During the 30 years I have been a photographer, I have learned from my mistakes and other photographer’s successes. Two of which is lighting and framing. If you have a digital camera, set the flash on low if all possible for fill in light. This will avoid the over exposed flash out by being too close to the subject. Only higher settings for whole room picture. If you have an analogue (film) camera, then try not to get to close and make sure the strap or your fingers is not in front of the lens. There is nothing worse than having faces whited out by the flash or someone’s head replaced by your thumb.

I took this picture in 1982 during my first Thanksgiving while stationed in England. I angled my flash to reflect off the ceiling so I could still receive some of the light from the candles. It is more pleasing when allowing some highlights around the main subject but not too many and avoid zooming in on only the subject.

Always keep the camera nearby for special advents that happen when friends and family are around