Grouping subjects together in interesting and fun arrangements makes for memorable photos. Also allow everyone
to get comfortable before you start shooting. Waiting for them to talk or tell a story can do the trick.
If shooting a big group, create two or three small clusters of people within the frame. Loose
groupings of three people each works well.
To add depth to the photo, have subjects lean toward the camera, or turn slightly.
Create height by staggering subjects on stairs, bleachers, or other objects.
Look for ways to express relationships-for instance, a father with his daughter on his shoulders,
or a brother and sister playing on swings.
Use props to express individuality. Let a musician hold her instrument, or photograph a little
leaguer in his gear.
Have your subjects dress in clothes that work well together-such as pieces in the same color palette.
Subtle patterns can add interest to the shot.
Another popular technique is to have everyone dress alike-say, khakis and polo shirts. Red tends to be hard
to photograph, so that's one color to avoid. But otherwise, you can also try mixing and matching the shirt
colors for a more casual look.
Don't let your photo be ruined by a cluttered background. Zoom in to ensure your family takes up the full
picture frame. Cropping in close will also produce a photo that shows great detail on people's faces.
Close ups are a classic way to bring out the true spirit of your subject. Try these techniques to get in close:
Use your camera's Portrait shooting mode. It sets your camera so that your subject is in clear focus,
while blurring out the background. If your camera has manual controls, try setting your aperture to
f2.8 or f5.6 for a similar effect. Learn more about
depth of field.
To get within 12 inches of your subject, use Macro mode to fill the camera's viewfinder and explore
the finer details of your loved-ones' faces. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing
distance.
The HP Activity Center is loaded with free photo projects perfect for showcasing your family photos. Upload your images
to Basil & Twill 5x7 family photo frames,
or paste printed photos into the Genealogy kit.
Or, upload your photos to HP's online photo sharing technology, Snapfish.
There you can create online, shareable photo albums, as well as an array of gifts.
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.
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