Photo Discussion
Category: Constructive Critique

Group - Party

	Group - Party Shade Karen N. Guertin

Nice group shot overall. The stairs really help layer large groups so that you can come close enough to show our faces.

The poses are good. Everyone is looking at the camera, even Tosh! For a formal pose like this, I wish I could see everyone's full face though—Rob, Gary, Tony, and I have clipped chins. You need to tell us while you're composing and ask us to move slightly; since we can *see* the camera we're not aware of what doesn't show.

Glad you had the chimes removed, they would have been distracting.

Too bad you're holding your small camera, its bright edge is distracting. Also, Judi's pink slippers and Doni's white tennies stick out.

Good group photos are precious to each person in the group. We're all willing to follow your directions, as long as you don't try our patience. Therefore, take your time arranging people, feet, hands, and chins, to get it right. The secret is to get as much set up beforehand as you can, which you did: chose the site with the best lighting and fewest distractions (take trial shots to test and set your exposure and focus), bring seating as needed, and have everything ready to go so that when the group arrives you can take the time to check for distractions and make adjustments while people are still fresh. You've captured great expressions here. Keep up the good work!

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August 19, 2011