THE CHECKLIST

THE CHECKLIST
Making the picture happen
Haircuts and clean clothes. Unless you're planning on an action photo of Junior making mud pies, you'll want to be sure everyone's hair is neat and their clothes are clean.
Match colors. While brightly colored clothing can add sparkle to the end result, beware distracting colors that might clash with one another. As a mother with 57 years of parenting experience, let me advise you: If your children are still young, enjoy the opportunity to orchestrate and coordinate their wardrobe.
Professional photographers use props; you can, too. Just pick ones that are true to life and complementary, rather than distracting. A prop should convey something about the person. Pay attention to shape, color and contrast.
Consider taking the photo in the same spot each year. Like the Wonder Bread television advertisements 40 years ago, such repetition can showcase how the children have grown.
Don't put the sun in everyone's eyes (they'll either squint or go blind). If you're shooting outdoors, use the sun for side- or back-lighting and use flash to fill in the shadows.
Be prepared before calling everyone to come stand for the photo. Load the camera. Check that camera and flash have fresh batteries. If you have a tripod, set it up and position the camera the way you want it. (A note from personal experience: Different tripods work different ways. Do not wait until the family is standing in formation to begin to learn your way through the mechanics of a new one.)
If you're planning to use your camera's timer so you can get in the shot, too, try it once or twice in advance to be sure you know how much time you have. Then be sure everyone else has some idea of its timing as well.
If you have a cable and plunger or one of those infrared remote controls, consider using it. That way you're free to stand to the side of the camera, making eye contact and encouraging smiles.
Shoot plenty of film. If you're lucky, a whole roll will result in two or three "keepers." That may seem like a waste of exposures, but better that than having to round everyone up for a second photo shoot.