To get some nice family or group photos, here are some tips and techniques:

Don’t put the camera too close to the subject
Because when it get too close, then we will be forced to zoom out or use an ultrawide lens because if too wide, then the shape of the face who are on the edge of the frame will be distorted (changing form). If possible, use the minimum focal lens 30-50mm.

Organize people in the group so that adjacent
The purpose is to get a better composition and there are no cracks between people. This is also to get the light evenly when using flash. But also do not too close to prevent any unwanted shadow.

Triangle Composition
Composition in group photo is one important factor that makes that photo looks better. One that I think a solid composition, is triangle. The trick, we set the tallest people in the middle then the shortest at the edges.

Balancing ambient light with flash
When indoors rather dark, and we are forced to use a flash, don’t forget to balance the flash with the room light. If not balanced, the background will be too dark and the atmosphere will be lost. The trick is not difficult, slow down the shutter speed so that the light environment can be recorded. When using a relatively slow shutter speed, hold the camera steady or use a tripod.

Reflecting Flash Light
When using an external flash, we could possibly use reflective techniques. If the ceiling is white and not too high, we can reflect light so that the light falling on your subject quiet smooth.

Different Flash Light Angle
It will be better if we could separate the flash with camera. By separating the flash with the camera, we can direct the light so that the face looks dimensionless. When we feel the light falling too hard, we can use an umbrella or reflect the light to the white wall.

Outdoor
When we are outdoors, please look for a shady place for everyone so that the light falling to everyone’s face is the same/not mottled. Also make sure no direct sunlight shining on the face because it can be blinding. When the sunlight behind, we often need a flash.