One of the most common oversights in group photography is not optimally framing the portrait[/spin} in the first place. But before we go there, let’s look at the photographic paradox that is at the root of the problem.

What is your purpose for taking the group photographs in the first place? If the goal for your photo shoot isn’t crystal clear, what does that tell you? Before an archer can get a bullseye, he/she must know what the target (a.k.a. – “goal”) is.

Most photographers (and we’re not talking about the pros) would respond that their goal is to capture an important event, preserve the moment, or get a recent photo of the kids. What I’m talking about is even more basic than this.

Isn’t the most basic of photography goals WANTING TO CAPTURE AN OUTSTANDING IMAGE? Most photographers would retort: “Well, yes, of course… that goes without saying.”

But think about this… what usually happens after capturing a WOW photo? Most people are so thrilled with a fantastic portraits only to realize that you need to cut off a part of one subject, in order to achieve the desired size of the enlargement?

If you’ve ever used a 14 x 11 crop on an image having a 2:3 or 3:4 aspect ratio (which most digital cameras use), you know the problem.

Photographers often experience this discouraging outcome without knowing what caused it; thus leaving them doomed to repeat it. Consider this ideal scenario…

It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and your composition is good (i.e., you “framed” the image so that your camera’s viewfinder forms a close crop around all of your subjects).

Everyone is smiling, and the background has been nicely blurred. After downloading the image, you realize you just took a masterpiece.

So what do you do (after jumping up and down)? Let’s say the family wants to hang a nice 14 x 11 portrait on their wall. (Refer to these Family Photos examples since photos are not allowed to be included here.)

If you take a group picture and then superimpose a 14 x 11 (or, whatever the desired enlargement size is) rectangular on it, you can tell how the final 14 x 11 cropped image would look.

Here is the Money-Saver

If at all possible, always use STANDARD print sizes when enlarging, mating, and/or framing an image. Why? Because framing an 11 x 14 photo will cost 25% to 80% less than a non-standard size (11 x 12, for example) will cost.

What To Do BEFORE THE PHOTOGRAPH Is Taken

Compose each picture as though it will turn out to be a masterpiece! So what does that mean? Remember that the final picture will probably need to be cropped. Therefore, BEFORE you snap the photo, allow enough non-critical space around your subjects, so if you do need to crop it off, your subjects will remain intact.

How much space is needed? Adding approximately 20% to both the horizontal and vertical sides of your composition should do it. Then, once you decide how big an enlargement you want for your masterpiece, there will be enough excess to achieve your goal without doing a hatchet-job on any of your subjects or spending your retirement fund on custom framing.

To bring your photographic skill to the next level, here are dozens of Family Photos tips.

If you are dreaming of a perfect wedding day, there must be a certain level of care in the planning of the ceremony. This includes not only the usual items like the cake, the location, and the photography, but also the proper wedding etiquette for the bride, groom, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and the guests. Although not following proper wedding etiquette will not necessarily ruin a wedding, it can cause feelings to be hurt and may even ruin the bride’s big day.

One key thing to keep in mind, if you are a part of the wedding party, ie. a bridesmaid or groomsman, that the day isn’t about you. It’s about the bride and groom. Essentially, you are there to support the bride and groom and do what you can to make things easier on them. That is why there are bridesmaid gifts. Causing a scene, upstaging the couple or stealing their thunder is completely unacceptable and any such behavior should be avoided at all costs.

During the ceremony, the guests must be aware of their actions and behavior. Certain things like getting up to use the restroom, whispering, or falling asleep can be a distraction for everyone around you. There is nothing worse than being distracted by a guest insisting on making everyone in their row move so they can get up and use the restroom. Cell phones should be turned off as well, to prevent any unexpected interruptions. This is all a matter of common courtesy.

It is quite important for the bride and groom’s parents to follow a few simple rules because they are more likely to have attention focused on them as well. If a parent is weeping hysterically during the wedding, this will most certainly cause a distraction that can interrupt the vows and ultimately create a terrible spectacle.

For the bride and groom, there are also points of etiquette that should be heeded on the day of marriage. For one, incorporating religious or ethic customs should be attempted for the sake of keeping things organized as well as keeping tradition. Additionally, the bride and groom should take care to ensure that the guests feel welcome and comfortable at the reception and the ceremony. Think of the reception as one magnificent a dinner party with a large number of guests. Greeting them with enthusiasm in the reception line is just one way to show your appreciation that they have come to celebrate with you.

Which brings me to the gift giving. Generally, the bride and groom have registered at a store for personalized gifts that they feel would be beneficial to their new life and new home together. When shopping for gifts, guests should do their best to stick to the registry as best they can. Most couples understand that not everything they want will be in everyone’s price range, and so will put a few smaller items on the list. If you are unable to find something on the gift registry, then a gift of cash is always acceptable. Just use some your common sense.

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