Suggestions for how to pose a difficult to pose family?

[frog116]

I have photographed hundreds of families, but once in a while 1 throws me for a loop and I'm not sure what to do.

Later this evening I have a family of 3 coming in for a photo shoot. Here's my predicament-

Dad- almost 7' tall and heavy (prefers to stand)
Mom - about 5'2" and heavy (also prefers to stand and has asked to not hold the child bc he "squishes my fat rolls")
Kid - 3 years old, obviously short lol


So, they would like to remain standing and they have requested a full body shot. How in the world am I going to make this look normal?

 

[ronlane]

levatation. Honestly, as the photog, it's your job to convince them that the best shot would be for the Dad to sit and hold the 3yo with Mom standing partially behind him. But if they insist on the standing do it the same way with Mom semi-tucked in behind Dad and the Baby between (in front) of them.

Good luck with this.

 

[amolitor]

Pose them on some stairs.

 

[frog116]

Yes I think that is what I'll have to do. It wouldn't be such a problem if they were to order a large print, wouldn't look as awkward. However, I know they are going to want me to squish this tall vertical subject into a squarish 8x10 and it just always looks funny to me.

 

[frog116]

Pose them on some stairs.

I would gladly do this and suggested a location where this could be accomplished. They didn't want to pay my $15 travel fee to get there however. My studio doesn't have stairs unfortunately.

 

[ronlane]

Could you use an apple box and have her stand on it.

 

[Tony S]

Get them to try some "their" way and then some "your" way, then when the proofs are ready they can decide after seeing the differences.

 

[gregtallica]

answer is obvious, i'm surprised no one suggested having the 3yo stand on moms shoulders.

 

[frog116]

answer is obvious, i'm surprised no one suggested having the 3yo stand on moms shoulders.

I was willing to try it! lol Good news though, I found a tree that was kind of growing out of a mini hill. I had mom stand on the hill next to the tree and dad was next to her on lower ground. Evened out their height tremendously!

I also did some "my way" and had them sit. I think it looks really nice but we'll see what they think.

 

[ktan7]

Try to sit them all down.