How should I arrange a family group photo when adults and kids have very different heights?
Asked 12/25/2011
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I’m photographing a family group that includes very tall and much shorter adults, plus five children ages 1–12. What are some simple posing and arrangement ideas to make the group look balanced and pleasing, whether the photo is casual or a bit more formal?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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A lot depends on the number of people and how formal/informal you want the photos to be.
If everyone is the same size, you end up with a straight row of heads, and nothing is les pleasing than that, so differing heights can work well. Unless the tallest or shortest adults are sensitive about their height, I don't think putting the shorter ones on stools to make them about the same height as the larger adults is the way to go. In a very large group you might use benches and so forth to make many rows of people visible, but with a family shot I wouldn't.
There are endless possibilities. You could have most of the adults in the back, and have a few (perhaps the talles/shortest adults) sitting on the ends of the front row, with the kids in the middle.
You could have the adults sitting and the children standing.
For a fun shot, you could try getting up on a ladder and shooting down on them all. The angle of view would put less emphasis on their differences in height.
I like Anisha's last idea, that could be fun. Depends on the family and how traditional a photo they want.
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
14y ago
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Use the height differences to your advantage rather than forcing everyone into one straight row. A simple approach is to create two or three levels:
- seat some adults in front, especially the tallest adults if needed
- place other adults standing behind them
- put the children in front, on laps, or seated on the ground near the front row
This breaks up the line of heads and usually looks more natural than trying to make everyone the same height. Benches, chairs, or sofas can help create levels without looking awkward. For a family portrait, this often looks better than putting shorter adults on stools just to match height, unless you specifically want that effect and can hide the support.
A good starting arrangement is shorter adults seated, taller adults standing behind, and kids centered in front. Another option is to put a few adults seated at the ends with the kids grouped in the middle.
If you want something playful, you can also line everyone up by height for a fun secondary shot.
In general, avoid a single flat row, and aim for a grouping that feels connected and comfortable.
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