Looking Down

I was recently hired by my mother-in-law to shoot our own family photos. In addition to the large group photos of the entire family, we wanted some photos of just my nieces and nephews as well. My goal was to get some fun, unique shots of the kids because that's who they are to me. They are fun, goofy, sweet kids and are always up for anything. So when I asked them to lay on the ground on their backs, they were totally game. And, you can clearly see by Paul's face (bottom right) that laying on the ground with his cousins is hilarious.

Sometimes taking group photos of kids (especially younger ones) can be a challenge. It's often difficult to get them all together without someone wandering off. And sometimes they get distracted and look away from the camera. But what better way to contain those little bodies and hold their attention than laying them on the ground and shooting from above?

A couple of tips to master this pose...

A shot like this may require a wide andle lens and it helps if you are tall or have a chair to stand on. I try to shoot the photo from directly above the subjects. That way, the photo can be rotated in any direction and still look great. And lastly, try to place your subjects in open shade, such as under a tree or in the shadow of a building. That way, the light that falls on their faces isn't harsh sunlight. This will also keep them from squinting.

But don't limit this trick to large groups or just kids. This angle can work great for one or two people as well! And as a bonus, when you have people looking up toward the sky this way, it creates that great light in the eyes that we all love some much.

Have you attempted a shot like this before? If not, give it a try and show us the results!

Comments

[Marcie]

What a wonderful image. It reminds me of a mandala of happy smiling faces!!!
And - I'm always on the ground..looking up:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=920

[kristyk]

In 2005: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristyk/16926686/in/set-72057594143311757/

In 2008: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristyk/2405631510/in/set-72057594143311757/

[Meryl]

I did some engagement pictures like this not long ago: http://www.mybitofearth.net/2009/07/happy-love.html

[Kathleen O./ko2008]

This is from last Christmas...taken from the loft at my mom's house. I love the perspective and talked everyone into getting into the game. I'm totally going to try this outside in the fall!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3148790038/in/set-72157603894867029/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3148790492/in/set-72157603894867029/

[megan]

i tried this a couple of years ago with my boys and friends. didn't get it exactly right, but i adore their laughing faces:).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganmona/1626026341/

[camerashymomma]

i've always wanted to try the 'in the grass looking up' shot. this turned out great!
this is my recent favorite of me looking down, seeing beauty look back up at me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerashymomma/3816486818/

[hi kooky]

This is from last November, and it was my first attempt at a birdseye view shot of my boys. Scroll down a little - it's the last shot of the bunch.

[hi kooky]

whoops! here's the link: http://hikooky.blogspot.com/2008/11/first-snow.html

[Chocolate on my Cranium]

I did this a couple of years ago with my six daughters.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7914841@N08/2310999296/in/set-72157603801459227/

They've all changed so much I need to do it again. Maybe I should put them all in the same spot and have a yearly photo like this to mark their growth together. That would be fun!

[Haley]

Yes I use this trick often...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2hcreative/3792748308/in/set-72157621862583560/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2hcreative/3807094402/in/set-72157621862583560/

[Kate @ Little House]

Went for the 'other end' with this one... Pass the parcel...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30297021@N02/3298319334/

[darlene]

i tried in a friend's pool! i thought it turned out well, but had a bit of squint.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1T86TaL9eFs/SooSs7ejcLI/AAAAAAAAA9s/H81MN4Utkd0/s1600-h/DSC_0177.JPG

[Beth M]

I did some cabin photos for a camp, and one cabin wanted this shot: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethmalena/900016189/in/set-72157609370110459/

[Julie Alvarez]

I have a couple of shots like this, but not so pro-done...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3386905927/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3315565292/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3315561000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3161198591/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3161183999/

[juliacsmith]

So funny – I just did this over Labor Day weekend with friends in Madison. Bigger "kids," smaller group, but still fun.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcsupersmith/3901884641/in/set-72157622309345878/

[hdmi cable]

WOW this is really an amazing snap.
As their is only smiles from every where from all the directions.
This is really good to see that all kids are happy in doing this.
Thanks for the post.

[Sarah]

Here's one I took of some friends during an engagement shoot:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29406311@N04/3643105184/in/set-72157619969930888/