Too Busy Background

[WVAngel]

First time in 3 yrs. ALL 6 kids + SO's + grandbabies showed up for T-day; I coerced them all to get in one spot for a quick "entire family" shot before one had to leave. Background is horrible. Figured I could do something with it in PS later, as I was just too thrilled to have some kind of an image of all of us. Any suggestions other than the burning I did on the corners would be greatly appreciated. Maybe lighter burning, B/W? Course, this may be one that only a mother could love. Included a before and after. Thanks!

[RKDauph]

The second, cropped, lightened one works. The background won't be noticed by anyone in the family portrait now or in the future; they'll only remember the day.

[WVAngel]

Good point -- well taken -- thanks for the reply

[Daniel W.]

Looks a bit crooked and underexposed to me though.

[texkam]

Sometimes you don't have a lot of choice. Everyone looks good. Next time a little more to the left removes the corner of the couch pull the table back and bounce some light off the ceiling. For a quickie you're fine. Use a gentle vignette instead of a through a keyhole look.

[MicWayWal]

Yeah it is too busy for an official portrait according to the rules. But you don't have the makings of a portrait anyway. No clothing theme, not a great location, mass posing takes the rules out of play.
Here is the way I look at this: "look at all the memories on that wall." I would just take pictures of what is on that wall for posterity. This picture will be looked and enjoyed for not only who was in it and their relationships, but look at the location and the value of the things on that wall.

Lighten the overall exposure, correct the distortion by the wide angle lens, correct the overall blue cast, slightly darken the edges and you have a winner for this family and yourself.

Save the rules for when you are really working your craft.