Family Picture Etiquette

Take a memorable family picture.

Many families choose to commemorate a special time in their lives with a family portrait, but few understand how to navigate the process with grace and aplomb. Oftentimes, an ill-planned portrait appointment can result in frustration and a disappointing portrait. An artistic, satisfying family portrait requires as much from the family in front of the camera as it does from the photographer behind the camera. The keys to a successful family portrait include a patient and proactive attitude and solid communication between the family and the photographer.

Know What You Want Your Portrait to Say

Express yourself

Historically, portraiture is meant to project something about the subject of the portrait. In court portraits, royalty and nobility were painted in luxurious clothes and jewels to suggest their wealth and power. In modern photographic portraiture, graduates are posed looking directly at the camera, heads held high, in order to exude confidence, while brides are typically posed looking down or off-camera, which suggests innocence and demureness. Get together with your family beforehand and decide what idea, feeling, or sentiment you want your portrait to say about you. Share these thoughts with your photographer before the appointment and ask if they can suggest colors, clothes, props, or backgrounds that will help you to achieve your desired effect.

Listen to Your Photographer

Listen to the experts.

An experienced, professional portrait photographer will have studied both the mechanics of camera equipment and the art of visual composition. While you should certainly have a clear idea of what you want your final portrait to look like, understand that your photographer is the best person to help you achieve that desired product. Photographers know how to arrange and pose the members of your family in a way that will create a pleasing visual picture. They know how to use and manipulate light in order to highlight every member of the family. Photographers understand how colors, props, and backgrounds can work in tandem to project something special about the subjects. Make your desires known, but allow your photographer to guide the visual aspect of the portrait.

Be on Time

The photographer's time is valuable and so is your family's. Coordinate schedules with your family so that all members will arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early so that you have a little wiggle room in case of an unexpected delay. While the shoot is going on, stay focused on the directions the photographer is giving, and be aware of your surroundings. Be decisive when the photographer suggests a certain pose, prop, or group arrangement, and do not be tempted to debate the matter endlessly. Get a consensus from the adults, and let the photographer know your decision.

Help Children Behave

Kids should be part of the fun.

While children can add a touch of sincerity and innocence to any family portrait, they also tend to be easily excited by the bustle and bright lights of a photography shoot. Make sure that you have set very clear guidelines concerning acceptable behavior with your children before arriving at your appointment. Let children know that running, screaming, physical rough-housing, and playing with or around photography equipment is unacceptable. Since similar tactics will not work with babies and toddlers, consider setting your appointment for a time when you are sure the baby will be fed and rested, like after nap time and a light snack, to ensure their cheerful participation.

Be Patient

Take a picture that makes you proud.

An experienced professional photographer knows that putting together an aesthetically pleasing group portrait can be a time-consuming process. Individuals will be placed and posed several times before achieving the desired visual composition. Do your part to help this process along, and exercise patience. If family members start showing signs of fraying nerves or irritation, ask the photographer to take a five minute break so everyone can regroup and refocus on the portrait. Bring along a light snack and a few bottles of water in case people get hungry or thirsty.

References

• Professional Posing Techniques for Wedding and Portrait Photographers, Norman Phillips, 2006.
• The Business of Portrait Photography, Tom McDonald, 2002.
• Classic Outdoor Color Portraits: A Guide for Photographers, Nancy Hopkins Reily, 2001.