4 Tips for Being Efficient at Large Family Pictures

Whether you were the client or the photographer, have you ever gotten out of a family shoot and realized you forgot to take such and such combinations of family members and portraits?

I know I have. Plus, experience has shown me that trusting your head, or (as a photographer) trusting that the mother of the family will remember all the shots she wants is not ideal. Odds are both memories (your and the client's) will fail at some point during the session.

This is why I highly recommend planning the shots in advance in order to be prepared (and even more relaxed) during a big family shoot.

In this case, this was an extended family shoot with multiple families involved, as well as divorced grandparents that had to switch back and forth in who would in what photo.

Here are the steps I took to make this comprehensive extended family session shot list:

1- Talk with client in advance to figure out family dynamics.

In any setting where there will be family photos involved (this includes weddings!), make sure to ask your client specifically about any awkward or unusual family circumstances. Divorces, deaths, adoptions, etc. You want to familiarize yourself with this information in order to avoid any embarassment during the session. Believe me: it is MUCH better to ask directly beforehand than to find out the couple is divorced right after you have already asked them to kiss for the camera. Oh, and don't forget to write it all down! Better yet: send your client an email with a list of questions and they will write down more accurate information you can refer to later on.

2- Make a shot list.

Now it's time to write the shot list down. Some things to keep in mind: keep it efficient. Start with the huge group picture. That one where there are 30+ people and everyone needs to be smiling. That way the most stressful shot is out of your way from the very start of the session, AND your clients are relieved the most complicated shot is over. Then, build your shot list from ground up, by going family by family and doing those photos "from ground up": mom + dad, then mom+dad+kids, then mom+dad+kids+grandkids, etc. This is the most efficient you can be.

3- Assign an assistant.

I usually don't work with assistants, so whenever I get to the shoot I choose a willing family member to be my "assistant" (I usually pick out a teenager, because they won't have to be running around after little kids or worrying about anything else during the shoot besides being there). All they have to do is hold that piece of paper with the shot list and mark down with a pen or pencil the photos that have been taken. If they are extra-willing, they can even tell you what shot is next and help giving family members a heads up.

4- Review it with your client before wrap-up.

Before wrapping up the shoot, personally review the shot list with the client and double check if all desired shots have been taken. Sometimes you will need to adapt the shot list, so be flexible to make any changes or additions to your shot list.

I assure you that by having a shot list and sharing it with your client will make them very appreciative of your efforts. Having a physical shot list will help you be more efficient, confident, and relaxed during those big family shoots.

Do you have any other tips or questions about being efficient at big family pictures? Share it in the comments below! I would love to hear from you. :)