Creating the perfect family portrait is no easy task. Convincing your spouse and children to get groomed and dressed for a trip down to the local portrait studio can be nearly impossible. An easier alternative is to create your own family portraits at home using custom poster printing services! All you need is a digital camera, good lighting and a little patience. Here is a quick guide to creating great family portraits.

1. The quality of your digital camera is one of the most important contributing factors in producing a great family portrait. If you plan to enlarge your photo beyond 8x10" inches, it is recommended that your digital camera have at least a 6.0 megapixel capability. The features of your camera are also important. It is best to use a camera that has a red-eye reduction function as well as face capture technology. Face capture ensures that the camera focuses on the details of faces and not on background objects. However, the most important function that your digital camera must have is an auto-timer or remote control so that you will not need an outside member present for the photo shoot. Read your camera’s manual to understand how this feature is used.

2. Lighting can dramatically increase the quality of your family portrait. The flash from your digital camera may not be sufficient to create a great family portrait. Natural and non-direct lighting is best for portrait photography. Direct your lamps away from the portrait area and shine them against a white wall or a sheet of white poster board to create a reflective ambient lighting. The entire family should be equally lit with a healthy amount of non-direct light. Experiment with different lighting setups to find out what works for your family and camera.

3. The location you choose will determine whether your portrait looks professional or mediocre. Be sure that the location is aesthetically pleasing. Gardens and greenery are great for creating a beautiful background, but a well set living room can work as well. Be sure that there are no distracting features such as another poster or photo in the background or even a passerby.

4. After taking your family photo, find a professional online poster printing company to print your family photo in large sizes. Poster printing company has the capability to help you print your poster in custom sizes and come up with professional quality prints at great prices. Always make sure that the website you choose offers online proofs or a money back guarantee so that you are not disappointed with the photo you chose to print.

Take many pictures when creating a family portrait poster print and choose the best looking result. Be patient and you will be rewarded with great pictures for years to come. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t be discouraged. Simply give it another shot!