Mastering Family Portraits: Pro Tips for Posing, Lighting, and Location Scouting

[@ZPOLLAK]

The negative comments here are hilarious. She did phenomenal work, and a great example of why you don't need the biggest soft box available. It was simple and to the point. Easy to understand. Thanks!

[@photogracias]

My thought too. She gave useful tips. Anyway, in the end individual preferences.

[@MaiElizabeth]

I'm a female photographer and I think I get it why there are hate comments 😊

[@bmefilms6879]

@@MaiElizabeth why?

[@tc7486]

Absolutely agree! Her work is fabulous!

[@tykeboy16]

Sure, its just the style is very dated.

[@sincere8280]

And that why she’s a TOP PRO and a very wonderful person to meet and learn some things from…. Everybody has a preference and style of shooting… Thank you Westcott

[@mor.6860]

This came just in time for me. I have a ten person family shoot this week and my stomach was churning, but you set me at ease. I was skeptical about using those picnic tables, but you made that look outstanding. So I thank you so much for this.

[@scarletliitgonzalez969]

How did it came out?

[@LadyFairChildVideo]

one comment i will add that works for me is to multiply the fstop for every row of people . example you do 3 rows of people. so if you start at f2.8, for 2 rows you do f5.6, and for 3 rows you do f7.1 that way you can get everyone in focus. its not a set in stone rule, but it also depends on how far away you are, and also if you're shooting from foot to toe, or just waist and up etc.

[@bradovard8657]

This is really helpful information. Thank you! I did wedding photography for years but am more interested in family photography now. Do you find this rule is consistent across different focal lengths?

[@LadyFairChildVideo]

@@bradovard8657 yea across focal lengths. technically you can shoot at f1.8, and if you're far away enough meaning , the subject is tiny with alot of background , theyll all come out in focus, but as soon as you step up , to lets say 10 feet away or so, that's when i do the f2.8, f5.6, f7.1 rule. 20 feet away or more, with a 24 mm lens , you should be able to do f1.8-f2.2 , f2.6 or f3.2 is safer per se, even then.

[@bradovard8657]

@@LadyFairChildVideo that makes perfect sense. Thank you again! I’ll definitely remember this tip.

[@JaerinChung]

Unbelievably easy to understand the setup and its correlation with the natural light. Awesome!

[@WestcottLighting]

Glad you like it!

[@reuvenhuertas3493]

Hello Mrs Michelle thank you for all your tips, love the way you build the family portrait ❤

[@BrigitteThompsonInRealLifePhot]

Thank you wonderful information. From scouting to direction of light an how to pose. Best instructional video I have seen in a while. I love all the tips and camera settings.

[@WestcottLighting]

You're very welcome!

[@markglenday7291]

hi this is the first time that I have seen this Michelle, and it was awesome. I loved the way she explained on the scouting of the locations, and also loved the way she built up the poses. Those images were awesome thank you for sharing. Mark from Australia

[@WestcottLighting]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark!

[@iKeto_gal]

Love it! Great tips especially directing family members on posing. She has the perfect personality for family photography

[@LaShawnLatera]

Thanks so much for the video and the tips. The family did extremely well!!

[@Bishnu_Deb]

Awesome posing tips for family portraits. The fake wake tip was fabulous and I am surely going to use this tip in my next shoots. Thank you Westcott Lighting for this video.

[@WestcottLighting]

So glad you found this helpful!!

[@jasonbodden8816]

This was great. Your feathering technique is expert level. Nice shots!

[@madpad33rd28]

Photos turned out really nice

[@gregshawphotography8828]

Michelle is great. I was in her class back in March at WPPI. The last one at The Mirage.

[@California_Roll]

I arrived by chance and was delighted by everything. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@WestcottLighting]

Thanks for watching!

[@candissdelcastillo7863]

Loved this. Going to do a family photo shoot this weekend and was just thinking ofMichelle. Then, this video dropped down in KZbin! So good to see you again, Michelle. I have your CreativeLive classes. so helpful.👏👏👏

[@pammcintyre7602]

You are amazing Michelle... I learn so much from your videos. Thank you 😁

[@annac3514]

Wow, great job!! Super helpful video.

[@WestcottLighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattchizmar8453]

This video was incredible. Awesome work. Thanks for sharing. I learned a ton.

[@DanMcQuillen-b6n]

That family is 🔥

[@NickWeissMusic]

Wait a minute…

[@BANANALANDMEDIA]

Amazing work!

[@bnazzaro21]

Really helpful video. Very good job.

