Capturing the Perfect Family Photo

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the obligatory family photo. With relatives gathering together from all corners of the globe, it is essential to snap the perfect group shot, suitable for framing. Here are a few tips and suggested buys for capturing the best photo of the fam. Although it’ll be tough to beat this one…

Invest in a Tripod

More stable than Uncle Frank after a few cups of eggnog.

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-330DX-Tripod-With-Black/dp/B00009R6R9

Go Wireless (with a Shutter Remote)

Avoid running back and forth to reset the timer on your camera. With a wireless shutter remote you can snap away to your heart’s content and delete the duds.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-RC-6-Wireless-Controller-Digital/dp/B0037NX6JY

Mood Lighting

If you’re shooting outside, avoid direct sunlight and which may cause harsh shadows and a lot of squinting eyes. Find some shade and adjust your white balance as needed. When shooting indoors, avoid direct flash on your subjects. If you have an external flash, point it upwards to reflect the light off the ceiling and disperse it throughout the room. If you are working with a pop-up flash, consider attaching a flash diffuser.

http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Fong-Puffer-Flash-Diffuser/dp/B0011000R6

Focus (and not the kind you’re thinking of…)

Trying to make toddlers sit still for anything is a challenge, let alone a family photo…A new trick my family used this past Thanksgiving was to sing “Happy Birthday to You…” I’m not sure who started singing first, but my oh my did it work like a charm. Sing it twice if you have to. The kids will love it and the adults will laugh at the absurdity. But sing it in public and it might cost you…

And always remember to SMILE!

Happy Holidays from the folks at Frameable!