Use this portrait checklist from Ron Nichols, author of Picture - Taking for Mums and Dads, to ensure that this year's family photo is red-eye free and doesn't lop half of Uncle Sam out of the shot:

1. Try tiers. Arrange people at different heights, some on the sofa and some standing, for a more dynamic picture.
   
2. Ask "How's the view?" If someone can't see the camera, his face may be blocked.
   
3. Leave wiggle room. Keep a head's width of space between your subjects and the frame's edge in the viewfinder.
   
4. See the light. To banish red eyes, turn up room lights or, better yet, shoot in indirect sunlight. For consistent lighting, keep front and back rows less than 1.5 metres apart.
   
5. Watch your background. Avoid walls and mirrors, which can cast shadows and glare.
   
6. Click, click, click. Your subjects will relax without the pressure of just one "say cheese" moment. So snap at least five frames, and you're sure to get a winner.