Why I Don’t Show Large Family Group Photos

Okay, let me explain…

I can better visualize poses for two parents and their little baby (who is at the barely-crawling stage) because them babies cannot run away yet! haha. It’s just easier for me to have parents pose with their one child than it is for me to pose and keep the momentum when there are a lot more people to pose, as well, and make sure everyone’s hair and outfits are in place. Sure, I can just have everyone stand next to each other and smile — shoot, shoot, shoot! — but that is not my style whatsoever. It’s very traditional, and I’m not a traditional photographer.

For me, when I’m photographing a big family (I have photographed a family of 21+ persons at one time!) then I’d want to connect each person with their spouse and/or child within the large group shot. Then I’d break it up into smaller groups so there is a good amount of combinations, including individual headshots. I’d need to direct everyone in a way that is more intimate, as if everyone likes each other. HA! In all of this, I want it to be very non-traditional so not every single person is looking at the camera when I am focusing on just one or two persons in the shot (within the group). This is what I do when photographing family formals at every wedding.

I guess what I’m saying is, my strength lies in photographing smaller families (a family of three works best for me!) but I have photographed bigger families than that and continue to receive inquiries. I hope this explains why I don’t showcase large family/group photos. I know what I do best so just letting you know… and the entire world. ;)