(BPT) - As the holidays approach, many families are planning annual portraits for personalized cards and gifts to loved ones. But this can be a complex planning ordeal for even the most organized person. In addition to coordinating schedules and what everyone should wear, it’s just as important to focus on the best photography tips, tools and techniques to make the most of your family portrait.

“Everyone who has ever taken or posed for a family photo knows it’s a rewarding yet challenging endeavor,” says Tim Meyer, owner of Meyer Photography and program chair of the portrait division of photography at Brooks Institute, a leading provider of higher education for film, visual journalism, graphic design and photography. “The good news is that with proper planning and digital photography advances families can get higher-quality photos than ever before, whether you’re hiring a professional photographer or doing it yourself.”

While it can still be difficult to capture the entire family with smiles on their faces, Meyer offers six tips for taking the perfect family portrait this holiday:

1. Invest in quality camera equipment. Digital photography has brought the world of photography to the masses, and high-quality digital cameras can be purchased new or used at reasonable prices. For family portraits, make sure the camera has a timer so you can be a part of the picture. You should also consider buying a tripod to steady your camera and make your photo shoot easier.