• Family portraits are a key part of professional photography.family image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
  
  When it comes to family portraits, everyone wants the perfect photograph. The family wants the portrait to show the bond between all the members, and the photographer wants to bring this group to life. However, it can be hard to take a family portrait that is interesting. Many family portraits can look uninspired and too serious. By considering a few simple tips and ideas, you can relax the family members and compose an interesting photograph.
  
  

Poses

• Arrange your family members in a variety of poses. Capturing the chemistry between a couple, parents and children and even siblings can be a make-or-break factor in interesting family portraits. When you are not directing the participants, stay aware of what they are doing: you might see a smile between a brother and sister, or a kiss between a couple. If you capture these moments, they can create great family portraits.
  
  

Clothing

• Recommend to the family that they coordinate their clothing. You should advise them to avoid bright or clashing colors, prints and logos. This will make your job editing the pictures easier and will give the family the option of both color and black and white.
  
  

Composition

• Ask the family members to get close. A recurring problem with family portraits is distance between each person. By asking the participants to remove the gaps and spaces between them, the picture will emit a more positive image--one of unity and closeness. Try asking them to stand at a slight angle and overlap their shoulders, this will add a sense of closeness while removing some of the formality. Remember, if elderly family members are present you should provide a chair or stool for them to be seated on.
  
  

Humor

• Make a joke or two. Humor can be an important tool to help break any tension and relax the models. Cheesy photographer jokes like "Ok, I need everyone to get in focus" can produce some genuine smiles and even some laughs, which can make the end photograph seem much more natural. To lighten the mood you might try asking the family members to strike a pose outside of their comfort zone. This might include jumping, running or any other idea you might have. The end result will be relaxed family members and possibly an interesting portrait.
  
  

Background

• Choose the largest aperture setting you can, while ensuring all family members remain in focus. By doing this you will lose some focus on the background, making it look smooth and drawing the attention to the people. Don't be afraid to work with different backgrounds and settings, but try to choose places where the background is quiet and not busy. If there is too much in the background, then the attention will shift away from the family.