How to learn how to take good group photos so that everyone is happy. How to photograph groups of people: the best shooting ideas

I am sure that the reading will be useful not only for wedding photography professionals, but also for all those who want to improve their skills and / or just learn how to competently shoot groups of people on the holiday. In the article, I want to highlight 12 tips so that you can create interesting photos, if numerous eyes of the portrayed are turned on you.

One of the most common types of photography is a group photo.

Such pictures are typical for weddings, travel, for sports, For school activities etc.

In the world every day, people take thousands of photos in which you can see two or more people. However, unfortunately, many of the pictures that I see posted in in social networks on the internet don't cause me any positive emotions leaving me indifferent. To be more precise, such shots often fill the teeth. There are many objective reasons for this disappointment.

Common photo-errors of group portraits can be expressed as follows:

- the views of the portrayed are directed in different directions, because of which the picture loses its “center of gravity”;

- someone at the moment of photographing blinks or closes his eyes;

- parts of the body of someone are visible in the frame, but there is no face, or the head is partially “cut off”;

- people are too far from the camera and they are almost invisible, or vice versa, they are so close to the lens that some of them simply do not fall into the frame, while the photo may be blurry due to a focus error.

Despite such obvious missteps when photographing groups of people, such as wedding photographer I have identified simple tips that will help you improve your professional level in obtaining excellent shots that you will surely be proud of.

And even more so, I consider it unacceptable to commit such flaws at solemn events. Eg, wedding photographer you just have to remember these things.

1. Preparation.

Few people like to wait. So don't test the patience of those you shoot. You just have to be prompt and prepared to take pictures. This means that you should immediately pay attention to the following:

the location of your photoshot;

imagine how you can arrange people;

the camera is ready for combat: uncovered, the correct lens attached, the battery is charged, the flash may have been prepared.

2. Location.

The location chosen for the filming process is important for a number of reasons. For example, for sprinters, the frame of their competition on the treadmill a moment before the start will be characteristic: readiness, tension, endurance. And, you see, the photograph of these runners in front of a brick wall will turn out to be completely meaningless. Another reason for choosing a location is to make sure the background matches the intent of the shot: it shouldn't be distracting. Thus, keep the aesthetics of the background in mind.

Choose a location that meets the conditions for normal shooting, where there is enough light for the shot and where there are no problems with the background. Also avoid backlight, unless, of course, this is the author's creative idea.

3. Continuous shooting.

One of good ways to avoid problems when someone in the group of portrayed turns away / blinks / closes his eyes, is to quickly take several photos of the same scene. I often switch my camera to continuous shooting mode. And I find that the first shot is often useless, but one or two in a given series will certainly be successful.

I also shoot people “before” the moment when I ask them to get together. Since the very moment of preparation is quite interesting. I use this technique even after I give a "light out" and say that "I took everything off, thank you." In the meantime, I press the camera shutter. As a result, I have non-staged shots when the lyuli are natural.

4. "Comfortable" distance.

Try to get as close as possible to your subjects so that, firstly, you maximize the best technical capabilities of your optics, and secondly, so that everyone naturally enters the frame. By getting closer to the subject, the photographer thereby achieves greater detail, which means that the portrait will turn out to be more contrasting and expressive.

5. Group formation.

The most familiar and correct when forming a group of people filming is the situation in which the taller ones are located behind. But there are other points that can be taken into account for a harmonious frame. The heroes of the occasion (if we are talking about a wedding) are best placed in the center, which will give significance to these figures. In addition, to enhance the effect, you can ask all those present to look at the young, thus. enhance visual attention.

Taller participants in the photo shoot can be placed at the edges, and not just in the background.

Try to minimize the distance between the rows of guests. If they stand in two rows, then between the first and second, if there is a third row and even a fourth, then, respectively, between all of them. This will make it easier to work with the aperture, which means it will affect the sharpness of the entire photo, when not only people on foreground, but the back will be in focus.

