Take Digital Family Portraits
Family portrait time can be a trying proposition. But if you are at all handy with a camera, it is possible to take quality family portraits at home. This is especially useful if you have small children who can be unpredictable, making it difficult to set a studio appointment. You will need to plan your backdrop, coordinate your outfits and make the best use of preplanning so that you can work quickly.
Instructions
1. Check your equipment. Make sure that your camera is fully charged with fresh batteries, that the memory card is clear and functioning and that your flash is charged. Because being able to work quickly is essential to a good family portrait, checking your equipment can save time at the shoot.
2. Plan your backdrop. Selecting the backdrop first will allow you to coordinate the rest of your family photo shoot, such as clothing and poses. Check that the area has enough room to seat your subjects and still work with your camera. Clear the area of clutter and distractions, particularly if you will be having children sit for portraits.
3. Test the lighting by taking some photographs of the area. If the area has strong sunlight, it may cast harsh shadows, and you may need to plan your shoot for a time of day when the sun is in another area. If the area is poorly lit, you may need to add light or a flash for a decent exposure.
4. Coordinate your subjects' outfits with the backdrop. If you are using a busy backdrop, such as photos in front of the Christmas tree, avoid busy patterns on clothing. Solid backdrops such as a wall will allow for more latitude in dress; remember that the emphasis should be the subject, not their clothing.
5. Pose your subjects. Make sure that no one is parallel to the camera; this creates unflattering proportions and can make a subject look wider than normal. Pose subjects in a "pyramid," placing subjects at the bottom of the image, then standing or seating subjects behind the first row. This creates a flattering portrait and allows the most economical use of backdrop space.
6. Check details. Make sure that hair and jewelry are in order, that babies are as dribble-free as possible and that clothing is smooth and not distracting.
