the friction that gets in the way of a great group shot.
Camera with a tilting or flip screen — Essential if you’re also posing in the photo. A tilting screen lets you check your framing without guesswork. On a smartphone, the front-facing camera serves the same purpose.
Tripod — Keeps your framing locked in and eliminates camera shake, especially important for slower shutter speeds indoors. Non-negotiable if you’re in the shot yourself. Works equally well with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones. Browse our tripod range.
Remote shutter release — Lets you fire the camera at exactly the right moment without fumbling with the body. Far more reliable than the self-timer for group shots, as you can react to expressions and moments in real time. Browse camera remote controls.
Wide-angle lens — A standard lens works fine for small groups, but larger gatherings require a wider field of view. Wide-angle lenses let you fit more people into the frame without stepping too far back — particularly useful in tight spaces. Just be mindful of distortion at the edges with very wide focal lengths. Browse wide-angle lenses.
2. Don’t chase too much bokeh
Fast portrait lenses with dreamy background blur are great for individual portraits, but they’re a liability for group shots. If your depth of field is too shallow and your subjects aren’t all at exactly the same distance from the camera, some faces will be out of focus.
Stop down to f5.6–f8 for group shots — you’ll still get some separation from the background, but everyone in the frame will be sharp.
3. Give your group some direction
A well-composed group shot rarely happens by accident. You’ll need to give some direction — but keep it light. Over-directing makes people stiff and self-conscious, and that tension shows in the final image. Stay friendly, keep the energy up, and use these pointers:
- Make sure no one’s head is obscured by another group member
- Vary head heights — stagger taller and shorter people rather than lining everyone up at the same level
- Ask the group to step closer together — it allows you to move in for a tighter, more intimate composition
4. Take some candid shots too
Some of the best group photos happen when people aren’t expecting the shutter to fire. Once your framing and composition are set, take a few shots without the countdown — you’ll often capture more natural expressions than any posed shot can deliver.
Top tip: Encourage a bit of conversation or laughter between shots. The relaxed energy will come through in the image.
5. Think about lighting
Lighting can make or break a group photo. You want enough light to avoid dark, noisy images, but without harsh shadows — which are caused by strong, directional light sources. Soft, even lighting is ideal for group shots, just as it is for portraits.
For reliable results in any environment, a flashgun gives you full control over your exposure. Indoors, try bounce flash off the ceiling for soft, flattering light. Outdoors, fill flash helps balance bright backgrounds and eliminates unflattering shadows on faces. Browse flash guns and camera lighting.
Improve your group shots today
With these tips in your kit bag, you’ll be the go-to photographer at every family event for years to come. Looking for new gear to put these skills into practice? Shop online or visit your local Ted’s Cameras store.