Photographing a large group often feels like herding cats while juggling speedlights. Arranging dozens of people into a compelling structure—where every face is visible, flattered, and natural—is usually far more challenging than setting up the gear. 

In this video for Adorama TV, photographer Gary Hughes demonstrates how he planned, posed, and directed a dramatic 23-person portrait at the historic Athens Theater in DeLand, Florida.

Rather than hauling in an entire truckload of heavy studio strobes to illuminate a massive 4,000-square-foot stage, Hughes used a single gelled flash combined with the venue’s ambient work lights. 

By systematically lighting small clusters of three to four people at a time, he created a series of perfectly exposed frames ready for post-production compositing.

Building the Composition: Heads Like Musical Notes

The key to transforming a bland lineup into a Broadway-style ensemble lies in intentional blocking and staggered elevation. Utilizing stage props, ladders, and apple boxes creates distinct vertical tiers across the frame. 

Starting with the core leadership team, Hughes builds the group outward one or two people at a time. The goal is to avoid rigid horizontal lines, placing heads like notes rising and falling on a musical staff to maintain rhythm and visual depth.

Locking Down for Seamless Compositing

Executing a single-flash group composite requires absolute consistency across every single frame. The camera must sit on a sturdy tripod with exposure, white balance, and focal point completely locked in manual mode. 

Focusing slightly behind the front row ensures critical sharpness across all rows. Moving systematically across the stage yields multiple identical plates that effortlessly stack as layers inside Photoshop.

Practical Studio Advice: Always shoot the large group photo before taking individual headshots. Once the group master plate is captured, individuals can complete their headshots and leave immediately, respecting everyone's time while keeping production organized.