Shooting families (LOL) is one of my favorite things to do. Especially when the family is a group you've come to know and love, family portraiture is incredibly rewarding. 

The following group of wonderful folks is a family I've known for quite some time. Truthfully, they are all remarkable. Even though this was such a super speedy session (less than half an hour!) I think overall the images turned out very nicely, and I know that they are very happy with the result. This lady's family is especially dear to me, as she is also a photographer -- one with whom I shoot often. 

All photos were shot using natural light only, but some photos made use of a round or oval reflector. 

So, for portrait photographers out there, do you do a lot of family portraiture? If so, what kind of tips, tricks, or techniques can you share? Here are a few of mine:

-- Pose CLOSELY! I mean so close that everyone is touching! The more awkward feeling (not looking!), the better! Many poses look and feel very strange for the subjects, but they look excellent in a photography! 

-- Make use of light modifiers. Just because you're using a bigger group doesn't mean that your reflectors suddenly become obsolete. You can back up, use a larger reflector, or mix the reflective light with the already existing sunlight or open shade for a pleasant effect. Try it out! 

-- Get contemporary! The phrase "awkward family photos" didn't just show up for nothing. These are people that know, live with, and love one another! Please, for goodness sake, reflect that in your images! 

That's all I've got for today. Please, enjoy the photos and don't hesitate to share your own tips for family portraiture!

Stay tuned. Thoughts appreciated.

-- Andrew.