The time for procrastinating is over, and you are ready to begin the seemingly arduous process of updating your family portrait. The good news is, gone are the days of making the experience into a big hassle. While you may still choose to have the portrait shot in a studio or by a professional photographer, these are no longer your only options. With today's digital technology, you can take the portrait yourself from the comforts of your own home. This guide will provide you with tips on how to take a family portrait.

The time for procrastinating is over, and you are ready to begin the seemingly arduous process of updating your family portrait. The good news is, gone are the days of making the experience into a big hassle. While you may still choose to have the portrait shot in a studio or by a professional photographer, these are no longer your only options. With today's digital technology, you can take the portrait yourself from the comforts of your own home. This guide will provide you with tips on how to take a family portrait.

• Has a new addition recently arrived in your family? Did your son or daughter have their first baby or did you rescue your first dog from the local animal shelter? Perhaps you are finally ready to show off the big makeover you received last month or want to capture your entire family in front of the brand new Mustang. Maybe it is just time to replace the dusty photograph that has been above your mantle the last ten years. Whatever the reason, it is time to take a family portrait and you have to make some important decisions. This guide will provide you with information on how to take a family portrait.

• Rounding up the family for a portrait has never been easier, especially with all the options available to you in today's digital market. You may still want to hire a photographer, or even make an appointment to have your portrait taken at a studio, but these are not the only options available to you. If you have an aspiring photographer in your family, for example, you can designate them as the photographer. Digital cameras have made the do-it-yourself notion a lot more accessible in recent years. If you do decide to hire a photographer, you can find one through:

1. Word of mouth. If you have friends or family members that know a good photographer, you can make your selection that way.
2. Research online. Most freelance photographers have websites that offer you samples of their work online. Check them out to see if they offer the style you are interested in.

• Choosing a location to have your portrait taken is a great opportunity to involve the entire family. While you may opt for a more traditional setting inside your home, do not dismiss the idea of taking a fun portrait outdoors. Some places to consider include:

1. The beach
2. A park
3. Your backyard
4. Wooded areas

• When it comes time to assemble your wardrobe for the portrait, it is a good idea to coordinate as a family. If everyone is wearing colors that clash, there is a good chance the portrait will not be aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, you should decide what type of look to go for. You may want:

1. Casual clothing
2. Fancy dresses and pant suits
3. Muted earth tones
4. Bright colors
5. Pastel colors
6. A western theme
7. A summer theme

(Creative Commons photo by PhilipPoon)

• If you are taking the portrait yourselves, you will want to make sure you have the proper equipment. Although it does not have to be top of the line, you should try and acquire a decent camera that is a step above your average camera. You will want:

1. A digital camera that has a self-timer mode. This will allow the one photographing to step into the portrait themselves.
2. Tripod. This will allow the photographer to position the camera properly and keep it steady for shooting once the self-timer has been set in motion.
3. Reflector boards and clip lights. The need for these will be dependent upon where you decide to have your portrait taken. You will not need the clip lights, for example, if there is plenty of sun.

• Whether you have your portrait taken professionally or you do it yourself, there is a chance you will need to make some adjustments before you finalize the print or prints. If done by a professional photographer, you will want to find out if there will be an additional charge for touching up the photo. Ask ahead of time so you can factor it in to your overall budget. If you make the adjustments yourself, you will want to have one of the latest versions of a program like Photoshop.

• Once you have made the necessary tweaks, it is time to have the portrait printed up. You can do this at home, or have it done professionally. Just put the shots you want printed on a photo cd and you can have them printed at any number of places that cater to photography and digital imagery.

• Taking a family portrait has gotten a lot easier in recent years, so you have no excuse not to update the family archives. Traditional family photos are still an option, but for those that want to take matters into their own hands, the possibilities are endless.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Decide on a Photographer
• Step 2: Choose a Location
• Step 3: Decide What to Wear
• Step 4: Obtain the Proper Equipment
• Step 5: Touch Up the Portrait
• Conclusion