How To

How to Set Up a Family Portrait With a Self-Timer

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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If you would like to take a family portrait but don’t have the money to hire a professional photographer or don’t want to bother dragging everyone to a professional photo studio, consider having an automatic camera with a self-timer do the work for you.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Automatic camera with a self-timer
  • Film (if needed)
  1. Step 1

    Pick a day when everyone will be available and in the same area for the family portrait.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a time based on what is most convenient for everyone.

  3. Step 3

    Select a location for your family portrait. Someone’s living room, backyard, a park, the beach or a wedding reception hall make great locations.

  4. Step 4

    Choose an alternate portrait location if your first choice is outdoors, just in case the weather is crummy.

  5. Step 5

    Make sure everyone in the family knows the date, time and place.

  6. Step 6

    Choose a theme for the attire to be worn for the family portrait. Options include formal attire, black and white, jeans or casual. Make sure everyone knows the attire theme.

  7. Step 7

    Gather your family together and make sure everyone is there. Decide where everyone should sit or stand, and have everyone move accordingly. Make sure you leave a spot in the group for yourself.

  8. Step 8

    Set up the camera on its tripod facing your family and your chosen background. Look through the viewfinder to make sure the family and background look good. Make any changes as necessary.

  9. Step 9

    Make sure the background doesn’t contain any objects that could appear as if they’re sprouting from people’s heads.

  10. Step 10

    Set the automatic timer on your camera to about a 10-second delay.

  11. Step 11

    Run to your spot and pose.

Tips & Warnings
  • Practice using the self-timer on your camera beforehand.
  • Make sure you focus the camera on the family—not the background. Move in close enough.
  • Take lots of pictures so you have plenty to choose from later.

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