How to Take a Great Holiday Family Photo

[upbeat music]

It's the holidays.

And that means time for family photos.

Group photos are great to have,

but they're challenging to take.

Especially if someone keeps making weird faces

or blinking.

Yes, we're talking about you Arthur.

So here's some practical tips for getting

a great family photo.

Set the scene.

You want the focus of your photo

to be the people in it.

So choose a plain background.

Natural light is best.

Find a spot near a window.

But don't stand in front of it

or else you'll be backlit.

Don't be too posed.

Everyone standing in a neat and orderly line is boring.

Tall people should go in the back and center.

Shorter people in the front.

You can also have some people take a seat.

Get a tripod.

It helps you frame the shot,

and keeps the camera steady.

Every camera and lighting situation will be different.

Most newer DSLR's can handle a higher ISO

without too much noise.

Not enough light?

Pump up the ISO so you can

set the shutter speed fast enough.

That way everything's nice and crisp,

without the use of a flash.

Set your camera to burst mode

to make sure you catch everyone smiling.

Use.

One.

Camera.

Everyone's got a smart phone.

But that doesn't mean your dad or aunt

should play paparazzi.

You want one camera taking the photo.

This prevents your family from being distracted.

Because there's nothing that ruins a holiday photo

more than somebody gazing off into the middle distance.

So take the holiday photo.

You'll be glad you did.

[upbeat music]