Bring: camera, lens in the 35–85mm range if possible, optional friend to model.

Settings starting points:

– Aperture: f/2–f/4 for one person; f/4–f/5.6 for pairs

– Shutter: 1/250+ (or faster if kids)

– Focus: eye AF if available; otherwise single point on near eye

Prompts:

1) Three-step prompt: “Walk toward me, stop, look at each other, then look at me.”

2) Hands give purpose: 6 frames where hands are doing something (pockets, jacket, holding something).

3) Frame within a frame: doorways, branches, railings—compose with a natural frame.