You've managed to jocky a dizzying and complicated set of schedules so that all of your family can finally find at least a day or two this summer to get together. Your family is all here, having a good time, and you want to remember the occasion forever.

Lecy family

Capturing those family moments with a photograph that will stand the test of time isn’t as easy it might seem. We asked local photographer Sarah Gribbin, the owner of Front Porch Photography in Suttons Bay, for a few tips.

“The main question I get from clients about taking photographs is about what they should wear,” said Gribbin. “I always tell them that they should wear what they are most comfortable in and what they look good in. It’s been a trend lately to have an entire family wear the same color shirt for a photograph. I like to tell people to get some color variety in their pictures. I think a good picture often has a splash of color in it, but sometimes, all white shirts looks great, too.”

She encourages family photos to be taken about 6 p.m. or so in summers “because the light is nice for that.”

And make sure young children have had a nap and a snack, if possible, to make the process go smoother.

Early morning pictures can reflect a sleepiness among subjects, she added.

Often photographers reach too far in trying to find the perfect setting, Gribbin said.

“I think it’s best to do photographs on the family’s own property. That way there’s something really meaningful about the setting of the photo.

Another suggestion: props. One Leelanau farm family gathered around a picker’s ladder to create a picture with deeper meaning.

And always take at least some of the pictures with the flash automatically on to fill in shadowy areas.

But even the perfect setting won’t pull off a good family photo unless the photographer frames the setting.

“One thing people often don’t think about is framing the picture so that you don’t have the subjects cut off at the ankles and then have a lot of space at the top of the picture for sky. When you’re trying to get the picture, make sure you can see everybody’s face. You might want to bring in some stools or chairs for your photo so that everyone’s face can be seen.”