I have a question...when doing like group portraits, weddings, things of that nature, is there any rule of thumb, or type of guideline for what height to set up your tripod/camera? Or just go with what seems right?
I'm no expert in this though and my estimations of it may be incorrect. I'm sure there are plenty of studio photographers around here who have studied the compositional rules (suggestions) for this type of work.
If I remember correctly, if you are doing full body portrait work (as in a group photo), your camera should be placed at about waist level to the people in the shot. You should find a good book on studio portraiture and I'm sure this information will be included.
If I remember correctly, if you are doing full body portrait work (as in a group photo), your camera should be placed at about waist level to the people in the shot.
Yup. But with a single person full body, you may wish to vary that to change perspective, depending on the person's height. You may wish to make a shorter or average person look taller, but rarely want to make a tall person look taller.
BTW, if you are going for a 3/4 view... cropped mid thigh put the camera at about bust level.
I think the best "variation" I've seen for this type of group shot is one taken from about three feet above the group, allowing them to be packed in closely, but all clearly visible because they are all looking up. A medium-height ladder would be a useful accessory here.
