| The popular television show The Simpsons presents | | | | background, e.g. a wall or a bush. As long as there is |
| one of the most dysfunctional families ever | | | | some repetition in colour or pattern, then it should be |
| conceived; yet in nearly every episode there is | | | | a good background. A clever choice in background |
| always a family portrait visible in their house. When a | | | | can also help to emphasise your family; a good |
| family as uncouth as the Simpsons has a family | | | | example of this being through framing. Framing |
| portrait and you do not, then you might want to get | | | | means placing a natural border around your focal |
| onto getting one for your own family. It is a common | | | | point, a good example of which being a doorway or |
| misconception that a family portrait needs to be | | | | archway. |
| taken professionally; even if it does help to just leave | | | | You should also consider lighting, as it can be an |
| it to someone with the training, you can learn how to | | | | important factor in the quality of your shot. Outside |
| make your family portrait seem just as good as a | | | | portraits generally do not require a flash (unless you |
| professional would. All you need is a camera, and a | | | | are in the shade), and the best times in which you |
| few handy hints. | | | | can make the most of the Sun's natural light is at |
| The majority of digital cameras will carry a function | | | | either early morning or late afternoon. Make sure you |
| that will allow you to set a timer before the photo | | | | always use your camera's flash indoors, and try to |
| will be taken (if your camera does not do this you | | | | pick an area that has enough light already. |
| either bought it for $5, it's actually full of candy, or | | | | Another important part of your finished portrait is |
| you're just very unlucky). This means that you can | | | | editing. When taking your portrait make sure you |
| also jump in the photo quickly (as you're also a | | | | take multiple photos; this will compensate for any |
| valued member of the family). You could also bring | | | | mistakes you may have made when reviewing the |
| someone else along to take the photo, just make | | | | shot on your cameras LCD screen. Make sure you |
| sure you set up the photo to your standards | | | | keep some blank space on either side of your family |
| beforehand. | | | | to allow for any potential cropping that you may |
| Your backdrop is integral to your finished portrait. It | | | | need to do later. |
| is important here to understand that your family is | | | | These tips may be simple, but they will go a long |
| your focal point, and you do not want anything in the | | | | way towards making your family portrait look as |
| background to take away focus. To counter this | | | | professional as possible. |
| effect happening try and pick a relatively dull | | | | |