Ask everyone to raise their chins a little higher than usual, this will visually remove “double chins” in the photo.

6. Timing.

Those participating in the filming process are subconsciously waiting for some signal from the photographer that right now he will press the shutter, and prepare for it: they make noise, take a pose. There comes a moment of calm - a kind of hint to the photographer that most of it is ready, which means it's time! And indeed, this second it is better to make continuous shooting. But I repeat that both “before” and “after” this moment you should not stop taking pictures. Or say out loud: “Oh, something didn’t work out!” Thus, to discourage people, to attract their attention, to surprise, so that emotions change on their faces. And now have time to shoot them until they become again, indignant, and most importantly - do not disperse! This trick works amazingly!

Try, for example, at a wedding to make group portraits before the buffet table, while the guests are still sober.

To get enough detail in your photo, you need to have enough light when taking the photo. Do not neglect the flash, not only in the dark, but also in bright sunlight to remove harsh shadows from faces.

Try to avoid situations in which people squint from excess light, take them into partial shade.

8. Organization.

I know how easy it can be to lose control of a group of people. Sometimes this happens for objective reasons, but sometimes it happens that the photographer himself is slow, late, not sociable, thinks about something else, etc. It is important not to lose contact, to state tasks clearly and in a simple way, to be polite but persistent. Be sure to thank people for their participation with a kind word.

9. For large groups.

In fact, photographing several dozen people at the same time is not an easy task. But often the solution to this problem lies in a different plane, in literally this word. It is worth changing the shooting angle: position yourself on top - climb more high point, stand on a bench, on a parapet, even climb a tree or a ladder. In addition, it gives an unusual perspective to your photo shots, and you can capture a much larger number of people in the frame from a height.

Don't forget to shoot with wide-angle lenses.

10. Use a tripod.

There are a number of reasons why a tripod can be quite useful when photographing people. Firstly, the presence of a tripod in itself informs those present that photography is a serious and responsible matter. And besides, it attracts attention. It's amazing that a professional-looking photography kit can get people respectful of what's going on and mentally prepared to take part in a photo shoot. Secondly, a tripod gives you more freedom, expanding the boundaries of manipulation with shooting modes.

11. Use the services of an assistant.

If you have to organize a large group of people for filming, then an assistant is needed here at the right time.

An assistant is often an indispensable person at a wedding when you have to photograph the relatives of the bride and groom, friends, etc. When you need to organize invitees into different kinship groups for portrait shots. In these cases, I often ask the newlyweds to send one of their relatives as assistants to me, who would be able to quickly, competently and tactfully organize guests for photography without delay. I ask such a person that no one be forgotten and missed. Having a helper from a family member ensures that you, like good wedding photographer, consider everyone. In addition, they listen carefully to the assistant and fulfill his requests with great willingness, since the invitees are familiar with him.

12. Smile!

Yes, you should smile! There is nothing worse than a grumpy, tired photographer. Have fun and enjoy the process of taking pictures and you will see that people will be kind to you in return. I usually come home from a wedding I just worked at with my facial muscles incredibly tired from smiling. I find that in some cases my smiles and joy for the couple help the couple to relax and show their sincere positive emotions. It really works!

Discover the knowledge by reading articles on "Tips for a wedding photographer".

In this photography lesson, we will start with an important initial condition: when photographing a group of people, the photographer must pay attention to the fact that each individual is visually connected to another person in the photo. In this case, the rule of photographing a group of people should be observed: faces should be located fairly evenly from each other, but people are interconnected by overlapping body bodies.

Note the absence of "gaps" between individual family members in this family portrait.

Another popular method for group portraits is to photograph people in what is known as a pyramid, with the posing so that a wider base forms at the bottom of the photograph, and the whole composition seems to tend to a single peak. This is certainly not the true shape of an Egyptian pyramid, but you can see that the wide base, the base of the photo, balances and holds the top.

