I strongly encourage friend photoshoots because the benefits are seriously endless. Let me list the ways: confidence boost, quality time, amazing photographic results, some black mail-worthy blooper photos and some awesome Instagram opportunities.
The weather is nice and you don’t even need a fancy camera to be a photographer these days. Seriously, smart phone cameras have evolved so far. Without further ado, here’s how to have a good time and snap the perfect photos with your favorite people.
1. Use the camera timer.
Honestly, I’m not sure if the new iOS has a timer or anything because I’m awful at updating my phone, but if you don’t you can also install an app. If you’re using your phone you can also download apps that turn your camera into a timer! If you’re using a camera there’s likely a timer built in.
2. Recruit someone to snap some photos.
No need for a fancy photographer. If you can’t recruit someone, take turns taking photos and utilize the timer on your phone for big group photos. It’s definitely more difficult but it can lead to a lot of bloopers.
3. Get great lighting.
I’ve mentioned this in my Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Selfie and it’s still true! You don’t want to be in total shade but you also don’t want a ton of sunlight. I’ve found that the best time of day to take photographs is an hour or two before sunset when the sun isn’t blazing but it’s still around.
4. Vary your poses.
No need to stick to the classic arms around each other pose! Get corny with it. Get stupid with it. Get weird with it.
Some ideas: cliche prom photo pose, hugging, piggyback ride, pyramid, a photo with your backs to the camera with your arms around eachother
5. Utilize Props.
This isn’t necessary but sometimes a prop can be a fun addition. This can be something fun like heart shaped sunglasses or a crown or it can be something that has meaning or relevance. For example, if your group is really into football that’d be a perfect prop.
6. Pick a color scheme.
Obviously this is optional, but a nice color scheme always works well in photos. If everyone’s wearing colors within a certain color scheme it can look a little cheesy but also totally adorable. Embrace the cheesiness.
7. Choose one phone/camera.
You know when you snap a group photo and everyone in the group whips out their phone and asks the photographer to take a picture on their phone? That’s a huge mess and as the photographing goes on, everyone is internally screaming at having to hold their pose. Choose one person’s phone or camera to be the picture-taking device and share them later with a Air Drop, a flash drive, Google Drive and so on.
8. Try some action shots.
Jump photos are really hard to execute, but they’re fun to attempt. Plus, if you do get it to work, it’s going to look awesome and High School Musical-esque. Pro-tip, if you’re doing a jumping shot, establish if you’re jumping ON three or AFTER three. Very important.
9. Find a good setting.
Personally I love having grass and trees in the background of photos, but if there’s a particularly aesthetic place, go there for your photoshoot! Try to choose a background that’s not too busy. I also highly, highly recommend going outdoors. Nothing beats natural lighting. Fluorescent lighting just isn’t cute.
10. Try different camera angles.
For this photo we had our friend lying in the grass with the camera, it gives a unique perspective! Try taking some aerial shots, shots from the ground or even shots at eye level. Sometimes moving the camera rather than the people can be a fun twist.
11. A little editing goes a long way.
Even if no one in the group is a super tech-savvy editor, a few minor actions can make a huge difference. Try playing with the brightness and contrast. If you’ve got a photo editing programs, using the “Levels” tool is a very simple way for beginners to brighten and enhance their photos.
You can also take the easy route and slap on some filters though, more about photo editing here.
11. Candid shots are the best.
Ultimately a lot of the best photos are the photos that weren’t exactly planned. Snap photos when you’re not posed. The best photos are the ones that capture everyone laughing. If you’re not laughing, try doing a jump photo or doing a photo with fake laughs. You’ll probably end up laughing for real.
P.S. For some fun friend date ideas, check out my post here!
What is your favorite pose?
These are such great tips! Literally just the other day I told my friend that we need to take tons of pictures together soon just for the heck of it, haha! I’ll definitely keep these in mind!
Thanks Jasmin! 🙂 Yeah, I love having tons of cute pictures to look back on!!