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Family Portrait Pose Ideas

I always enjoy exploring different family portrait pose ideas. Family portraiture covers such a wide range of styles, ranging from the 'smile please' snapshot to elaborately crafted scenes. The best loved family photos depict an intimate sense of the personalities and relationships within the family.

(Return to Family Portrait Poses Tutorial, Part 1)

A Family Portrait Poses Tutorial

family portrait pose ideas

© Alexey Rodionov | Dreamstime.com

(Return to Family Portrait Poses Tutorial, Part 1)

Family Portrait Pose Ideas

Part 2

Family Portrait Ideas 6: Choose Interesting Settings

A family portrait attempts to capture a time in a family's life, so it's important to find backdrops that are realistic and natural. Some of the most successful family portraits are taken in, in front of or around the family's own home. Otherwise, choose a setting that has special meaning to them: the beach, or a park.

© Juan Carlos Herrera Arango | Dreamstime.com

With natural settings, it's just a matter of letting the subjects feel comfortable where they are. The more fun they have, the more interactive and natural the images will be.

Note that some photographers who specialize in family portraits often use dozens of different locations and backdrops - old building facades, hay sheds, swings, beachside rocks and jetties, groves of trees and long grass for running through. Always be on the look-out for good backdrops - that way you can always create something fresh and unique.

Family Portrait Ideas 7: Capture Celebrations

There are many special days in a family's life that they would love to remember - from Christmas celebrations to birthdays to graduations - and everything else in between!

Family Portrait Ideas 8: Coordinate Colors

Give some guidance to the family you're about to photograph regarding suitable clothes to wear. If you coordinate the colors somewhat, it creates a very pleasing effect.

Neutral colors are best - especially white and black. No bold patterns or stipes - simple is best!

Family Portrait Ideas 9: Look for Expression

To capture interesting or funny expressions on your subjects' faces, be ready to work fast. With human expression, and especially where kids are involved, it's a case of 'blink and you'll miss it.' Make jokes and stay light-hearted and you'll bring out the very best in your subjects.

Family Portrait Pose Ideas

Family Portrait Ideas 10: Add Props

Liven up your composition with unique props. This is where you can get really creative... Props add interest to the image and can help your models feel more relaxed too.

Consider hats, flowers, balloons... and yes, even pizza can do the trick!

Family Portrait Poses

If you've found these family portrait pose ideas useful, you may enjoy watching a video tutorial on family portrait ideas.

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Read, reflect and be inspired. If you find something of value on our family portrait poses page, enjoy its gifts and please pass it on to your friends.

SBI!