Of all the portrait specialities, photographing group portraits is particularly demanding. How do they pose? How can everyone be kept in sharp focus and create an interesting composition? Bill Hurter, editor of Rangefinder magazine, provides a detailed study of what makes group portraiture work. Illustrated with images from over 40 top portrait photographers, this book teaches the techniques anyone can rely on to yield top-quality results.

Cited by the Nobel Prize committee as the “crown” of Heinrich Böll’s work, the gripping story of Group Portrait With Lady unspools like a suspenseful documentary. Via a series of tense interviews, an unnamed narrator uncovers the story—past and present—of one of Böll’s most intriguing characters, the enigmatic Leni Pfeiffer, a struggling war widow. At the center of her struggle is her effort to prevent the demolition of her Cologne apartment building, a fight in which she is joined by a motley group of neighbors. Along with her illegitimate son, Lev, she becomes the nexus of a countercultural group rebelling against Germany’s dehumanizing past under the Nazis ... and what looks to be an equally dehumanizing future under capitalism.

Artwork from 30 of the industry's top photographers is used to highlight both clearcut shooting strategies and colorful, cutting edge approaches to family portraiture in this handbook intended for idea gathering and inspiration. Advice on focal length, perspective, and maximizing the potential of digital equipment highlights the technical aspects of family portraiture while group posing strategies demonstrate how best to flatter each subject and convey a sense of family unity. A lengthy discussion of lighting—the backbone of portraiture—and the manipulation of shadows and highlights instructs photographers on how to create mood and interest in a variety of lighting scenarios, both indoors and out. Specifics on adjusting body lines, colors, and shapes, working with young children, and creating a comfortable atmosphere ensure that the photographer captures the unique personality of each family with dynamic and attractive images.

A sample book of classic, casual, and editorial poses for family, bridal, team and other group photos.

Discusses the fundamentals of portrait photography and reveals how to get the best shots of subjects both in the studio and outdoors, addressing the problems and opportunities both settings present.