Cameras are an inevitable presence at holidays and family get togethers. The good news is because people expect cameras to be around and are busy with the festivities you are less conspicuous as a photographer. If they have a few drinks to loosen up, all the better. ;)

The Group Portrait

When time for the group photo does come remember this: scene, squish, faces.

Scene
Look for the right spot before hand. Pick somewhere with enough room for everyone, even lighting and a background that won't distract. Stand back and look through the camera to make sure you can fit the whole scene in the frame. Outdoors is a great choice if you can coax people out in the cold.

Squish
Squish people together. Then turn them a bit sideways and squish even more. If you can't fit everyone in, squish some more and have small children kneel or sit in front.

Avoid people standing at a comfortable distance facing directly at the camera. This creates pictures with American Gothic Syndrome - a fine historical record but otherwise boring.

Faces
Make sure you can see everyone's face. There are lots of different rules about arranging people but for portraits at the holidays don't even try. Just make sure all the faces are visible.

Look around for some group wedding pictures as a reminder of what you're trying to accomplish. Notice how close everyone is and the lack of distraction in the background. Of course, holiday pictures should be more fun and less casual.

Shoot!
Use the widest angle lens you have. Shoot in portrait mode when in automatic or an aperture 6.3 or lower for manual shooting. This will cause the background to be blurred out and keep the focus on the people. This is the best choice the casual indoor shots as well, so set the mode for the day and forget about it.

Don't do the, "Cheese! Wait, wait one more!" bit. Say something like, "Here we go!" then keep talking and shooting until the group loses interest (one minute, tops). Use the low speed continuous shooting mode if the camera has one.

Casual Shots

It's okay to take pictures of just a few people or even one person. These can be some of the most rewarding shots that capture the individuals and happenings as people remember them.

Keep the camera handy. Take pictures when you are least likely to remember to do so, that is, if you can remember. The funny or awkward moments make for the best shots. That is where the essence of the people and the holiday are.

Notice the things that make people recognizable and include them. The uncle with the crazy mustache, the six year old missing two front teeth or the tacky Christmas sweaters grandma wears every year.

Also notice the things that characterize how people interact. Are two brothers always badgering each other? Shot them the next time they chase each other through the kitchen. Are there holiday collaborators? The two cousins who conjure up a secret egg not recipe every year. Shoot them mixing it up.

For kids, get down on their level.

If the lighting is low enough that flash is required dial down the flash exposure compensation (if the camera allows) and place some kind of diffuser over the flash bulb. Tape and toilet paper will do. For more on making the best of built-in flash, see the earlier entry on best and worst equipment.

This Shot

This portrait of my son is from a small Christmas party at a friend's boutique. There was a bowl full of lollipops at a child friendly height. Throughout the night he managed to dig every last blue lollipop out of the bowl. I enjoy this picture because it reflects who he is and what he's up to. The background identifies the holiday setting while the coy look and lollipop give a sense of childish mischief. The perspective is at his level creating a more intimate feel. A touch of serendipity helps. The chance blue color of the lollipop helps it pop (haha!) and stand out, reinforcing the reminder of his mischief.