Tips for Better Family Photos

Family portrait photography has been around since the days of Matthew Brady (of U.S. Civil War fame) and before. Here's a few family portrait DO's to remember:

DO:
Squish your groups together. Get them close, even closer than close enough.It may be a personal space thing but, having everyone in tight makes a difference. When families are close, it emits warmth and shows that families should be...close. Have your families positioned at slight angles to each other with their shoulders overlapping. Everyone being close will make the overall composition look more finished. Further it will help them look like the model family,even when Aunt Sally is pinching her sister off camera.

DO:
Coordinate clothing. You should guide them in a wardrobe choice. However, it is ultimately up to them what they will wear. Avoid extreme colors, prints, and logos on their clothing. Simple colors and choices also make it easier in post production and you will have options in color and black and white. However, it is their picture but a casual recommendation can't hurt and might be appreciated.

DO:
Check the screen for blinkers, especially in a large group.

DO:
Try and be funny and get some genuine smiles.
This is the perfect time to try out that stand-up comedy routine you have been working on. A few cheesy jokes helps break the tension and gets everyone to relax a bit. Ask them to all strike their "Best glamor pose" is a good way to start. Get them to do something they don't normally do, jumping, running, or whatever comes to mind.