Having a studio space at Double Image means we can accommodate larger groups for portraits.  We’ve had 15 in the studio before, although it was a bit of a squeeze! We regularly have groups of 8 – 14 people here.

The most common reason for group portraits is for a gift or celebration – an anniversary, special birthday or a photo of the whole family before children leave home and head off into the big, wide world.

I always think that photographing large groups is a bit like doing a jigsaw.  People need to be posed so everyone can be seen and the structure of the pose builds nicely.

I usually photograph a couple of more formal poses and then some less formal ones with people sitting and kneeling on the floor.  We usually use a white background and suggest casual clothing to give a contemporary feel to the more formal poses.

Most families make the most of the studio time and have photos of individual family groups, grandparents with their grandchildren and the grandchildren together – any mix of shots the group wants really!

My tips for groups thinking about having portraits are think about the feel of the photos and what clothing would work well – smart or casual, colour scheme etc. Special toys or a teddy will help little ones settle in the studio.  Think about using the studio session to get a range of images and think of what you will do with the photos from the shoot.