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Question from Ashley: “I have a shoot with 8 girls before homecoming on Saturday and I’m clueless on poses for that many people.”
Melanie: I would look at bridal party poses and go from there.
Kelly: Groups of 3 is always pleasing to the eye. I’d also look at bridal party poses.
Stephanie: Oh trust me, it will be like herding cats and they will pose however they want. i would focus more on what is behind them so you don’t have to edit out too much. also keep in mind that depending on their personalities, many of them are at a awkward stage and don’t feel comfortable doing cute or sassy poses. it’s better to work with what you go rather than force something. Teenagers are just weird! (Speaking as the mother of 2 of them.) Good Luck!
Taylor: When I do big groups of girls I always so a pose like the cover of the movie Bridesmaids…look it up! Having them all being posed in a different way than having some pictures when they are smiling and some with a little more attitude! Girls usually love doing this!
Shirley: pose them like bridesmaids Stager them, wear sunglasses, sassy looks, clumped tightly together–you get the idea! have fun!
Tim: Use steps. Just make sure you have enough light in those in the back. I would also use a step stool so you can shoot straight in to the group. Use a ladder to shoot down, with the group looking up at you.
Mollie: Start out with them in a line, all at an angle with hands on their hips. Nice formal pose. Then get silly! “Blow a kiss! Strike a pose!” Girls in fancy dresses know how to ham it up. =]
Mollie: a hand on their hip. Drop the other since it’s hidden.
Melissa: Piggy back. Perfect in even numbers. Good for candid as the get up Always works for me.
Alysha: I’m assuming they’re all friends if they want a shoot together. Let them be themselves. Sure, shoot for some “posed” stuff if you want (check out bridal party poses) but candid, having fun shots will probably be better received by a bunch of teenage girls.
Morgan: I shoot proms and homecomings! See my Facebook page for some of the poses. You can control them, but you HAVE to tell the parents to scram. Like seriously. Do the group shots first, then take each couple and do their pictures away from everyone else. Tell the parents that they can take pictures of the kids you aren’t shooting at the moment, but once they’re with you, they have to not be distracted by their parents shooting over your shoulder and telling them to stand up straight, etc.
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