It seems like a good time to offer a few basic tips for taking better snaps over the festive period of family and friends:Understand your camera’s settings, especially if it’s new and you have just unwrapped it!

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1  Don’t let being the photographer exclude you from being in a group picture!  Most cameras have self-timer and setting up and being in a picture is a fun challenge.

2  Don’t just take one shot. Someone is bound to blink or pull a silly expression. Play safe and persuade everyone to hang on to ensure you get a good shot.

3  Make it a fun shot? Ask everyone to pull a silly face (best after the wine has been flowing for a while!)

4  Your photo is telling a story, so make it festive. Have the Christmas tree or pressies in the shot, or wear party hats.

5  A shot at the Christmas dinner table will look nice, but take it before everyone tucks in and makes a mess! Get everyone to turn towards the camera and perhaps shuffle together.

6  Don’t waste space… Sit/stand everyone together and don’t have wasted space between people.

7  Make your photo look professional. Perhaps group everyone round the sofa with the kids on laps or in front.

8 Be ‘in control‘ when posing a shot and get everyone to look at and smile at the camera (at the same time!). That’s not as simple as it might sound.

9  Don’t let a group be too ‘deep’ or people in the foreground or background may be out of focus or under/over exposed.

10 Beware of windows in the background (unless the curtains are drawn, of course). Uncle Fred may not want to be a silhouette! Plus, beware of that lampshade on Auntie Joan’s head!

11 If it’s snowy outside (more likely wet!), why not get everyone outdoors for a photo, especially if you’ve a decorated tree in the garden or little Johnny is grinning on his new bike!?

12 Be ready and try to catch expressions; reactions to opening presents (hmm, perhaps not in some cases!) or kids (big and small) playing with new toys.

HAPPY SNAPPING!!…