How to Take a Family Portrait

Take a family portrait both as a keepsake and as an excuse to get everyone together.

Instructions

Step 1: Analyze the group Quickly analyze the group. Do a mental lineup according to family ties, height, age, and affiliations.
Step 2: Choose location Choose your location and backdrop, either in a cozy area or outside.
TIP: If you don’t have a professional lighting system, try to select a location that maximizes natural, even light.
Step 3: Arrange the family Arrange the family. Place immediate family members together, with children near their parents. Place the oldest toward the center. Place pets last.
TIP: If the children are older and married, place the children between their natural parents and their own spouse.
Step 4: Set up lights If you’re using lights, set them up and align them to your liking.
TIP: If you can, bounce the flash off the ceiling to get the softest, most diffused light possible.
Step 5: Place camera on tripod Place your camera on the tripod.
Step 6: Set up camera Select the appropriate film, aperture, and shutter speed that’s appropriate for your shooting conditions.
Step 7: Compose your shot Compose your shot, fitting the entire family within the frame edges.
TIP: A wider angle lens will allow you to squeeze in more family members, but be prepared for a little distortion at the edges of the frame.
Step 8: Meter on the subjects Using either your in-camera light meter or handheld light meter, meter on the subjects.
TIP: Set your camera on its self-timer or use a shutter release trigger to help avoid camera shake.
Step 9: Take as many shots are you can Take as many shots as you possibly can before everyone loses their patience and gets fidgety.
FACT: The Family Portrait is the name given to a picture of the Solar System taken by the Voyage 1 spacecraft.