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How to Take a Family Portrait. Take a family portrait both as a keepsake and as an excuse
to get everyone together. You will need A large group of family members A camera A tripod
A large space Props of varying heights such as a couch, fireplace, or a stairwell Extra
fill lighting and lighting system (optional) (optional) (optional). Step 1. Quickly analyze
the group. Do a mental lineup according to family ties, height, age, and affiliations.
Step 2. Choose your location and backdrop, either in a cozy area or outside. If you don’t
have a professional lighting system, try to select a location that maximizes natural,
even light. Step 3. Arrange the family. Place immediate family members together, with children
near their parents. Place the oldest toward the center. Place pets last. If the children
are older and married, place the children between their natural parents and their own
spouse. Step 4. If you’re using lights, set them up and align them to your liking.
If you can, bounce the flash off the ceiling to get the softest, most diffused light possible.
Step 5. Place your camera on the tripod. Step 6. Select the appropriate film, aperture,
and shutter speed that’s appropriate for your shooting conditions. Step 7. Compose
your shot, fitting the entire family within the frame edges. 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. Using either your in-camera light meter or handheld light meter,
meter on the subjects. Set your camera on its self-timer or use a shutter release trigger
to help avoid camera shake. Step 9. Take as many shots as you possibly can before everyone
loses their patience and gets fidgety. Did you know The Family Portrait is the name given
to a picture of the Solar System taken by the Voyage 1 spacecraft.