Try to position people so that the subjects in the shot interact with each other, instead of just looking directly at the camera.

But we should not forget that using this method, in addition, it is imperative to ensure that all faces that are turned away from the camera are still clearly visible and distinguishable. Ask to always turn their heads slightly towards the lens.

Another good suggestion would be: use geometric figures in the location of significant points in your group or family pictures.

For example, you can create your family portrait using triangles. These do not have to be visual equilateral triangles, they can vary in shape and size, but create such an opportunity for the viewer's eyes to move from one face to another.

Hands are one of the most important parts in portrait photography. You should never forget about them - not when creating a single image, not even when photographing. group portrait. Big mistake it is considered if all the people in your pictures have their hands in the same way. Change the position of your models' hands to improve the overall pose of your subjects.

The best mood for a family portrait is when the love and affection of family members for each other is shown. Arrange the composition in such a way that the faces of your models are close to each other. Very often, this arrangement leads to the fact that family members begin to smile naturally, because they see their beloved faces in front of them and enjoy closeness and feel closer than ever.

And you, as a photographer, will definitely feel how the family shares the joy of communicating with each other, and this will certainly affect the general mood of the picture.

Try to evaluate photos from the point of view of a professional photographer - a critical approach always helps to focus on the merits and demerits of a particular portrait. Gain experience and "critical mass of perception" when looking at pictures of other photographers in order to automatically catch the most successful spontaneous moments in photo shoots, because your photos should please people for more than one day.

And about the technical details of the group photo...

Of course, ideally, it is necessary to approach each photo shoot creatively and individually. But the effective and already accumulated experience of other photographers never hurts. For example, a family portrait with two children might be "circular". Position your models head to head on the grass in a circle so that they are holding hands.

The group portrait is different in that it allows the use of a standard wide-angle lens. The photographer may well have enough of his own height to capture the whole family completely in the frame, otherwise he will have to use a ladder or some kind of step.

Choose focus in the center of the image and use a medium depth of field (We remind you that using an aperture of 2.8 or wider is not suitable for shooting group portraits, since all faces should be in the field of focus and if there is no idea to blur or blur someone, then out competition will be opening apertures from f/8 to f/16.)

When working with big families try to arrange people together in such a way that they form groups: tall and young people in the background, the elderly in the center and the children in front. Also remember the nuance - the tallest people are at the edges of the photos, as if closing the entire group composition.

Do not rely on chance and arbitrary correct placement of people in the frame, and also avoid the distribution of "high-low-high-low".

Don't be afraid to use to brighten shadows and freeze faces to work out more depth of field so that everyone is absolutely in focus in the frame.

It's a great idea to prompt the models to hug. This will show the emotional closeness of the family. A good shot can be obtained if obvious age differences are clearly demonstrated, for example, grandmothers with granddaughters.

The correct camera settings for such moments in portrait photo shoots will be short shutter speeds. You can not force the models to "hold a smile", it will turn out to be artificial and give an unnatural effect to the photo.

Remind your subjects before shooting to pick up clothes of similar shades and the same style. Do not be afraid to experiment with colors, but avoid bright red, it can ruin your shots.

Options for family portraits varied. A photographer should always strive to get a balanced and sharp image, so use flash when necessary to get the best shutter speed (at least 1/125). The working aperture should be f / 11-f / 22 if you are dealing with big group to keep everyone in focus. However, if there are three or fewer models in the photo shoot, use a shallow depth of field (f/2-f/5.6) to keep the background blurry.

Another little professional trick - any group portrait should be shot using continuous shooting. Take several shots at once, so later it will be easier to choose a photo where no one blinks. When a photographer shoots one model, the probability of blinking is small, and if he blinks, you can immediately notice and reshoot. The larger the group of people, the higher the likelihood that someone will close their eyes at the wrong time.

