- 6 person group
- Jokes
- Soft Light
- Shade
- Rule of thirds
- Patchy Light
- Natural Light
- Natural
- Mid range
- Men
- Man
- Laughing
- Laugh
- Joke
- afternoon
- Having fun
- Guys
- Group Photo
- Groomsmen
- Göttingen
- Germany
- Funny
- Free
- Energetic
- Center Framed
- Canon 5D mark IV
- Unposed
The story behind the image
But, once we realised that after getting the “safe” formal shots, we were free to do whatever we want with the group, things became a lot more… fun. Throwing in hilarious jokes, getting them to tease each other, having them do something funny – all of that started coming out and we ended up loving our group photo sessions. We got to capture real emotions amongst a group of friends or a group of family members and that was right up our street.
For this particular image, one of the groomsmen came up with the idea of taking the bouquets from the girls and have them in the photo. They all acted like the girls and started giggling.
Finally, we want to point out something. We are not perfect photographers. We make mistakes, as with everyone out there. We didn’t realise until too late but we completely cut off our groomsmens’ feet, which wasn’t our intention. Because of this though, we learnt to pay attention to those small details a lot closer when shooting group photos.
Directions
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
Normally we would be in charge over the ideas and jokes that happen for group photos but in this case one of the groomsmen took charge and thought it would be hilarious to pose with the flowers from the girls, and they went on to mock them, tease them and even tease each other. All we had to do was let them be and shoot away.
What did you say?
N/a
Composition
Despite having cut their feet off (our bad), the goal was to focus more on their emotions and reactions to the situation. Wide enough to show them all, but close up enough to get their laughter and their moment.
framing
Center Framed
Focusing
Describe how you spoke to your subject(s)
We focused on our groom in this photo since most of the groomsmen were all on the same focal plain. This meant that we didn’t have an issue where some of them fall out of focus.
Focus Mode
Single Shot Autofocus
Focus POints
Single Point
Focused on
The Grooms face
Equipment &
Exif
Camera
Lens
Flash
Filter
1/800 @ f/2 ISO125 WB-Auto
The way the EXIF is written out follows the common photographic method (with the inclusion of White Balance at the end). Here it is broken down:
Shutter Speed @ Aperture ISO White Balance.
Light & Weather
The sun was out pretty harshly and so we found a nice spot in the shade to do the group photos. As added precaution, we had the sun behind them in case it popped out – which would then give us a sweet little rim light.
Weather was super clear as well, so no clouds could soften the light.
Light Type
Natural Light
Time of day
Afternoon
Weather
Editing Workflow
How did you edit this image?
The edits are made to be warmer with a big focus on skin tones and light play with shadows and highlights. A few minor local adjustments were made (Gradient and Brush) as well as finishing off with a fine layer of grain. The whites are not blown out nor are the blacks 100% crunched.
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Preset Used
Challenges
We had no major challenges or issues to deal with.
Solutions
No solutions needed :)
Location
Location Name
Freigeist Hotel
Location aDDRESS
Freigeist Hotel Northeim, Göttingen
Loation Type
Hotel
Country
Germany
When you have a group that have a really great dynamic together, sometimes it can be really cool to let them take charge of the ideas. Especially groomsmen and bridesmaids. They all know their own sense of humour and often jump at the chance to tease / play with the bridal couple.
Don’t cut off their feet ;)
