Smile!! Getting A Great Family Pic.

Smile for the camera…ok, no wait…adjust one kids skirt, tame hubby’s hair and stop the toddler from chasing the butterfly….Smile again….nope, eyes are closed, the skirt is now backwards, its started to rain….and que the tears…..Don’t you just LOVE family photos??
The great news since digital cameras is this….the latest trend is a relaxed, candid photo. Not everyone is necessarily looking at the camera, there may be tons of laughter, it’s that shot that is so in the moment that it simply radiates who your family truly is.
Here are some great ideas for family pics this year that stray off the beaten path of tradition:
• Family in jammies….holding mugs in front of the fireplace or reading a book together all snuggled in bed.
• The good old fashioned leaf toss….get down and play…have a leaf fight, jump in a pile, have FUN!
• Feet….Pictures of all the family feet together is such a great trend that looks amazing every time…and doesn’t involve facial expressions…
• Give each family member a letter to spell out a message
• Dress funky and find some graffiti for a background
• Take your family picture while on vacation….playing in the water, at the beach, mountains in the background….
• Have Mom and Dad looking at eachother or the kids while just the kids look at the camera…or vice versa….
• Bring on laughter….hold the kids upside down, tickle them…you’ll be thankful to remember that moment when they are older….
• Don’t make everyone say “cheese”…it makes for an unnatural smile.
• Schedule the photos around the kids routines, opting for that time of day when they are usually at their happiest.
• Don’t put everyone in patterned clothing. Opt for simple, solid prints as much as possible
The key is finding a photographer that you feel comfortable with and working with him/her to capture the best possible moment in time. Discuss location ideas, what it is you are looking for in the shot and any concerns you may have in advance. A good photographer should be able to catch at least a few incredible shots no matter the weather or hiccups of the day. Have fun with it, the more relaxed your family is, the more authentic the photo will be.