Creating a large group portrait at kasteel Terworm: A challenge but also a success
Photography is often an art of timing, light, and location. This was once again evident during a recent photoshoot for a large group portrait at the beautiful Kasteel Terworm in Heerlen. With 24 people to capture, it was a challenge to get everyone looking their best, from grandparents to the smallest grandchildren, who were barely 2 years old.
The preparations
The preparations for this photoshoot began with finding the perfect backdrop. Kasteel Terworm offers a range of stunning settings, but finding a spot that was both spacious enough for the group and aesthetically pleasing was a challenge. We eventually chose a location with the castle in the background, surrounded by greenery. This provided a beautiful, classic touch to the photo and ensured that everyone was clearly visible.
Another important preparation was the choice of clothing. On my advice, the family members coordinated their outfits in various shades of blue. This created a nice, harmonious look, which made the photo even more impressive.
The right light
Light is a crucial factor in photography, especially for an outdoor location on a sunny and warm day. We decided to photograph in the late afternoon, when the sunlight is softer and warmer. This provided a beautiful, natural illumination without harsh shadows. The trick was to position the light so that it evenly illuminated everyone, which can be challenging with a group of this size. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, and we had the perfect lighting.
The photoshoot
With only 40 minutes for the shoot, time management was essential. I began by arranging the group, ensuring that everyone was visible and no faces were blocked. People often tend to line up directly behind each other, and sometimes smaller individuals end up at the back when they could be better placed at the front. The grandparents were given a central position, surrounded by their children and grandchildren. I used different backgrounds, which helped to capture everyone well and gave the family a choice of various settings, including both the castle and the forest.
Capturing 24 people requires patience and precision. With children of varying ages, including toddlers barely 2 years old, it was important to work quickly but also to allow space for spontaneous moments. By incorporating a few playful elements and putting the children at ease, we were able to keep everyone's attention.
What made this shoot special was that it took place on my birthday. This added an extra festive touch to the entire experience and made it even more memorable for everyone involved.
The end result
After an intensive 40 minutes, we had the photos we needed. It was a wonderful experience to see a large family come together for this special moment. The end result was a series of photos that beautifully captured the bond and love within the family, with Kasteel Terworm as the backdrop. The family was very pleased with the result and left a lovely Google review. They also selected a 40x60 cm enlargement to cherish this memory forever.
Conclusion
This photoshoot once again demonstrated the importance of preparation and timing in photography. Finding the right location, planning the right moment for perfect light, and coordinating clothing choices all played a crucial role in the success of this session. It was an honor to capture this special day, which coincided with my own birthday, and to create a lasting memory for this family.
