How to Take a Group Photo

This seems silly, right?  I mean, a self-timer group shot isn't exactly editorial.  But I have to say, when I've suggested it, even though everyone bitches and moans, I get more requests to send along the group shots than I ever expected.  There's just something to getting everyone in a shot that makes for a great memory.  I took the following picture at a birthday getaway for a dear friend in a cabin in North Carolina.

What I needed to think about before I took it:  

• I looked at where to take it, and set up the shot and settings before anybody started huddling around.  People REALLY do not want to hang out while you play with the shot, it pretty much needs to be ready to go, or they'll start to wander off.  I was only able to click two frames before my group got distracted by booze, food, and the hot tub.  
• I took the picture before it got too dark.  Too early in an event, people aren't really settled in.  Too late, people go their separate ways (and sometimes get a little sloppy).  When I liked the light I just barked at everyone to gather around.  
• Don't negotiate.  The birthday gal wanted the picture, so that's that.  Don't ask or cajole. Just grab folks by the shoulders, tell them to stand still, and don't leave the wisdom of the 'group shot' up for debate.  

Why I'm happy we took it.  

• One weekend in the cabin and this seems to be the most cherished of photographs.  Truly, most of the pictures got extremely NSFW or got hampered by rain.  
• With all the pictures that we snap over the course of a day, or a week, or a dinner, it's nice to have something that looks and feels a little different.  
• Also, now I have this, with these people.  Priceless.