It's an annual ritual.
The whole family is gathered together and someone decrees its time for the group photo. As the gathered relations make their way over to the tree a mostwanted style lineup takes place, and as soon as the flash signals goes off there is an immediate dispersal. Like trying to return a broken toy after Christmas, there is no guarantee of great photos, but you can do a lot to improve your odds. If you must have a big group photo try to set it up as soon as possible. Get everyone while they're fresh and before they get involved in other things, like eating.
If you are the designated photographer have the location of the photo picked out, and if necessary move any furniture (such as chairs, etc.) out of the way ahead of time. Grab a chair to stand on. Making yourself taller than the group will do a couple of things. First, it is easier to get everyone's attention and have them all looking at the camera if they can all see you clearly. If they are looking up it will generally be a more flattering angle, definitely a better one than if they are looking down at a shorter photographer.
Since it is likely that you are using a flash, the shadow that it will cast will be less noticeable if the camera is positioned higher than the subjects.
Keep talking. You need to command the attention of the group so keep talking and keep their attention. Take as many photos as you can in that short time period. Chances are the first one won't be the best so improve your chances by taking several photos. Then you can start to have some fun with the photos and take some candid shots. These will have a higher success rate and will show the connection between the subjects as family and friends interact casually. If there is sufficient light available try turning the flash off as this will likely make it possible to get several photos before anyone becomes self-conscious.
Terry Peters is a longtime North Shore News photographer, as well as the managing editor.
