Tips for Non-Traditional Family / Group Portraits

Cheryl Jacobs · Dec 26, 2009

Cheryl Jacobs submitted a new resource:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists) - Tips for Non-Traditional Family / Group Portraits

No matter how good or awkward they are, family portraits are just about the most precious possessions anyone can have.

In the years Ive been teaching photography workshops, Ive found that there are surprising numbers of professional photographers who really dread photographing families. Ive heard statements like, The dad always looks uncomfortable! or Family portraits always look stiff and cheesy. Well, Ive always responded, if every family photograph youve taken looks...

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

sarahfoto · Dec 27, 2009

Great article Cheryl! I must admit dreading the family shots slightly...I will try the face-to-face technique next time.
Thank you!
-Sarah

Chazzy · Dec 27, 2009

It's a wonderful article, Cheryl. I'm glad that you submitted it.

Cheryl Jacobs · Dec 27, 2009

Chazzy, thanks for suggesting I submit it as an article.

johnnywalker · Dec 27, 2009

Very well written Cheryl and sounds like good advice. An article is an excellent idea.

Romary · Dec 28, 2009

Very good article.

Simples and I am sure very efficient tricks

fotch · Dec 28, 2009

Hi Cheryl, very interesting and informative article. I haven't taken any group pictures for a while but will give it a try at the next opportunity.

Thank you.

rafaelpeme · Dec 28, 2009

Great article with some simple must-try tips.

PeterAM · Dec 30, 2009

Excellent article; very useful. Should be required reading for everyone that takes those lousy pictures of their kids that are now sent out as holiday cards.
I assume that digital cameras must have a "family picture mode".

cblkdog · Dec 30, 2009

Great article and tips, thanks.

ricksplace · Dec 31, 2009

Great article.

marriaga4eps · Jan 8, 2010

Excellent approach to getting great interaction. Can't wait to try it.

Marcus S · Jan 12, 2010

I love the 'family grabbings' and 'let em marinate'.

Excellent article!

Cheryl Jacobs · Jan 12, 2010

Thanks to all. I hope you get a chance to put this article to use!

- CJ

KWhitmore · Jan 13, 2010

Thanks Cheryl! During the holidays I had to do few family portraits...ranging from 2 people to about 20! Your tips will really come in handy for next December!

Shadowtracker · Mar 19, 2011

Thanks Cheryl. I'm taking a portrait class this semester - struggling to get a lot of different things to come together. I have lined up my family for some school studio time though, and I am going to incorporate your articles ideas. If nothing else, "documenting one relationship" will make a big difference for me in my approach to taking portraits. Thanks again.

Tips for Non-Traditional Family / Group Portraits

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