subject: Tips For Beginner Family Photographers [print this page] . If you are considering becoming a family photographer, here are a few tips to help you.
One: Choose poses that look and feel natural. If you can make your clients feel more comfortable physically, their expressions will be more natural, resulting in a more pleasing picture. True, it can be fun to experiment, and if your clients are game, go for it! But if you find that you're just giving directions which are then being followed robot-like, go for the more comfortable, relaxed poses.
Two: Be prepared to make stubborn or intimidated children smile. This is a delicate art. It is possible to go overboard, and if the kids think you're wacky, it's going to show. Have props on hand that are age appropriate; what works for an infant isn't likely to work for an eight year old. Squeaky toys and plush animals work well for very young children; older children might appreciate simply hearing or talking about the toys or movies they like. If you're desperate, funny faces and flattery are good to fall back on. And remember that patience is a virtue.
Three: When you're trying to get the adults to smile, forget having everyone say "cheese" or "sex." They've been used way too often. Simply saying, "smile!" pretty much guarantees you'll get the desired result, assuming your clients understand English. Counting to three also works well, as it gives your clients time to blink and relax their faces before the flash comes. If everyone is smiling except the two teenagers in the back, don't make everyone else hold their smiles until those two join the club; it is possible to exhaust your facial muscles, and you'll end up with some strained smiles. If you're creative, come up with a few funny lines that will catch people off guard and produce a real smile, like, "Everyone say 'Eating Activia yogurt makes you burp!'"
Lastly, remember that practice makes perfect. The more family photographs you take, the easier it will become. Having confidence in your abilities will help you in your profession as a family photographer. It will be easier to guess what will bring the smiles out. And your pictures will only get better.
