The Perfect Family Portrait

The annual tradition of sending out holiday cards provides the perfect excuse to have a family portrait taken. To ensure that your family photo will be worth at least a thousand words, take the below advice, provided by pros:

  1. Hire a professional photographer. While enlisting a friend to snap your family shot might seem like a good idea, this is an occasion to call in a pro. The quality and creativity they’ll bring is well worth the price. See our directory for a list of Scout-approved professionals.
  2. Timing is key. Schedule your shoot for the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, and plan to position yourselves next to whichever window lets in the best light.
  3. Plan your wardrobe. Dress the family in similar colors and styles, and commit to a look – elegant or casual – but allow each member to somehow express his or her individuality.
  4. Loosen up. Be sure to take some serious, posed shots, but also have fun during the shoot. Make funny faces and strike silly poses. A little whimsy will keep you from looking too stiff.