[@WatersofeverlastingLife]

I love how you get excited when you know it's a good spot..lol!

[@WestcottLighting]

Michele’s excitement is contagious haha!

[@happymystic9800]

Quite some helpful insights into how to photograph a group. I like how you build it up step by step. Cheers. 😊

[@pralex4477]

That lady is just phenomenal. I was digging my vocabularies and couldn't find no other words to express my feeling about her work

[@npeltack]

great video overall. some of the posing seemed a bit awkward or at least came across that way in the photo such as the kid on his knees on the table. But photography is not a one rule is the only way type of thing.. all subjective. And i thank you for taking your time to make a video to help us all expand the way we see the world.

[@familyvalues2020]

Good ole sidecut metropark. Love that a giant lighting company is in toledo. Keep rocking out products and videos. Good job.

[@WestcottLighting]

Thanks for watching, more to come!

[@mariamullin4031]

Beautiful photos, great tips

[@WestcottLighting]

Thanks for watching!

[@Alfredolunafoto1]

Very good work and advice.

[@carollynaugh4761]

Get video, lots of useful information shared. Thanks!

[@X-pozeyTV-Mightyeyes]

You did a nice job dear. I have learnt alot

[@justinlansdale]

she’s the real deal.

[@WestcottLighting]

she is!

[@derrick072]

OMG here you are I saw you in Vegas and your video popped up in my KZbin feed. What a surprise and you are fantastic!

[@full_masti29]

Woww nice family photo shoot mam 😮😮😮😮 ❤❤❤❤

[@WavyFBaby]

Hi. Do you mind sharing which Manfrotto tripod you used? Thank you and great video!

[@mrjamiebowman]

Manfrotto Befree looks like one of those...

[@danieltntbomb]

Great video. Solid tips.

[@madpad33rd28]

I have an engagement shoot coming up, so this came in handy. I’ve been worried about perfect spots. Can’t wait to shoot.

[@WestcottLighting]

Glad it was helpful for you, good luck with your shoot!

[@bobbyramsphotography3611]

its amazing tip for family photos

[@meklitpictures9811]

Very good work

[@Silverhorse32]

What a great teacher.

[@andyyoon7853]

Thank You for this awesome video : )

[@manupunathil3405]

The gazebo tip is really helpful for avoiding raccoon eyes. Overhanging branches are also great for finding good light and blocking harsh overhead light. However, I've never had much success using modifiers like this when shooting multiple subjects-especially with groups of four. The light source is just too small, and with the distance you need to position the flash, it becomes impractical. Plus, using a tripod and this kind of lighting setup slows everything down, making it hard to capture candid moments, especially with small kids. I prefer working quickly and spontaneously, and for that, a reflector and an on-camera speedlight work best. In most cases, the "wow" factor can be achieved by using f/1.2 lenses. It's also worth investing time in location scouting, as you'll often find amazing spots with great lighting.

[@JorgeHernanArcilaA]

Many tricks taught in a very good video, great material you share with us, good video. 26:34.

[@peterivarsson9267]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing

[@kevinjimenez7925]

Great video!

[@jameslopez7594]

Great tutorial

[@WestcottLighting]

Thanks!! 😊

[@JeffreyJDavis]

A lot of great stuff, building posed group shots up , etc. love the unspoken pro tip of just pulling the trigger off the body for metering and using the test button for dialing in lighting recipe. Why didn't I ever think about that?

[@WestcottLighting]

Thanks for watching!

[@ppkndumar86]

Very nice

[@markbehrens5828]

Great tips!

[@alyciareid7055]

I am curious what tripod you use. Great video! Love your composition.

[@stevens7409]

Bigger light source = more distance for soft light. Smaller light source = closer to subject for soft light.

[@ajasproduction2708]

Are you able to keep all your subjects in focus at 2.8? I usually try to be at least 5.6 when shooting multiple people. Thank you for the content.

[@sandifer7]

Thank you! Very informative!

[@WestcottLighting]

You are so welcome!

[@shawnrhoden881]

Excellent content 🎉 watched it about 3 times. In 2024 how much would you charge to do a shóot like this?

[@jesuslarosa811]

Muy buen trabajo, logras la exposición correcta de la luz.

[@WestcottLighting]

¡Gracias por el comentario!

[@saucelove]

Thank You. wonderful video.

[@WestcottLighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@antoinernb9398]

This is cool

[@masud184]

sooo nice

[@MartinV.]

