Position people artistically

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.

• 1. If shooting a big group, create two or three small clusters of people within the frame. Loose groupings of three people each works well.
  
• 2. To add depth to the photo, have subjects lean toward the camera, or turn slightly.
  
• 3. Create height by staggering subjects on stairs, bleachers, or other objects
• 4. Look for ways to express relationships-for instance, a father with his daughter on his shoulders, or a brother and sister playing on swings.
  
• 5. Use props to express individuality. Let a musician hold her instrument, or photograph a little leaguer in his gear.

Choose the right clothes

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.

Fill the frame

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.

Shoot subjects at eye level

Positioning your camera at or slightly below your subjects' eye level will create a more personal photo.

Try extreme angles

Take family photos from interesting vantage points to create images that surprise and please the eye. Try these:

• 1. Shoot from up above looking down.
  
• 2. Use the sky for a neutral background by shooting up.
  
• 3. Add interest and energy by tilting your camera to an unconventional angle.
  

Get close up

Close ups are a classic way to bring out the true spirit of your subject. Try these techniques to get in close:

• 1. 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.
  
• 2. 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.
  
• 3. Add interest and energy by tilting your camera to an unconventional angle.