My Secret Weapon for Blink-Free Group Photos (That Always Gets a Laugh)

“Do you trust me?”

That’s the first thing I ask a big group before I raise my camera.

They always laugh. Some roll their eyes. Kids giggle. Grandmas smile.

Then I say: “Great! Now close your eyes.”

And just like that – everyone’s relaxed, smiling and leaning into the moment.

Finally, I say: “I’m going to count to three… and when you hear ‘three,’ open your eyes and look right at me!”

One… two… THREE!

Click.

Result? Nearly 100% eyes-open, natural, joyful group photos – every single time.

This isn’t just a trick – it’s psychology, timing and trust wrapped into one. And it works whether you’re photographing 20 people or 200.

Now, let’s dive into why this works – and how to combine it with other pro techniques to guarantee success at every event.

Why This Method Works So Well

• Closing eyes resets blinking patterns. Everyone blinks at different intervals – but if they all start from “closed,” they open together.
• Laughter = relaxed faces. Tension causes squinting and awkward expressions. Humor dissolves it instantly.
• Clear instruction = synchronized action. “Open on three” gives everyone a shared cue – no guessing, no premature blinking.

Pro Tip: Say “THREE!” with energy – not too fast, not too slow. A crisp, cheerful “THREE!” triggers an instinctive eye-open response.

Pro Composition Secret: Shoot from Above

I climb up on a step ladder, balcony, riser or even a sturdy chair – and shoot looking slightly down at the group.

Why?

• You capture more of their bodies (great for formal events where outfits matter!).
• Faces aren’t hidden behind heads in front – everyone is visible.
• The downward angle creates a flattering perspective and tighter composition.

Just be safe – never risk a fall for a shot! I usually carry a small ladder or compact lightweight step stool in my car for exactly this reason.

Combine Your Trust Trick with These Pro Techniques

1. Follow Up with a Burst (Just in Case)

Even with your method, shoot 3-5 frames in rapid succession starting the moment you say “three.” Someone might open a split-second late – and you’ll catch it.

2. Use Soft, Even Light

Your technique works best when people aren’t squinting. Position the group in open shade or use a diffused flash/reflectors if outdoors in sun.

3. Keep Everyone on the Same Plane

Stagger rows, but avoid placing people too far forward or back. Use 1/125s and f/5.6–f/8 and ISO depending on the ambient light, start from 100 outside and and around 1600 inside. I keep my flash on TTL.

4. Engage the Whole Group

After the first round, say:

“That was amazing! Let’s do one more – this time, give me your biggest, silliest smile on THREE!”
You’ll get variety – and backup shots.

5. Have a Composite Safety Net

If one person still blinks? You’ve got multiple frames. A quick face swap in Photopea/Photoshop takes a few minutes.

What NOT to Do (Even With a Great Trick)

• Don’t rush the count – pause slightly between “two” and “three.”
• Don’t skip the burst – your trick improves odds, but redundancy guarantees success.
• Don’t forget to check the edges – uncles and cousins on the ends often zone out!

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Make This Your Signature Move

Clients remember how you made them feel – not just the photo. By starting with “Do you trust me?” you turn a stressful group photo into a shared moment of laughter and connection. That’s the magic of event photography.

And now? This is your method. Go ahead – use it, teach it, trademark it.

What’s your go-to trick for group photos? Share your best tip in the comments or ask me your toughest event photography question for a future post!