Don’t Blink, It’s Holiday Picture Time

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Wrangling a group of people into a photo during the holidays can be difficult. At the very least, make sure everyone can see the camera and is looking at it with eyes open. Rosemary Daniels

By Elizabeth Wulfhorst

Even if sending holiday cards with the picture-perfect photo isn’t a yearly event for your family, as relatives and friends gather for meals and gift exchanges this season, you may want to honor the occasion with a group snapshot.

To give you the greatest chance for success, we spoke with Lynne Ward, The Two River Times People Pages photographer, who has plenty experience gathering and arranging individuals into pleasing compositions at events. She gave us her tips for getting everyone looking their best in front of the camera.

• “This sounds basic, but look at the camera when your photo is being taken,” said Ward, who notes that having everyone look at the same point will ensure they appear attentive in the final shot. Entice babies and toddlers with colorful objects placed just behind the camera. And don’t force a photo if younger children are too fussy – wait until they are in a better mood or it will show in the photo.

• The “eyes” have it in photos, drawing the viewer in. If possible, have those individuals who wear glasses remove them for the photo, Ward said. The flash can create a ‘filmy eye’ and eyes cannot be seen through the glass.” And on the subject of eyes: “Keep snapping until everyone’s eyes are open!” she said. Closed eyes can ruin a photo.

• Ward advises everyone check their posture before the snap. “Slouching detracts from the photo,” she said. Even those in chairs or on couches should try to sit up straight for the best effect.

• The background – and foreground – of a photo are just as important as the subjects when setting up a shot. “It’s best not to stand in front of mirrors or glass (windows, etc.) and your subject will be in shadow, Ward explained. Try never to put the light source behind the subjects. And choose a spot that isn’t too busy: Avoid taking a family photo at the table either before or after the meal. Prior to eating, all the delicious food piled high on dishes will detract from the people; after the meal, those dishes will look much worse. “Dirty plates are a no-no,” Ward said.

• Proximity and arrangement are important, too. For posed group photos, it’s always best for the photographer to be close to the subjects to minimize background distractions, Ward said. She also suggests having people stand close together. “With distance between people, background items tend to take on a life of their own,” she said. In addition to proximity, when positioning people, keep the shorter ones in the front, taller in the back. Remember, if you can’t see the photographer, the camera can’t see you.

By following a few simple steps – grouping people close together by size and waiting until everyone was looking – this photographer managed a group photo worthy of the holiday newsletter. Rosemary Daniels

• Everyone should do a pre-photo wardrobe check and then the photographer should do another one, Ward implored. Many a photo has been ruined by the errant bra strap. “Make sure all buttons are buttoned and all zippers are zipped,” Ward said. And on the subject of clothing, she recommends something other than a gauzy blouse: “Take care not to wear sheer clothing materials because the flash will always find what’s underneath,” Ward warned.

• In addition to clothes, she also suggests giving your face and hair a once-over. “Check your teeth before smiling for the camera,” she said, especially if you’ve been noshing on the charcuterie. For those who wear makeup, a little lip color or gloss can brighten a smile, and “giving your cheeks a little pinch helps for a rosy glow,” Ward said. Hair matters, too: Make sure to keep it out of your face.

• No one wants to be left out of the family photo, but a group selfie isn’t the best way to include everyone. Inevitably, the photographer’s head (the person holding the phone) will loom larger in the photo because they are closest to the camera. Invest in an inexpensive tripod or scope out a good place for securing your camera at eye height and use the self-timer feature. If you have an iPhone and Apple Watch, the latter can even act as your shutter button.

• Finally, take a deep breath, relax and say “Cheese!”

The article originally appeared in the November 17 – 23, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.