| When it comes to family portrait photography, | | | | photo as well, but be warned that their presence can |
| everyone with a digital camera fancies themselves | | | | make the actual photography part much more |
| equipped enough to capture that perfect memory. | | | | difficult if they won't stay still. |
| This may be true as the perfect memory may not | | | | Now you have to carefully consider the lighting in |
| be taken with perfect technique, however a decent | | | | your shot. If taking your portrait indoors, then make |
| understanding of portrait photography will go a long | | | | sure you use the flash on your camera. If taking |
| way towards ensuring this happens. In this article I | | | | outdoors try and utilise the Sun's natural light, which is |
| will outline some tips and insider secrets which | | | | generally at its best at either early morning or late |
| professional photographers utilise every day, yet are | | | | afternoon. If taking your portrait in the shade, then it |
| still relevant to the amateur photographer. | | | | is probably a good idea to make use of the flash |
| When considering your shot, the background can be | | | | here as well. Lighting can go a long way towards |
| just as important as what is in your foreground. Try | | | | creating the perfect family portrait, so make sure |
| and pick a background which will add more emphasis | | | | you get it right. |
| to your focal point; you can do this by finding | | | | The most guaranteed way towards capturing the |
| backdrops which have a repetitive nature (e.g. sky, | | | | perfect family portrait is to take multiple photos and |
| bushes, wall etc). Doing this will create less interest in | | | | check your digital camera's LCD screen for any |
| the background, and hence highlight the people in | | | | possible mistakes. Taking multiple photos will increase |
| your foreground as the focal point. Avoid if possible | | | | your chances of getting the perfect one, while |
| taking your portrait in front of landmarks; family | | | | compensating for any errors you might miss when |
| portraits are meant to place all focus on the people | | | | reviewing the shot on your digital camera. You should |
| within the shot, and landmarks will take away from | | | | also take into account any post-shot touch ups that |
| this. Another effective technique when it comes to | | | | might be needed, such as cropping on the outsides |
| background is framing, which means creating a border | | | | of the photo. Cropping means cutting of sections of |
| around your subjects to further emphasise their | | | | the photo (generally this can add more symmetry to |
| importance within the photograph. A good example | | | | your photo, or take out any irrelevant parts), so |
| of a framing device is a doorway or archway. | | | | make sure you leave enough space on each side of |
| After deciding on your background, next you need to | | | | the portrait to ensure no-one loses an arm later on. |
| consider your foreground. Depending on the amount | | | | Whether taking your portrait indoors or somewhere |
| of people in your shot, the placement of each | | | | in the beautiful landscapes found in Perth make sure |
| individual can be important towards creating a | | | | you take advantage of these tips, as they will go a |
| symmetrical feel, and potentially heightening any | | | | long way towards ensuring your family portrait is as |
| relationships you may be trying to create in your | | | | perfect is it can be. |
| portrait. You may decide to include family pets in the | | | | |