Improve Your Group Photos

Group photos can be difficult for an amateur photographer, simply because there are so many points of focus—that is, faces—to capture. Use the NX’s Face Detection mode to help get the right focus and exposure on up to 10 faces in a single photo.

You’ll get better results if you can make a group of people smile than if you have to tell them to smile. Make some fun props available to help people loosen up: funny hats, feather boas, moustaches-on-a-stick. And promise the children that if they behave themselves for the family photo, you’ll take a few "silly" shots afterward where they can pull funny faces or jump in the air. You never know—one of those shots may turn out to be the keeper!

Sometimes—especially in family photos—the photographer also belongs in the picture. Certain NX models (like the NX1000) have a programmable self-timer that can be set to fire the shutter after between 2 and 30 seconds. Decide beforehand where you belong in the lineup so you’re not rushing to squeeze into the arrangement.

Select from different Scene modes to choose the one that best matches your setting. For instance, choose 'Beach' to help mitigate the effects of bright sunlight reflecting off sand, which might otherwise cause underexposure. Also consider adding a polarizing filter to increase colour saturation and to help remove reflections from shiny surfaces such as water.

If you have a choice, take your photo in the morning or late afternoon when sunlight is softer and less direct. If you do have to shoot during midday, try a few shots with the flash turned on, even if you’re outside, as it can help tone down harsh shadows and increase color saturation.

Use Smart Filters to add creative effects after the shoot. Turn your photo into a sketch, add moody lighting, or give it a goofy fisheye effect.

When arranging your subjects, don’t just line them up. Arrange them at different levels and heights. Use a tree or stone wall if outdoors, or the back of a sofa or the stairs if at home. Even something as simple as different heights of seating can help. Use a mix of low chairs, bar stools, and standing.

If there’s a safe spot to elevate yourself (a stepladder, a jungle gym, the back of a truck), a vantage point looking down on your photo subjects can be an interesting angle, especially for big groups—more faces, fewer bodies. As a bonus, having your subjects looking up will minimize any double chins in the group.

Take candid photos and even shoot HD movies with the video feature on certain NX models while the group is gathering, arranging, and then breaking up. Children especially can be at their most charming when they think the camera isn’t looking.

Don’t miss capturing a once-in-a-lifetime group photo because of a lack of ideas or camera features. With a little inspiration and the right equipment, it’s easy to make a memory that no one in the group will ever forget.