Photography groups of people

[julimucca]

I have taken family pictures before, but not as big of a group as I am going to be doing this weekend.
My husbands aunt asked me to take some pictures of her family. I am kind of nervous, for one thing, I am better at the kiddie kandid type pictures, but also, my camera isn't the greatest, just a little point and shoot(I need to quit feeling that way about it, but It makes me worry more about the pictures turning out), and I don't know anything about posing big groups.
I stress if everything isn't perfect (hate that), so I have been trying to prepare myself as much as possible.
I have looked online for some help, but haven't found much. Can any of you give me some advice, to help ease my mind a bit and prepare me better? lol
What settings should I use on my camera? It will be done outside in their backyard. Any posing ideas for 8 people older than 10 and a set of twins?
Thank you guys so much!

[jerryph]

Basic portraiture hints:

http://jerryphpics.blogspot.com/2008/07/portraiture-guidelines.html

Next... visit flickr.com and do searches of group shots for ideas. Write down those ideas and use them.

Basically, it can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it... lighting is of course important.

[julimucca]

Thank you so much, this is very helpfull! : )

[jomanros]

I saw your lovely blog and I left a comment...

[julimucca]

I saw your lovely blog and I left a comment...

Thank you!

[Pat]

Check out your local library for photo books. I live near a small city and they have a decent selection at the library. Wedding photo books deal with poses and a lot more that is interesting and useful even if you don't plan to do weddings.
Easiest of all; type- photography pose posing (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=photography+pose+posing&meta=&aq=f&oq=)- into your web browser (I like google).
Just off the top of my head I think you want to avoid having large groups all at the same level (use stairs, chairs, step stools, kneeling, sitting on the ground etc. For less than formal stuff I think also I would avoid the look into the camera lens and say cheese look. Set up in pairs and trios, couples or not, facing each other and chatting, all dressed in black against a light or medium bkgnd, all in white for a dark or med, bgnd. etc, etc. Your imagination is the limit these days.
Have your subjects bodies (shoulders) facing at least 45 degrees off being parallel to the film plane with their faces toward the camera (if you want a face on shot).
Just a few thoughts and suggestions. I realise they're too late for your project above. And how did that turn out? Were you happy with the results?
One more point: Avoid stress. Stress is your worst enemy. Take deep breaths. Be, like, one with the universe. Whatever. But avoid stress. Life happens. Don't ever worry about being good enough. As long as you are upfront about your current (temporary) technical limitations and put in a decent work ethic, your natural talent will carry the day. (I've seen your blog, of course.). No fear. (Actually, the deep breaths thing works...about ten of them, slow, with eyes closed and clear mind. Should be done once or twice a day just for general mental health :)).