Family Photography | Large Group Photos

Do you have a headcount of more than seven for your next photo session? No need to fear. While getting group photos to look professional can be a challenge, with the right light, location and the burst of a shutter, Pacific Dream Photography can make it easy. So, go ahead and get the whole family together, or invite your friends because with Pacific Dream, the motto is, “the more, the merrier!” Find below some tips to take the best group photos possible.

1. Find even, soft light: While locating a spot that will both look nice and administer good light for a lot of people can be hard, it is the most important step while taking large group photos. While shooting outdoors, hard and or directional light can be unflattering and result to uneven exposure while some people are blanketed with different brightness levels of light. To avoid this, you need to find a spot that will cover everyone’s faces in the same light so that nobody has awkward spots of sun, and nobody is in dark shadows while the others are in brightness. This will lead to a more cohesive, professional looking image. That being said, many times, your best bet will be to find open shade. This will be somewhere that everyone may look their best without squinting at the sun, or being dappled with heavy light or shadow. Take a look at these examples.

1. Tier your subjects: Take to a staircase, a slope, or grab some chairs to separate the group into tiers to help make everyone fit a little more snug. It can be strange to have a long line of people in a photo, so tighten up your frame by placing people in tiers to ensure everyone is visible. Just make sure that the tiers are relatively even so that your end result is balanced!
2. Laugh a little! Okay, so while most group photos are aimed to be more serious, if your clients are family or friends, a great way to make everyone look a little more comfortable is to ask them to take a silly photo. Have everyone laugh or make faces at each other for a light and fun, candid look. Often times these images end up being the favorites and if you have any issues with the group looking stiff, do one more serious smiling pose after the silly ones. Following the laughs, the group tends to look more confortable and relaxed.

So, don’t exclude anyone! Get the whole family together or ask your friends to tag along at your session because our photographers are certain to make your memories with ALL of your loved ones last a lifetime.

Written by Paige W. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Montage Laguna Beach)

Rain or Shine | Photography in Inclimate Weather

Southern California is known for it’s yearlong sunshine and warm weather. It’s not often that we experience rain or other extreme weather. This is the primary reason people travel near and far to the Montage Laguna Beach to indulge in the California sun. However, although it’s rare, sometimes we do receive a little bit of rain every once in a while in Orange County! This is no reason to fret. Our team of professional photographers will still be able to make your stay at the Montage stress free and still get those amazing photos that you’re looking for. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your photo shoot in the rain:

1) Don’t forget the umbrellas! While strolling around property or walking along the beach, having a prop such as an umbrella adds a carefree and fun look to your photos. It also adds a nice color pop if there is some cloud coverage.

2) Our properties are beautiful, inside and out! Especially around the holidays, Montage Laguna Beach is decorated head to toe in holly, decorative lights, and poinsettias. So if the rain gets to be too much outside, there are plenty of options to take gorgeous photos inside of the resort. Whether it is near the tree or cuddled up next to the fireplace, there is no shortage of opportunities for the perfect photo.

3) Our cameras can handle a little rain. Believe it or not, most cameras are built with a weather resistant coating. This means that as long as it’s not pouring outside, we are up for a rainy shoot as long as you are!

Considering all of these things, don’t let a little rain prevent you from capturing your travels here in Southern Orange County. Throw on some rain boots and a warm scarf, and leave the rest up to us. For more tips on planning a successful shoot check out our blog on lighting.

Written By Savannah S. (Assistant Creative Director/ Photographer at Montage Laguna Beach)