Photo Tips

Group Photos

A group photo captures everyone who attends your gathering in one instant. That makes it the single most important image of the event.

Tips

1. Pick the best photographer with the best camera—preferably someone with a tripod.

2. When everyone is visible within the viewfinder, ask if they can clearly see the camera with both eyes. If they can, the camera can see their faces—including Uncle Shorty in the back row.

3. A hillside or bleachers can make everyone visible. Try to arrange lines of people of equal height.

4. Want spontaneous, natural smiles? Tell a good joke. Have the photographer snap the picture immediately after you deliver the punch line.

5. Late afternoon is the best time for the group photo because that's when the natural outdoor light is most flattering. Place the group where the lighting will be uniform without bright areas and shadow areas.

6. Indoor photos of large groups are difficult to light and best left to professionals. Encourage everyone to briefly step outside for the group photo.

7. Before the gathering, ask everyone to bring along a stamped, self-addressed envelope for distributing prints of the photo.

8. Shoot as close as possible without cutting people out of the picture.

Snapshots

Candid photos capture folks doing what they do best—being themselves.

Tips

1. For the benefit of future generations trying to identify ancestors, everyone in photos could wear name tags printed in large black letters. Shoot tight enough to enable reading the name tags in photo prints.

2. Shoot pictures of people interacting with one another naturally. Tell them to ignore you. They don't always have to pose or look at the camera.

3. Avoid shooting while people are eating. These shots are usually not flattering.

4. Close-up portraits tend to be more interesting because they can capture subtle facial expressions. If in doubt, shoot "tighter."

5. Avoid clutter—tree limbs in the way, distracting items on tables, etc.

6. If you have a camera with a zoom or interchangeable lenses, use a telephoto for portraits of individuals. (Wide angle shots taken up close can distort the face.)

7. Leave space off to the side in the direction the subject is looking. This will help you properly "frame" the shot.

8. Minimize the "red eye" effect by having the subject glance at a bright source of light immediately before you snap the picture. This will close down the iris in the eye and reduce flash reflections from blood vessels.

9. Don't try to illuminate a large area with a flash. A built-in flash typically won't properly light anything more than about 12 feet away.

10. Generally, photos are more natural and interesting if taken with natural light instead of a flash.

11. Shooting with the sun behind the subject can darken facial detail. On the other hand, it can produce an interesting "aura" effect. Experiment!

12. People squint when looking into the sun.

13. Small children are photogenic because they quickly forget the presence of the camera. Bend down and shoot at their level.

14. Avoid distracting backgrounds by focusing on the subject. A telephoto lens can soften the background.

15. It is generally more flattering to shoot people gazing down at the camera rather than looking up at it.

16. Always keep the camera within reach. You never know when the perfect photo opportunity will happen. The best photos record spontaneous even