In the case when you shoot against the sun, one of the good advice, which we wrote about in the article. Ask everyone to close their eyes and only open them at your command. At first, people will not see anything, since their eyes are already accustomed to the darkness, and until they adapt, they will not squint.

Don't be afraid to get creative. A key issue in family photo shoots is the number of people you will be photographing. A large number of people can always be divided into small groups, and then even edited into one frame in post-processing. The most important thing is to feel the atmosphere of unity between people in the picture. Then the photo shoot can be considered a success.

A group portrait is one of the most difficult portrait genres, since the photographer is faced with the task of conveying the emotions and appearance of not one person, but several people at once. Most average photographers approach a group portrait in a trite way - all under the ruler, smile, and you're done. However, if you want to fill up with good photos, you will need a professional approach.

Technical points

Tripod

For shooting in poor lighting conditions, such as indoors, a tripod is required attribute. Nevertheless, even on the street, it will help to attract additional attention of your models, and most importantly, to get photos with the same frame boundaries, which will be useful for the photographer in post-processing, in case some frames have to be combined.

Optics

For group portraits, lenses with a standard focal length, namely, from 35 to 50 mm, are best suited. Wide-angle lenses are best avoided, as they distort the figures of people who are closer to the camera. However, using the standard one, you need to calculate the distance to the group and choose the shooting location carefully, as you may need more space.

Focus

Avoid shallow depth of field (apertures smaller than f4). When shooting group portraits, this usually results in someone in the group coming out of focus. To ensure that all models come out equally sharp, DO NOT shoot at the lowest allowed apertures such as f1.4 and f2.

Burst shooting

If your camera supports continuous shooting, this is the best solution for group portraits. When shooting large groups of people or complex group portraits that include children or animals, the neighboring frame may be better, and when processed, you can copy the successful facial expression of a blinking or turning away model.

Light

Light is one of the most important components of any portrait. If shooting outdoors, try to avoid harsh midday shadows by shooting in the shade, or shoot in the morning or evening when the sun is low and the light is softer. Pay attention to the direction of the light. On the face of models there should not be ugly deep shadows under the eyes or under the nose. If you are shooting a group portrait indoors, use a tripod or . It is better to remove the flash from the camera or bounce it off the walls or ceiling.

Organizational moments

Preparation

Models (especially children) run out of patience the fastest if you take a long time to prepare for the shoot. Therefore, before demanding the attention of the person being portrayed, prepare for shooting, namely:

1. Find a good shooting location. If we are talking about prearranged shooting on the street, it is better to look at everything before the start of the photo session, to find interesting angles and backgrounds even before the clients appear.
2. Consider pose and composition.
3. Check the readiness of the camera: battery power, etc., prepare the flashes.
4. Warn people that posing for one shot can take several minutes.

Large groups

When there are a lot of people, one of them may turn away or be distracted. To avoid this:
1. Smile and be friendly - people will want to work with you (this does not only apply to large groups).
2. When staging, try to keep an eye on those who are overly distracted.
3. Ask all the models to do some kind of general action: shout “Hurrah!”, sing a song, wave your hand - this will attract attention to you.

Composition and poses

This is the most an important part shooting. It will depend on the composition and posing of the pose whether you managed to convey the unity of the group. First of all, you need to decide how strict the requirements are for the client. Does he need a group portrait where everyone is clearly visible and everyone looks into the frame, or does he agree to creative pictures and you will have more freedom?

Poses

The most difficult are groups in which there are people with a large difference in height. For example, children and adults, or men and women of different heights. For this case, you can try several different schemes.

1. The tallest models can be seated on benches / chairs / armchairs, children can be placed on the arms of tall models. Thus, the issue of a large difference in growth will be resolved. Those who no longer fit on their knees can be placed behind the backs of those sitting. So, we will get three rows: behind the model of average height, in the middle - high-growth models sitting on chairs / bench; in the foreground are models of short stature in the hands of those sitting. Models of short stature can also not be kneeled, but removed while standing. Here is an example of such a setup:

The photo itself is not very successful, but clearly illustrates the pose.

