Would you like to know the secret to composing group portraits? Actually there are several, but one of the most important ones is based upon the notion of circles and triangles.

Over the years I’ve researched this notion in some depth and have traced this essential element of composition back as far as the Renaissance.

I remember seeing it, as clear as daylight, in The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. But it goes back much, much further.

Composition - Circles and Triangles

Let’s look at the above photo as an example. Imagine you’re drawing it. Likely you’d pick up your pencil and start sketching the basic shapes, prior to adding shading and texture.

Now let’s consider the most important shapes. You might say that they’re faces. Let’s simplify that a bit.

From a compositional point of view those faces are actually circles. Now you might want to correct me and call them ovals.

Well, smartie pants, just remember this exercise is about simplifying composition. So, with that in mind, I’m sticking with circles.

The most important element, from a structural point of view, in a group photo is the circle. Take a look at the above photo to see how I’ve linked those circles together.

If you draw imaginary lines to link those circles (i.e., faces) you’ll find they’re linked into groups of three, and each group of three forms a triangular shape.

How many triangles can you find amongst this most handsome bunch of guys? You should end up with six or seven triangles.

Group Photo Ideas

Drilling down a little further we can say that the use of triangles allows us to build a variety of sub-groups within the larger group.

And that’s particularly important when the larger group includes, for example, siblings, their partner and children within a larger (e.g., three generations) family portrait.

Another great example of composing a group portrait around the notion of circles and triangles is that you no longer have the situation where you’re losing people by having them hidden behind someone else.

What’s more you’re able to organise them into a relatively smaller group, thereby making them appear closer and easier to see, compared to spreading them out in a long, straight line.

Group Photography - Now You Know

Now clearly, unless your subjects are trained artists, they’re not going to comment on your photography by saying something like

“Hey dude, love the circles and triangles.”

The idea of composition, when dealing with the general public, is that it doesn’t so much scream out to the viewer but blends into a pleasing, harmonious result.

Just what your customer is looking for. 

Hope this helps. Please feel free to share widely and wildly.

Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru