In this question and answer episode, we talk about cropping, photography at theme parks and how to simply light indoor family events.

First, Vickie asks why she always has to crop her photos when she gets them printed. We talk about different aspect ratios and paper sizes. I recommend she leave some space around her subjects if she thinks the photo will be a print someday.

Then Erika Thornes answers a question from Christina about what camera, if any, she should take to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Erika recommends using a smaller DSLR like a Canon Rebel with a 40mm pancake lens. Better yet, she says, get a little mirrorless camera like her Sony A6000.

I talked to Christina after her trip to Harry Potter’s World of Wizardry and asked her what she ended up doing. She didn’t have time to get a new camera. It was a spur of the moment trip. She took her Canon 5D Mark II and two lenses. She took her DSLR the first day she was at the park with her family. She found it hard to get photos because there are so many people everywhere. It’s hard to get a photo of your kids without also getting some guy in a bright orange shirt eating pizza. On the second and third day she was at the park, she only had her camera phone and loved it.

Our listener tip is from Roger Dallman. Roger uses photo bulbs in his home for occasions like Christmas when family will be gathering in his home. He wrote a great post about his lighting.

If you have a family photography question for the next q and a show, a favorite photographer you’d like to hear on TWiP family or a topic you’d like to hear about email me. I’m at [email protected]

I’m doing a 365 Project this year. That’s taking and posting a photo every day all year long. A talented and friendly group of TWiP family listeners are also doing the project along with me. (I love them for it.) You can see the photos in our Flickr group: TWiP Family 365 Project 2016. Join us!