2. Tall adults - in the background, standing; short adults - in the foreground, along the edges; children are in the foreground, in the middle.

3. Adults - sitting, children - standing.

If the people being photographed are about the same height, arranging them in one strict ruler is the worst option. Someone should sit, someone should stand, or, when shooting on the street, in places where there are steps or other elevations that can create different levels - you must definitely use these elevations:

When it comes to shooting at home, it is best to create an atmosphere for a relaxed shot, use the furniture in the house to the maximum so that the photo looks natural. For example, the same handles of chairs and sofas, on which it is usually not customary to sit, can be perfectly used for models:

Finally, don't be a boring photographer. A creative approach to shooting will only please customers:

Typical examples of productions for family photo shoots can be seen in this video:

Subtleties

• When shooting a group portrait, make sure that none of the models obscure those standing behind them - all faces must be clearly visible.
• Ask models not to tilt their heads - this will help you avoid double chins.
• A group portrait is best taken without headgear. If clients do insist on hats or caps, set the camera just below their eye level and use it to highlight shadows - usually hats and other headwear with brims create shadows on faces.

It is better to choose the background in such a way that it does not dominate the models. The background should not have many small distracting details, it should be more or less uniform, but not boring. A beautiful staircase against the sky is a great option. Forest landscapes, urban exterior designs, and so on are also suitable.

Composition

1. The basic, simplest principle for constructing a composition in group portraits is that when people are arranged in a group, the combination of their faces forms a triangle or other geometric figure.

Painting examples:

Photo example:

2. Another principle is the arrangement of faces along the diagonals. When building models in a portrait under each other or next to each other, faces line up vertically or horizontally, and the composition is more boring. It looks more advantageous if the faces can be arranged diagonally. Combinations of horizontals and diagonals look good. The diagonal may even be slightly pronounced, but it will look better than the horizontal.

3. In addition to faces, it is imperative to monitor hands. Pay attention to the group portraits above - the hands everywhere emphasize the pose or are busy with something, and not just hang inactive along the body. Hands can also emphasize the commonality of the group. Pay attention to this picture - the hands here bind the composition together.

4. Use different angles. You can not only arrange the group at different levels (for example, on the steps of the stairs), but also climb the stairs yourself to get an upper angle. This is especially true for large groups.

Top view:

Bottom view:

5. Use different plans. Some of the models can be placed further away, others can be placed closer to the camera.

If you have any questions or additions on the topic of a group portrait, write to me in the comments, do not be shy, I am attentive to criticism and requests from readers.

We all have moments when we need to take a group photo. No big holiday is complete without them. And, unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of photography that is not easy and requires a significant amount of time. Use a few tips below to become a group photo master!

Always start with a plan

Good group shots on the spur of the moment can only come from professionals. Well, or lucky amateurs. If you do not consider yourself among the professionals, then it would be better to prepare for a group shot.

1. Plan your shoot

It is necessary to think over everything to the smallest detail. What day will it be? Who will attend? Where will it be? Choose a suitable place for the picture and other little things.

2. Choose the right environment

What is considered the right environment? Everything depends on the context. For example, if you are going to do group photo with employees, it is logical to choose a place that will represent the business. If we are talking about seasonal shots, such as Christmas, then it would be nice to include some snow or a fireplace in the frame.

3. Visualize the shot

You can spend a lot of time thinking about the location of the shoot, staging, and so on. But in order for the picture to come out really good, you also need to imagine it. You must understand exactly what you want to get from the picture. Imagine how it should turn out. Otherwise, you can spend a lot of time taking more and more pictures in the hope of perfect. So ask yourself what you want to see as a result.

Remember you are the boss here

1. Take control

Think of yourself as a director. Everyone has to do what you tell him to do, and exactly the right way. Feel free to take orders. After all, you are responsible for the result.

