Taking great family photos at Christmas: our tips

Whether you’re planning an intimate Christmas dinner with your immediate relatives or a large celebration with the extended family, seize the opportunity to capture some memorable group photos.

Here are a few tips for a hassle-free photo shoot.

• Choose the backdrop. These photos are all about the people. Select a plain backdrop that keeps the focus on your family rather than on busy decorations and bright lights. Make your job easier by ensuring no unsightly objects are in the frame, especially if you lack photo editing skills.

• Test the lighting. Before you start taking photos, check the light sources in the room. Ask a friend or family member to help you test them. Try to avoid using the flash unless absolutely necessary, as it can cause people to blink and affect the image quality.

• Look for blemishes. While everyone gets settled, take a quick look at each person. Check for stray hairs, stains on clothing, bits of parsley caught in teeth or even an open fly!

• Vary the poses. Keep things interesting by encouraging your subjects to change their hand positions or to try a variety of standing or sitting poses. Don’t hesitate to take a few relaxed shots where everyone can make funny faces or open their mouths wide.

Finally, for an enjoyable experience, don’t spend too much time on your Christmas photo shoot, especially if they include young children. Say “cheese”!