This image reminds me of exactly why it is that family portrait sessions can be challenging. It’s not because it’s so darn difficult to physically plunk a family down in close proximity so a frame can be shot with all members together. (Although it feels that way.) Nor is it because the technical aspects of family portraiture are particularly grueling. (Although it feels that way.) And it certainly is not because family members don’t genuinely feel love for one another. (Although, sometimes, sadly, it feels that way.)

It’s simply because they’re "forced”. And children will have none of that.

While we adults are well practiced in the art of putting a happy face on despite inward conditions, children don’t operate this way. Merely getting them into position is not going to result in a pleasing portrait, ever. They are on to deception, and acutely aware of any discrepancies between their inner and outer worlds. So you have to make it real for them….get them to the feeling place of love and family before physically demanding they sit and say cheese.

I suppose the real reason behind my strong preference for photographing children over adults, is that I am much the same.



~Cynthia