Mastering Family Portrait Part III: Posing Guide

It might be the redheaded stepchild of photography, the gum under your shoe, the backwash left in the glass when you think you’re drinking champagne, but posing is one of the most important parts of any photograph.

I am not a traditional poser, so I’m not going to get into thumbs in or out of pockets, or serious or smiley, or even all looking at the camera or away from the camera discussion, although I do personally think that seven people all staring out into space is kind of 1970’s-esque spaced out druggy weird. Not that I have a strong opinion on that.

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Mastering Family Portrait Part II: How to Deal with Clients

So you had your pre-shoot consultation, and you’re ready to go. You get to your location, and the family are all there on time, in happy moods, excited to shoot, and looking great.

Except for that toddler who just wouldn’t go down for his nap. (Note: NEVER shoot a toddler during his naptime…EVER!!!) Or that grandfather who doesn’t want to walk all the way over to that perfect location that you spent hours scouting, the teen aged boy who hates you on sight, and, Oh, right, Bessie just broke her arm yesterday…hmmm, a little daunting, but you can get through it, I promise.

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