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Take better photos: family portraits

Quick tips and easy techniques for taking great family photos.
Content starts here
» Position people artistically
» Choose the right clothes
» Fill the frame
» Shoot subjects at eye level
» Try extreme angles
» Get close up
» Special HP camera features
» Recommended projects
A family riding scooters near the water

Position people artistically


Grouping subjects together in interesting and fun arrangements makes for memorable photos. Also allow everyone to get comfortable before you start shooting. Waiting for them to talk or tell a story can do the trick.

If shooting a big group, consider creating two or three small clusters of people within the frame. A couple loose groupings of three people each works well.

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Choose the right clothes


Have your subjects dress in clothes that work well together—such as pieces in the same colour palette—but are not the same. Subtle patterns can add interest to the shot.

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Fill the frame


Don't let your photo be ruined by a cluttered background. Zoom in to ensure your family takes up the full picture frame. Cropping in close will also produce a photo that shows great detail on people's faces.

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Shoot subjects at eye level


Positioning your camera at or slightly below your subjects' eye level will create a more personal photo.

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Try extreme angles


Take family photos from interesting vantage points to create images that surprise and please the eye.

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Get close up


Use your HP camera's Macro mode to fill the camera's viewfinder and explore the finer details of your loved-ones' faces. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing distance.

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Special HP camera features


HP digital cameras offer a number of unique features that will help you produce beautiful family portraits.


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Recommended projects


The HP Activity Centre is loaded with free photo projects perfect for showcasing your family photos. Upload your images to Basil & Twill 5x7 family photo frames, or paste printed photos into the Genealogy kit.

Or, upload your photos to HP's online photo sharing technology, Snapfish*. There you can create online, shareable photo albums, as well as an array of gifts.

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* Snapfish is not available in Canada yet

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