2. Create a comfortable environment

On the one hand, you have to be persistent in guiding the shooting process. But the main thing is not to overdo it. It is unlikely that the photos will turn out warm and positive if the participants are scared and alarmed. Chat and joke with them, cheer them up. After all, photography conveys all emotions.

3. Use a tripod

Of course it takes up some space. And it is not always convenient to carry it with you. But this is a very useful thing. First of all, it will save you from unnecessary shaking and, as a result,. Also, a tripod gives you the opportunity to manage the process, communicate with people and at the same time not carry a camera with you everywhere.

4. Lighting is everything

Creating the right lighting is the most important trick to getting high quality photos. It has great importance whether you are photographing indoors or outdoors, winter or summer. This topic is very broad and difficult to fit into a small paragraph. In addition, light always depends on the context. Avoid using flash if possible. It is so strong that it often blurs colors and creates harsh shadows. Natural lighting is always better. In cases where the use of a flash is unavoidable, use a diffuser to soften the light.

Composition is perhaps the hardest part of posing a group shot. But there are several simple tips which will make this task easier.

1. Find triangles

In a group shot, subjects don't have to be the same height. This creates a feeling of unnaturalness. Distribute the participants in the shooting so that between tall people there are people shorter. This will give the photo dynamism and naturalness. The essence of such a triangle is to connect the heads of the participants in the photograph with imaginary lines so that a triangle is obtained. It doesn't have to be perfect. It's just a little trick to help you position people in the front and back rows in a way that looks visually appealing.

2. Tighten the frame

By definition, a group is a single whole, consisting of separate parts. Thus, when shooting in a group, it is very important to keep the subjects grouped. Try to fill large gaps. Once you're done setting up, take your camera and capture the participants in the frame. Approaching or moving away from them, find optimal distance from which you can take a good picture. “Good” means that it will not have too much free space, which will create an effect of emptiness and imbalance.

3. Choose the right background

Most of the time it should be something simple. Something that does not distract from the main focus - people. For example, if you are photographing indoors, it could be a wall. Objects that can be distracting (for example, a picture or photo frame on the wall, a table or a chair that fall into the frame) are best removed to the side.

4. Experiment with angles

If you feel like all your group shots look boring and monotonous, try taking shots from different angles. For example, from the floor (from bottom to top). Or, conversely, from above, for example, climbing the stairs. In general, show your imagination.

Photography is a complex and vast subject. We have given you only superficial recommendations. But this is quite enough to understand in which direction it is necessary to move in order to achieve. And remember: there is nothing wrong with making mistakes, because they are what help you improve.

Do not shoot such group portraits!
May my masterpiece remain unsurpassed

So the person asks:

Guks

In the foreseeable future, I may have to shoot a group (more than 10 people) portrait. In this regard, I would like to hear the opinion of experienced photographers on how best to do this. In particular, the following is of interest:

1. Is it possible to use a wide-angle lens (12-24) for this type of shooting? If so, at what focal length is it best to do this in order to avoid image distortion? If not, then, of the lenses I have, is it better to use a kit for the D40?

2. What would be the lighting recommendations? More specifically, it’s embarrassing (I think so, if I’m wrong, tell me, I’ll take it into account) that when shooting on the street (and this is exactly what is planned), people will be lit unevenly, and I don’t want to use the “sun on the forehead” option ... Probably better sun at an angle of 60 degrees. to the group? I'm right? The flash is only built-in, is it enough to fill in unnecessary shadows - for me the big question is ...

Morozow Sergey
If there is a normal external flash, put them against the sun. And you yourself will illuminate the entire group with a flash. Or wait for cloudy weather, then it will be easier to conjure.

Guks
The flash, unfortunately, is only built-in ... But anyway, thanks for the substantive and informative answer!

