5 shots you want to incorporate into your next shoot

Shot lists and visions help us photographers turn your family pictures into poetic imagery that you hang on your wall as art. The kind of art that makes you look at it and le sigh because you can still smell the grass, feel your partners embrace, or even the sand between your toes when looking at the pictures.

1. The walking shot

Tell your family to walk away from you and look over their shoulder at you. Dad can look anywhere but you. Focus of connecting with the members of the family while mom gets her “Vogue” moment

2. Little people, big world

Have the family either stand together and do a big hug, or walk in a train with a “leader”.

3. Stand and smile……at anyone but me

This helps capture the essence of the family. You can have the kids reach for a kiss for mom, do nose boops, tickle siblings feet, mom and dad connect, cuddle or kiss…etc. Stay in this pose for a little longer so they can really relax into the moment and that’s where all the magic happens. Make sure you are acting like no matter what happens, everything your kids do is the cutest thing ever, and your partner you have never been more in love with.

4. The human couch

The best poses to photograph are the ones that feel comfortable. You want to close the gaps between the family members to create a visual image of the “closeness” of the family. When the family starts getting into the pose, tell mom and children to relax into dad like he’s a couch. It creates an effortless and emotive image that is natural.

5. Give mom love

Children are SOOOO good at this one. They LOVE to give mom LOVE. During every pose, I tell the children to give mom or dad or siblings love. This gives the children something to do, and is unique to them because all children have a different way of connecting with each family member.