We asked a dozen successful amateur and pro portraitists for tips on better
family photos. Our interviews turned up a surprising number of common
strategies for succeeding with this classic subject. Here’s how they
suggest you capture your family’s personality in pictures. *Keep It
Real*Small reminders of daily life are more precious than posed images. The
family pictures that will mean the most to you (and others) will be the most
candid. Try to capture family members interacting with each other and the
world around them. Keep from directing or posing people—it may vex your
subjects and reduce your chances for good photos. (Above Photo) Pro Sue Barr
chose a Coney Island location for this family portrait. It lent color to the
background and coaxed lively expressions from the kids.