Several years ago, the Photographic Information Council and the Photo Marketing Association International designated the day after Thanksgiving as National Family Photo Day. That Friday was chosen because it's a day when many families are together — to celebrate being a family. In that loving atmosphere, family members can be themselves and feel relaxed in front of a camera — before the pressure of holiday gift-giving sets in.
In addition, family photos snapped in late November can be processed and sent as holiday greeting cards to relatives and friends. What better way is there to say happy holidays than with a personalized greeting card by way of regular mail or e-mail?
A few tips for family pictures:
— For every person in your group, take at least one picture. A 10-person group means taking 10 pictures. I do that to be certain everyone's eyes are open and that everyone has a good expression. Sure, that's a lot of pictures, but remember, film or a set of digital files is the least expensive part of getting together and preserving your memories. (Professional photographers take hundreds of pictures of models to get one great shot.)
— Try to position your group in a nice setting that will not detract from the main subjects in your photograph.
— When outdoors, pose your group in the shade where there are few or no shadows to create unflattering patterns on your subjects' faces. Indoors, you'll probably need a flash for your group photo. Before taking your picture, make the room bright (by turning on all the room lights and opening the curtains) to reduce the redeye effect. Redeye is more common in dark rooms.
— When taking a flash picture, if any family members are wearing glasses, ask them to tilt them slightly downward. That will reduce or eliminate the harsh glare from the flash in the person's glasses.
— If you are using a camera with a self-timer (so you can get in the picture), explain to your group exactly when the photo will be taken. That way, you can all do a countdown and be ready when the shutter snaps.
— Speaking of getting in the photo, you'll probably need a tripod for your camera, unless you want to balance your camera on a can of cranberries or on a pack of hazelnuts. If you don't own a tripod, get one. You can always use it for nighttime and low-light photography — indoors and out.
— Make the photo session fun. Be the life of the party. If you present a happy attitude, it will be picked up by family members.
— Pose some members of your group with their shoulders at a slight angle to the camera. If everyone is facing the camera straight on, your picture will look flat.
Have a happy holiday season, and good luck with your family photo.