My mom hates posing for picture. Ditto for my dad. Regardless, I don’t let their distaste for being photographed tarnish my efforts to use family get-togethers as the perfect venue to snap frame worthy shots. Nor should you. November is here and the holiday season is fast approaching. It’s a time when many families will be gathering at the same place at the same time. Which means it is the prime opportunity to snap a group portrait. Especially if you have family members who only make it home once a year.
The following are some simple tips to help you leave your family reunion with photographic proof that your entire clan was under the same roof —if only for a day.
Location. When choosing the setting for your family portrait, resist settling for the most convenient spot–like the living room. Instead, pick a spot that best represents your family. For example, if you are a family who loves to participate in outdoor activities then gather the clan outside with the fall colors serving as a backdrop. If you come from a family of chefs then gather in the kitchen for a whimsical group shot with pot racks framing the group. Remember, not every family shot has to feature a fireplace in the background.
Composition. Once you choose your location, pay attention to the composition of the shot. Backlighting is ideal, especially if you can place lighter tones in the foreground. Take a look at what everyone is wearing. It helps if you can color coordinate your outfits, but if that is a bit too ambitious work with what you’ve got. For example, if the majority of your group is dressed in light colored clothing then shoot against a dark background.
Arrangement. When positioning your group, it is best to start with an “anchor,” and build the arrangement from there. If you are shooting a large group (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc.) consider using two people as the “anchor.” (The family matriarch and patriarch make a nice choice.) If you are shooting a smaller group you could use a sentimental object or the family dog as the “anchor” and work out from there. If your group includes young children, get the adults set up first, then bring in the kids, as their attention span (or lack there of) is a major consideration. You could even consider employing the help of a family friend to help keep the kids focused. One final tip: try not to have everyone’s heads at the same level, arranging heads at a variety of levels adds more depth to the shot.
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