Modern-Day Masters of Portraiture

Tips on Taking a Better Family Photograph

• Avoid posing kids. “They’ll look like pipe cleaners,” warns Floyd. “And stiff kids don’t look like themselves.” You’re after spontaneous action. The best shots happen when everyone relaxes.” But relaxed doesn’t mean serene. Nothing says kid power like movement and action.

• Never say “cheese.” Clown around—bark or make other animal noises. At Classic Kids, one person shoots and another quacks. “The kid wrangler works for smiles to avoid the deer-in-the-headlights look,” explains Floyd. (See hilarious awkwardfamilyphotos.com.) Remember, a thoughtful look can reveal as much as a smile. Go for an expression or gesture, Floyd advises.

• Select a clean, white, seamless paper background without images. Featureless backgrounds help to focus attention on the people.

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Photographs courtesy of Classic Kids Photography