Picture This~ by Dorine Pederzani: March 2015

If you're a photographer you know how important it is to get a good picture, especially when it's a family shoot. But suppose your subjects(s) don't feel comfortable with

what you suggest for a pose. Now you have a choice to make, do it their way, or do it yours. Take a few pictures of both and show them the transformation between a simple photo with everyone standing in their normal stance, away from each other staring into your lens, and one that shows relationship between the family members and inter-acting. It's really not hard to accomplish, just try to to get two points of contact fused with smiles and sparkling eyes; hugs, holding hands, glances, shoulders touching, and even legs intertwined, the list is endless. Getting true laughter is a plus in any picture, find a way to do that by outside sources. I used flowers, a dog, and silly posing that made everyone feel more a ease in front of the camera.

Not every family is touchy/feely; but still incorporate points of contact into the posing as much

as possible while keeping everyone smiling at the same time; because if you make them too tense it will show up on the camera and spoil every image. So carefully, by trial and error, introduce simple poses that will compliment the family. Sometimes tickling will work with younger children, bring a feather. The main thing you are trying to accomplish as a photographer is to relax everyone. A tense person will have raised eyebrows, stiff limbs, bulging eyes and terse lips. You have to relax the muscles in their faces first before the muscles are relaxed elsewhere; and that may take a bit of working, so plan your session with room enough to warm everyone up before the real shoot begins; but having said that, always be ready during this time of prep for amazing shots. I have ruined too many shots because I didn't have my settings fine tuned and my focus was off, some great expressions were sent to the trash pile because I didn't expect to capture anything of quality; I learned the hard way.

When the session is over and the pictures are edited, you'll be amazed at the gold in your hands just waiting to be presented to the family for viewing. Your pictures compliments your skills, your branding and your subjects. Now the fun begins with the viewing appointment. Serve refreshments and make sure the seating is comfortable, then present your best. Bring out the canvasses and portraits for them to see and handle, and help them envision how to display these pieces of art in their home. They will need help broadening their awareness to incorporate art into their daily living. Too many settle for digital images that don't give them what they really want, and doesn't do the art you just created justice.