Here are some tips I have found along the way that may help you capture your family or family member's essence. Ask yourself these questions:

• Why am I taking this picture? Do I want it to convey a feeling, a message, the family uniqueness?

• Who are my subjects? Think about personalities, gifts and talents, what makes them happy. How cooperative are they?

• Who is the audience? Are they just mainly for just immediate family, extended family, for friends, or Christmas card receivers?

• Where is the best place for the picture? Outside vs. inside? Think about lighting, time of year, etc.

Then, prepare, prepare, prepare. There is a difference between taking a natural picture and just off-the-cuff, spontaneous photography. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Backgrounds
The background setting can make all the difference. Think about colors, setting, tones and lighting. Most times it's best just to keep it simple with a plain color. Let your subjects' expressions govern the picture. Don't let the background be too bold or overshadowing.

Whatever you do, have good lighting! Close to our house is a farm and by the highway, in late summer, it's a field of sunflowers. There are always people taking pictures of their families amongst the flowers -- especially at sunset. It's a beautiful setting.

If you don't live near a sunflower field, you can go to the park, by a lake or river or simply go in your backyard to get a great "on location" shot.

Costumes and props
Interesting costumes can either enhance your portrait or distract from it.

You may just want a hint of a costume, like hats, scarves, matching outfits, etc. My friend's last Christmas picture had all of her family wearing white T-shirts and jeans with bare feet. I loved it!

I've seen others with little girls adorned in beautiful dresses with bare feet and hand picked flowers in their hair. Beautiful!

You can come up with your own family theme. I have a friend who is a fireman and each year for their Christmas card pictures, they have all of their kids wearing firemen's hats and each of the older kids are in a pair of daddy's firemen's boots. The little ones got one boot each. A hat also sat atop their Christmas tree as well. Very unique.

Props might include bubble blowing, funny hats, toys -- you name it. My daughter loves Barney and many of her portraits have her holding Barney. Not only does she love see her and Barney in the same picture, she kept her hands off of her face and off of her brother!

There's a downside to props, though. Bubbles can tip over, hats can get thrown and toys can be more exciting than you. Pick your items carefully and make sure they don't overwhelm the setting.

Getting ready to shoot
Finally, eliminate distractions. Distractions include all the idle "observers" like Grandpa Gums, or Great Aunt Fanny if they are not in the pictures.

That goes for Fido and Fluffy too! Even your pets can take attention away from the task so put them in another room or better yet, consider including them. They're part of your family too, aren't they?

Now that you have the idea of capturing the essence and character of your family, go out and get that "it" picture of your family!

Allie McComas is a fun-loving, Christian wife and mom of three who enjoys writing about the humorous side of life. She loves kids and all things chocolate. She's been writing poetry and children's fiction for 19 years (but who's counting) and recently finished her first young adult novel. By selling quality children's toys and furniture, she earned PowerSeller status with her eBay store http://www.stores.ebay.com/TIME-TALENTS-AND-TREASURES. You can reach her by email at knowGodnow@sbcglobal.net.