Need some Help! Family Portrait of my Family.

[ChevydreamZ]

I'm looking to do a huge family portrait of my family.
I'm one of six and most of us have kids. Last family portrait we all did was when I was 10 (im 25 now). A whole lot has changed and we have grown immensely.

There will be more than likely 8 adults and 12 kiddos.

I have chosen to take this at mercer park but I am having a hard time trying to figuring out how I should pose everyone to fit in the frame. I haven't shot this many in one frame before and I want to make sure everyone is there.

Also, I have thought that maybe somewhere with hills would be a better spot because i can use the hill as a riser?

Any tips of suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[StevenGWebb]

Part of your challenge will come from the ages of the children, their willingness/ability, and attention span. I have no knowledge of your shooting area so no help there. In the ten-thousand things to keep in mind, keep your smallest subjects visible. Many times the little guys have their significance reduced by being covered up by hands and arms holding them, or by being tucked too far back between two grown-ups. Their appearance is also generally compromised, un-tucked shirts and raised skirts are often offenders. The photographer is the only one in the crowd who can see the crowd, take a few seconds and straighten out everyone's clothes and especially those of the youngest members, they wiggle and are moved about a lot and with that comes wardrobe malfunctions.

Steve

[Patti Edens]

I recently took a class at work. They like to document these classes with a photo. The photographer had the daunting task of taking a group shot of around 40 people. He arranged us on a slightly sloping hill (as you suggested) with taller folks in back and he also climbed up a couple of steps on a short ( 4 step) step ladder. He took several shots and then did some photoshop work to make sure he got eyes open and good expressions on most faces. It was a really nice photo.

He had the advantage of an overcast day, so no harsh shadows and no kids!

Good luck.