There isn’t a better opportunity to get some wonderful pictures of your family than at the next family reunion. Most families only have one time of year that such a large number of the relatives gather together in one location. Chances are good that you will only see a few of your relations during this once-a-year event. Even though taking pictures of the whole entire family is difficult at times, you can get some fantastic and memorable photos if you plan ahead.

Usually instead of employing a professional, families will count on amateur members of the family to catch the great memories. Group photos of the whole family are difficult to capture but worth their weight in gold, particularly years down the road when some of the members of the group are no longer among the living. Keep in mind the following tips when you are capturing shots of the family:

• Take time in advance to prepare. Preparing in advance for taking photographs at the family gathering is a wise move. Come up with a list of all the pictures you know you would like to get, as well as any specific groups of people you will want to get photos of. Determine exactly where you will want the pictures taken.

• When possible, have your whole family coordinate their clothes. If everyone has a got a special tee-shirt made for the get-together then that would be even better. If they don’t, then just ask that everybody wears a certain color, maybe blue or black. If you steer clear of stripes and patterns, or vibrant colors, then no single person will stick out in your group picture.

• Make sure you will have enough good lighting for your family reunion shots. Every camera has a limited range on its flash. The time to get the best natural lighting is outside in the morning or right before dusk. It can also be a good idea to take outside pictures on a gloomy day. Do not ever take pictures in the direct sunlight. One good way to take a group photograph at your family reunion is to have the group stand in full shade when facing the camera.