Great Video

[@SteveFoisy]

Excellent presentation of material! Put 10 photographers in a room and ask how to photograph a scenario and you will get 10 different answers!

[@WestcottLighting]

No doubt!

[@keliwakeleyphotography9750]

thank you for the great tips! this was a very helpful video for shooting groups. i’m curious which tripod you are using i am looking for one that easily switched vertical to horizontal. thank you!

[@peeweebarney]

First time that I heard of Michele Celentano. Sideway use of the strobe, maybe about two feet away from the subject. Metering of the background and adjusting the power of the strobe light to match the background metering. Great pose and composition, and the use of the camera tripod.

[@TommyBoy3D]

Subbed. Solid Gold!

[@WestcottLighting]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Chulagial]

I have a similar haircut and color to yours, so it was hard to concentrate as I was trying to figure out how to style my hair like yours!! 😂 Anyway, great tips on a whole.

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias.

[@kukasally]

What Metering Mode you use?

[@cabbagepatch8947]

A shot bag on the light stand would be useful.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thank you!

[@MH7_256]

Just curious what tripod setup that is? It looks far easier to use than my 20+ year old Bogen lol! Great content btw! I have a 15 member family session coming up and this was very helpful!!

[@MrAkinomatata]

What about that little pole behind the kid in second location at that beautiful park? (19:33)

[@jenniferahrendt5940]

Looks fine. You don't see the sign. It just looks like a fence post. Not distracting at all

[@johndough82]

It's actually VERY distracting. That is terrible.

[@johndough82]

I'm also not a fan of the shadow, coming from the flash, on the boy that is next to his father at 19:33. It doesn't look natural at all. 🤮

[@michaeleastwood6755]

Sometimes listening and being still..we walk away enriched..tips are good.

[@johnw.3636]

The 135mm is an interesting choice for family photos. 🤔

[@keithwiebe1787]

In Kansas we would never rely on a stand mounted umbrella system like that. Just too windy. Flip out reflector or flash on camera or on pole. Love the top though. Will watch it later as I don't have time this morning.

[@peeweebarney]

You have tornados there 24/7, that's why. Your model, Dorothy, can vouch for you on that.

[@mossy.meadow.studios]

Kansas Photographer here. I use a steel c-stand and have an assistant hold it, along with sand bags. Works just find been here for 30 years.

[@OisndaHouse]

Thank you

[@ArdonTurner]

What tripod and head combo is that????

[@hepnep]

No idea about the tripod, but I think the ballhead is the Manfrotto 057 Pro with RC4 Quick Release plate.

[@Mike-in6mg]

What camera and lens kit is this?? It looks like a prime lens, what are the specs of the kit?

[@marcomark8]

How much time did it take for this session?

[@JamieCornelius-jf8jn]

Can you add a link for the tripod you are using?

[@ponymoore6140]

How is the flash unit being powered?

[@WestcottLighting]

The FJ400 has a battery pack on the back of the light, it can handle 480+ full power flashes per charge and is removable.

[@christopherbailey128]

What Manfrotto Tripod is that the O55 ?

[@ThePaze86]

Thoughts about the image structure, good commands given, well demonstrated. +1 well done In the first example, It was great care to ensure that all eyes were on the same level of focus. On the table, however, I doubt that aperture 3.5 was enough for everyone?! And the composing wasnt perfect in my eyes. It was no attention to geometric shapes. The little boy's head would have fit better in the middle between his dad and big brother to imitate a diamond. Another idea: Stand the boy backwards on the table for an parallelogram an get more of the body from the mum in picture. In the last one, the diagonal that the heads form is sloping instead of rising. But good job anyway Greetings from Germany

[@philipthao8527]

what kind of tripod is being used?

[@peeweebarney]

Someone commented Manfrotto.

[@soumoyadeepkundu3079]

Why did you put the light far away from subject? Please explain the reson

[@kullumphoto]

I think because she is shooting with an portrait prime lens(135)

[@soumoyadeepkundu3079]

@@kullumphoto i like the way you told.but when she using 135 mm then the soft box must closer to the subject for soft light,but If she using wide lens like 24 or 35 then the placement of the soft box away frm the subject its acceptable i hope

[@masud184]

She is using flashlight just as fill light

[@photoray002]

I assume you are referring to location 1 in the video. This is my opinion... The photographer started out with one person and built up to a group in the same spot. She positioned the light farther away to illuminate the whole group consistently ahead of time. I assume keeping it in the same position for continuity, so the lighting would look the same, whether its one person is photographed, or all people at the same time. Putting that smaller size softbox too close to them, the person closest to the light is very bright and the person farthest very dark. The drop off would look very unnatural. She also feathered the light forward (pointed it to go past the front of them) so the fall off would wrap around their faces to fill better and still creating a softer shadow on them, as apposed to straight at them and harsh. Also faster to get the shots done, rather than keep moving and re-metering the light for every person added.

