Family portraits can be a challenge, especially when you're working with larger groups, such as grandparents with grandchildren. Capturing these moments in a way that feels natural yet beautifully lit can be tricky, but it’s important for creating memories that last a lifetime. Lighting becomes a key factor when you want to ensure everyone is evenly illuminated and the setting feels organic, not overly staged.
Coming to you from Michele Celentano with Westcott Lighting, this informative video shows how to photograph a large, dynamic group, including young children. Celentano discusses her approach to using two FJ400 lights and Rapid Box Switch Octas to create cross-lighting. Instead of lighting from the front as you might expect, she places lights to the sides to feather across the group, creating soft, even light that enhances the natural look. This method works especially well when shooting outdoors, where lighting can be unpredictable, and you want to avoid harsh shadows or overexposed faces.
One of the main challenges covered in this video is managing a group with eight children under nine years old, plus grandparents. Celentano shares her process of keeping things moving quickly, which is critical when working with younger children who have short attention spans. She focuses on setting up the adults and older children first, adding the younger ones last to keep things organized. Celentano's approach to lighting is another highlight, using cross-lighting to keep the scene looking natural without blasting the group with direct flash.
Managing chaos is inevitable when working with children, and this video dives into that reality. From singing silly songs to making animal sounds, Celentano shows that you have to let go of looking professional to get the expressions you need. She emphasizes the importance of keeping the kids engaged, while also ensuring that the adults stay focused on her, not the children. This balance between technical lighting and the human aspect of portraiture makes the video an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to tackle larger group shots.
Another critical point is the advantage of using a tripod. Celentano explains how this keeps everything consistent and saves time when recomposing the shot. She also discusses how layering images during post-production can help fix issues like crying or distracted children. The consistency provided by using a tripod and outdoor lighting ensures that even when the group becomes chaotic, the photographer can remain in control of the final result. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Celentano.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
