Not So Painful Family Poses

Trying to take your own family photos is usually pretty torturous. It helps to get a patient friend to help you out so you aren't setting the camera up and then sprinting back to the group and trying to look natural before the camera takes the picture.

Use a TREE:

Trees are one of the best props, in my opinion...especially if you can find one like this (above). Throw some kids up on the branch and arrange everyone else around them...take your time and keep stepping back to make sure everyone is arranged in a 'natural as possible' way.

Use the ground:

I think people look more natural sitting down. I was actually glad that they didn't mow the grass...I like the long grass look up around their legs.

I think it looks best to stagger the people and have them in different poses...the teenage girl holding her knees...the dad with one knee up...the other two kids on their knees. I think they look more natural this way. Everyone is spaced apart about the same and the grouping doesn't look lopsided. You will have to show them how to sit like this...especially the Dads, who always feel very awkward and never know where to put their hands and legs.