How to Set Up a Family Portrait With a Professional Look

Hiring a professional to take a family portrait can be costly. But with a digital camera, tripod and simple backdrop, you can set up your own family photo with a professional look, and most people won't be able to tell that you took it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tripod
• Backdrop
• Digital camera

1. Plan outfits for the family. The outfits should match in look and color-not an exact match, but complementary colors or designs.

2. Choose a backdrop that is plain rather than decorative or distracting. You can use a colored sheet, for instance.

3. If you want to do a theme, set up the area where you want to take the picture. For example, Christmas photos can be done in front of a tree with presents, and outdoor photos can be taken in a pleasant area near you with a scenic backdrop.

4. Set up your digital camera on a tripod, pointing at the backdrop. Take a few test pictures of people on the background to see how it looks.

5. Get everyone into position for the photo, leaving a space for you near the front.

6. Set the camera's timer, then get into your position quickly. Remind everyone to smile.

7. Take multiple photos to accommodate for closed eyes, blurriness or movement. That way you'll have plenty to choose from.

Tips & Warnings

• Try taking several photos from a few different angles.
• Move people around and take a few photos with the people in different positions.
• Once you've taken the photos, you can alter them digitally with your computer (see Resources below).