10 TIPS FOR BETTER FAMILY PORTRAITS

posted in Family & Kids on 5/22/2014

#1 USE A TRIPOD WHENEVER POSSIBLE

#2 SHOOT IN MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE

#3 LOCK THE FOCUS

#4 STAGGER THE HEADS:
Have some people sit down, or stand up on something. Use what is naturally in the environment to pose them, or if you have nothing available just arrange them so the heights are staggered.

#5 IF IT BENDS, BEND IT:
Example of bending body parts. The girls did a much better job here than the guys but even the arms bent at the elbow helps. Some people are stiff and you may have a challenge with them. Just do your best.

#6 LET KIDS BE KIDS

#7 POSE PEOPLE TO FLATTER THEM:

When you have a couple that has a huge height difference get the man (usually the taller one) to stand with his feet further apart. That will make him slightly shorter, closing the gap a bit. For really heavy people (or those overly self-conscious of their weight) use the lying down in the grass pose and pile the kids on top. Works great every time. Hides tummies, stretches out chins and makes the kids closer in size because it’s just faces.