It’s a family gathering, not a pro photographer in sight….and you have been assigned to capture memories of the day. As the designated family photographer, what do you do?

We have 5 quick tips from a pro that will help with your dilemma.

Tip 1 – Choose It

What do you want your portrait to show about your family? “Choose it” is about clothing worn in photographs.

If you have the option and can get the word out before your event, throw out a few ideas on what to wear. (We go more in-depth about that HERE.)

Keep it comfortable. Make it attractive. Easier to do if this is a family portrait. If it’s a quick reunion type gathering, you may have no say and you get what you get so just work with what you have.

This family planned ahead with comfortable and attractive, color coordinated outfits.

Tip 2 – Bend It

Most people naturally stiffen up when a camera comes out. The rule for posing is “if it bends, bend it.” This helps people relax and lose that stiff, posed look.

Bend a knee placing weight on one leg instead of both. Bend at the elbow, hook a thumb in a pocket or place hands on hips. Turn the body a bit and get them to relax.

Smiles are quick and easy when your subject is relaxed. Notice all the “bends” in this pose?

Tip 3 – Stagger It

“Stagger it” refers to head placement. A column of heads is pretty boring. People are not totem poles. Use height to add diagonal lines and add interest. You can also use seats or something in the area around you—steps, a fence, bench, or tree—to stagger heads.

Sometimes you have it easy and kids’ height makes for perfect staggering.

Tip 4 – Let It

Have you heard the phrase “let kids be kids”? That’s what tip #4, “Let It” means. Kids will naturally do something delightful, showing personality that you can capture.

Don’t pressure them to perform. Make it fun. Let them play and run around a bit. You’ll get better images that way.

He was tired of posing and tried to sneak away. We ran with it! It’s one of our favorite shots from this reunion session.

Tip 5 – Express It

The last tip is “Express it.” This means let your families show who they really are. Let them laugh, joke around, and be playful. Let the love show, depicting deep family connections. You’ll get natural smiles instead of cheesy grins.

This image is one of a series we took while getting this fun family posed. Joking around was plentiful and made getting those expressions easy.

Hope these few tips help if you are the designated photographer. If you have advance warning a prefer to hand the task over to a pro…..you can always call us!!

Want more tips? Check out our How-To posts on posing, backgrounds, and best times to take photos.