Corey Knows Best: Picture This, Tips for Good Family Photos

So...I'm a photographer, with a lowercase 'p.' 

I've worked in television for years. I know what looks good in front of a camera.  And it's family picture time (cause Christmas is going to be here in like four seconds). So, here's what I know about family pictures. Take it or leave it but if you take it, your pictures will look better.  Promise.

Timing is everything.  You know when your kids are happiest.  Most rested.  Most cooperative.  Take pictures then.  I would never take pictures at 6pm because that's the witching hour at my house and no one wants a picture of a three year old having a meltdown cause he quit napping (a story for another time). 

And if the kids 'happy time' coordinates with the best times for the sun, that's even better.  Early morning and late afternoon are best so you don't have squinty eyes and shadows.

Clothes.  Matchy matchy can look tacky tacky.  Go for coordinating outfits.  If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, go.  Trust me.  Search for family picture outfits and there's a plethora of great coordinating outfits so that you avoid having one person in black and white, one wearing Mickey, a kid in a hat and mom in a fancy black dress.  Avoid white. Unless you're dead set on a 'everyone in a white top and jeans on the beach' picture.  If you want white on the beach, see above note about coordinating with the sun cause otherwise you will look like you are on fire.

Posed pictures look just that.  Posed.  Forced.  There's something wonderful to be said for capturing moments instead of pictures.  Share moments with your family and friends.  Even if someone's smile looks crooked. 

Be flexible and set your expectations low, or at least be realistic.  Kids are going to fuss, they're going to flash silly smiles or close their eyes or pick their noses.  They are kids.  There's only so much refining you can do for a picture.  You probably aren't going to come out with a Norman Rockwell-esque family photo.  But if you look at the picture and it feels happy, then you've succeeded. 

And if you want some help, you can find me here.

Good luck!  And happy holiday photos!