Table of contents
Overview
It’s easy to spot when scaling or lighting looks “off” in a virtual group photo. With proper lighting, scaling, and perspective, you can ensure professional-looking results every time. This guide covers the essential steps for a flawless photo day setup.
Tripod
- Lock your camera on a tripod to prevent movement between shots.
- Stabilization simplifies your workflow and reduces manual adjustments.
No zooming
- Use a fixed 50 mm lens for consistency. If using a telephoto lens, zoom to 50 mm and tape it to prevent accidental adjustments.
- Shoot full-length photos and let the design team crop as needed.
Hit the mark
- Frame the background and set up for the tallest subject to avoid repositioning the camera mid-shoot.
- Use clear floor marks so every subject stands at the same distance from the camera.
- Match floor marks to the background color for seamless results.
- Measure backdrop distance and tripod height for repeatable scaling, including makeup days.
Consistent lighting
- Use a light meter to check subject and background exposure.
- [Optional] Create a custom white balance if you’re not using a color correction service.
- Keep your lighting setup consistent across all shots.
- Record light positions and heights for repeatable setups.
- Avoid changing modifiers or light direction, as this breaks consistency between players.
- If multiple stations are used, assign each team to one station to avoid mixing lighting differences.
The takeaway
For professional-looking group photos, use a tripod, avoid zooming, define consistent floor marks, and maintain a reliable lighting setup. These steps ensure accurate scaling, uniform exposure, and flawless virtual team images every time.