The key to getting great family portraits is to make it fun and keep everyone relaxed. Posing is one of the most important components of a good portrait. If your subject is uncomfortable, it will show in the picture.  Pointing a camera at someone can cause them to become uncomfortable so look for ways to avoid the tension.

Use the following guidelines to help you get the best family photo for your next holiday card:

Keep it Natural:  When we look at a family photo holiday card, we’re more interested in the people and not the pose. If you want it to be formal, then take the family to a professional studio and hang the results above your fireplace. But if you want a relaxed, fun and real photograph showing the different personalities that make up your family, then forget about formality and keep it natural. Each person has his or her own unique personality and style. Allow the family members to be themselves as much as possible and your images will have a relaxed, real and dynamic effect

Keep it Comfortable: Standing is the most uncomfortable pose although we tend to use it the most. Try posing your family by having them sit on stools, or chairs, or even on the floor or have them lean against objects like trees, buildings, walls, etc.

Keep it Simple: When first posing the group, allow them to stand together naturally and then make minor adjustments. Keep it simple and as non-posed as possible.

Keep it Informal:  Allow the family members to interact and joke around with each other while posing.  Keep your finger on the shutter release and take the shots at those moments when they’re having fun and being candid. This is great for capturing their true personalities. If everyone seems uptight and uncomfortable, then break the ice with a funny story or memory about one of the family member.

Keep it Short:  Be prepared before the family members arrive for the photo shoot. Have all of your equipment ready and be familiar with your camera so that you don’t take up a lot of time “fumbling” around. The more time it takes, the more tense your subjects will become.

Keep Relaxed: If you’re relaxed and having fun, then your family will be relaxed, too. If you’re uptight and tense, then chances are they’ll also be uptight and tense. Things don’t always go exactly the way we want. Expect the unexpected and roll with the punches. If you don’t get the exact shot that you envisioned, don’t be disappointed. Go with the flow and you might be surprised that your special shot went far beyond your expectations!