How to Improve Your Family Photos - Posing

Do you want to improve photos you take of your family? Directing your family into place can enhance your photos dramatically. Here are some tips I use when I photograph my family. 

For a group shot, ask your family to move closer together. Most people like having a little personal space. That tiny slither of space looks bigger behind the camera, and well, it makes the group look less like a family. By asking everyone to come in closer, just for a few seconds, your family will look more close-knit and as if they belong together. 

This photograph is of my cousins Fergus and Giles, and Fergus' wife, Ashleigh, after a day of climbing together. It was natural for Fergus and Ashleigh to pose very close, but Giles originally posed giving the couple a little space. I asked Giles to get in super close and "act like he loved his brother and sister-in-law." That is another tip, try to get people to laugh to get some natural smiles. 

Look for triangles. Triangles are very appealing to look at. From history there are numerous examples of carefully crafted triangles -  think of the pyramids, Greek sculptures and Leonardo de Vinci. How many pictures have you seen of women placing their hand on their hip? 

Arrange your family in triangles and have them move their arms and legs to form smaller triangles. This little trick will make your photos look alluring. Do you see the triangles in the above photo of my husband, Jason, and his parents? Or how about in the photo below of Jason?  

My last tip, is not to pose and be spontaneous. Some of the best photos are those when the camera isn't the focus of attention. Candid photos are more genuine and show a little slither of your reality. In the photo below, the density of trees, the light and peacefulness were incredible. By running ahead, letting the moment be, and snapping this photo allowed this tranquil walk to last forever.