In group photos, someone is always soft

Why it happens

• The aperture was wide open (f/1.8–f/2.8), so the sharp zone was too thin for two rows.
• People stood at very different distances from the camera.
• The focus locked on the front row only.

How to fix it

1. 1

   Close the aperture to f/4–f/8 — the sharp zone deepens and everyone fits inside it.

2. 2

   Arrange faces on a shallow curve rather than a straight line, so all are equidistant.

3. 3

   Focus on the person nearest the camera; the zone extends behind them.

4. 4

   Keep the shutter at 1/160s or faster — with groups someone always moves.

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