It goes without saying that some of the best opportunities for people photography happen at parties. Whether a wedding reception, birthday bash, or Memorial Day picnic, party time is a perfect time to get out your camera and fire at will. Here are some important pointers for party pictures:

• Photograph party preparation and cleanup. Get shots of the nicest food spreads before guests gobble them up, and the decorations before they're trashed. Afterward, present the pictures as gifts to the hosts.
• Concentrate on the most animated groups but make portraits of individuals, too.
• Look for groups that seem to hold together visually. Avoid groups with individuals whose backs are to the camera or who block the camera's view of others in the group.
• If the gathering is a rare or once-in-a-lifetime event — a family reunion, for example — try to photograph everyone there. If you leave someone out, you may regret it later.
• Bring appropriate family and friends together for loosely posed photographs.
• Suggest making a group shot of everyone there.