Vladimir Dinsky
Best placed in the shade big building(on the front steps), or, as already mentioned, shoot when it's cloudy. In the sun it will almost always be bad - either sharp shadows on the face, or they will squint from the sun into the forehead.
Do not forget that you need to build and shoot quickly enough - concentration will be lost, they will be distracted, they will start chatting with each other - then you will not collect it. It’s worth doing a few takes, even if it’s a continuous shooting, for sure someone will blink, yawn, lick their lips, wave their head, etc.

making
Do not fool around and do as Morozov says. Illuminate with an external flash, you will get at least sharp edges. And then look at what happened on the camera display, adjust what and how.

Sodium hydroxide
Set the 12-24 lens to about 20-22 (the effective focal length on the crop will be 32-36 mm) - and it will be fine.
Whale lens - on the same focal lengths.
By the way, test who has better sharpness and angles.

If the built-in flash is not enough to fill in the shadows, increase the ISO to 400 - then it will definitely finish.

Aperture about 4-5.6

If it is cloudy and the snow that shines from below, then there will be no shadows under the eyes - no flash is needed, ISO 200.

If the sun, then either lead into the shade, or shine with a flash and so that the sun is either in the face or behind; otherwise the shadows from the noses will go and bruises under the eyes.

Gantenbein
Wide angle should not be used. 40 mm (in terms of crop) is the minimum. Otherwise, people who are from the edges of the frame will simply fall apart. Better put at least 50 mm (again - in terms of EGF). You don't need to use flash. There is no need to take pictures in bright sunlight. There is no need to take pictures in deep shade either.
Move away so that everyone fits into the frame, and put the camera on a tripod. Set the shutter release delay plus enable bracketing (with minimum step).
Press the trigger and move away from the device. Now the main thing is not to interfere with him - he will do the rest himself.
Choose the best of the three frames.
If there is none, then repeat the iteration.

Polinsky V.
And I would probably set the aperture to more than 5

Yura.
Here's something else you should be concerned about. How many takes do you need to make in order to obtain a group portrait with an acceptable probability, in which the eyes of all those portrayed are open.
Given: the number of people, the average blink rate, the estimated shutter speed.

Gantenbein
From personal experience: If there are no more than 30 people in a group picture, then with 3-frame bracketing, at least one frame will have everyone with open eyes.

How this is consistent with the theory of probability - I do not know.

tsuken
Why not take and try to take pictures of any groups (and not necessarily groups) of people in different conditions and look at the result, evaluate and draw conclusions? Your own practice is better than hundreds of other people's advice.

Mike_P
We have already noted that it is undesirable to shoot at very short focal lengths. For a Nikon D40 with a crop factor of 1.5 for large groups, you can take 24 mm (will be equivalent to 36 mm). In short, 24 mm IMHO is undesirable, a larger focal length of 24 mm is better. You should also avoid placing people at the edges of the frame, it is better to be empty. Aperture 8-11, with such apertures, the optics are sharper throughout the frame. ISO - to reduce noise, i.e. 100-200, if dark, then 400.

Another such moment - place large groups (30-50 people) in several rows, if possible, otherwise 6 megapixels of your camera will not be enough for normal detailing of faces. The D200 was barely enough for me, and the result was mediocre when I shot a group of laureates who lined up in 2 long rows (but I didn’t organize them for shooting).

Do duplicates.

Duc
It is better to shoot any portraits at a large focal length of 70-150 mm. This way there will be less distortion.

But shooting at 70-150 suggests that the photographer has room to move away from the people being photographed. Indoors, this is usually problematic, especially when shooting a group of people.

In the mentioned 12-24, people located at the edges of the frame will be noticeably "fatter" than those located in the center of the frame.

12-24 - this is the most extreme case, when there is nowhere to go.

Yura.
And they also taught me in Israel - in order for people to smile at ease, instead of the stupid "Attention, I'm filming", or "Cheese", or "Cheese", you need to say loudly "BOOTS!" at the last moment. Checked - smiles are much more natural.