Take family pictures on National Family Photo Day

Several years ago, the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) and the Photography Information Council (PIC) designated the day after Thanksgiving as National Family Photo Day. That day was selected because it's a day when families enjoy being together before the commercialism of the holidays sets in.

Besides, if you take pictures on that day, you still have plenty of time to make and send a traditional holiday paper card or an electronic holiday card through online picture services such as Ofoto (www.ofoto.com) or Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com).

Now that you know there is an official day to take a family photo, there is no excuse for you not to send the most personalized kind of holiday greeting card -- one that features a family photo that will bring a smile.

Some tips on getting great family shots:

As the number of people in your picture increases, so should the number of pictures you take. People blink, and their expressions change in the blink of an eye. To get a flattering picture of everyone, take many pictures. My rule of thumb is to take one picture for each person in the group.

Give your family notice you will be taking a family shot so they can look their best.

Fill the frame with your family. Most people don't move in or zoom in close enough when taking a picture. That leaves a lot of dead space around the subject or subjects and makes them too small. When you fill the frame with your subjects, the recipient of your holiday card will be able to see them better.

Keep your subjects talking and happy. When taking a family photo, "silence is deadly" rings true. If you stand there, point your camera at your family and say, "smile," your subjects will look stiff and posed. But if you keep talking, perhaps telling a joke, you'll get a more lively result.

Rick Sammon is the author of 21 books about photography and marine conservation.