[@mKruter]

@@masud184 no she is not

[@VitoUno]

How to you meter with HHS?

[@DidierFretouly]

good explanation but an error in the iso of the canon R6 its range of use begins at 100 iso whether for the R6 or the R6II

[@inaflashnetworkinaflashpro918]

What park is that?

[@craiglaw7578]

I would like to know that too.

[@seanparkes7661]

Anyone know what tripod that is?

[@WestcottLighting]

www.manfrotto.com/us-en/057-carbon-fiber-3-section-tripod-mt057c3/ www.manfrotto.com/global/057-magnesium-ball-head-with-rc4-quick-release-mh057m0-rc4/

[@nethbt]

Personally, I would avoid too much GREENS as much as possible, a little to moderate is OK...because I don't think either Sony, Nikon or Canon can process Greens properly, no matter how you fiddle around with those tint and temperature sliders, they just look off...autumn colors (brown, burgundy, yellow) just works and enhances skin tones unlike greens

[@michalsierzchula]

Have you tried shooting with CPL? It can change greens like night to day.

[@jasonbodden8816]

Never had a problem with Canon and greens.

[@Dan-yy7lk]

Nice work. Not a biggy, but not sure why she went with iSO 50. Native ISO on her camera was 100. If she shot at 100 she could have gotten slightly better dynamic range/cleaner image, and going with 100 iso would have meant she could have halved her shutter speed to 125th, which would have also meant she wouldn’t have to have used high speed sync on the strobe so saved power for more shots with the same look. Also strobe was a little far away, could have been closer so used even less power and more flattering softer fill.

[@annettehurd9391]

Great video! Are you related to them? I see a resemblance. ❤

[@30dcanon]

Enjoyed the video very much.. Couple of things I thought could be different, at least it's my flavor, the hand over there shoulder when you're just seeing the fingers reminds me of Thing from the Addams Family.. And the guys with the had in the pocket, why thumb in fingers out? To me it looks cleaner with fingers in and thumb out, the typical GQ look.. That said loved the posing tips!!

[@francisphotos4062]

9:03 are you to stick the light meter in the poor kid’s nose?

[@Abogabir_Photography]

I'm completely aware that photography is very subjective. But I think in this location there were so many better options even shooting just natural light. I also think a 50mm or 85mm would've been good with a bigger source of light, like an umbrella. =) Thank you for the video, many of this steps can easily be used in another setting.

[@masud184]

In my humble view that she just brought her Home Studio in Open-air and did just portrait shooting using Natural lighting and Flash as fill light. She did use lenses 135-180 mm for that full body Portrait with maximal compration just like with 85 or 50 mm in a Home Studio. I do it All the Time when I do my family Portrait in open Air, I use mostly my 105 mm or 80-200 mm.

[@Abogabir_Photography]

@@masud184 such a great perspective. 🙌🏽☺️✍🏽 I love that we can discuss different opinions without offending each other. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@mKruter]

@@masud184 her light was not used as a fill light. She put her subjects in shadow and used her light as the Key to illuminate them. All the other natural ambient lighting was for the scene behind the subjects.

[@jasonbodden8816]

I don't know. It's a preference. If you like to shoot purely natural light then nobody's stopping you. Other photographers, myself included, love to shoot with flash outdoors as we can control both background exposure and subject exposure separately, something you can't really do with natural light.

[@wildeman32]

This is how we shot in the 2000’s. You don’t use flsshes any more with new cameras. Wrong time of day = bad lighting

[@Prayersby_CPTMusic]

That’s a matter of preference. I love artificial light cuz it allows me to create what I want. If you don’t know how to use it don’t say it’s wrong because people pay us to get what they could not get with an iPhone

[@patrickmcmahon818]

@@Prayersby_CPTMusic You’re absolutely right, fill, create, modify your photos to get what you or your clients want. I probably use some type of light when I’m outside 80% of the time to fill in shadows or give a little kick to the eyes.

[@Franciehatescoffeeicecream]

I do want to figure out how to use a light meter 😂

[@peeweebarney]

Use incident flash meter close to subject face and point towards the flash. Set ISO on camera and meter to 100, shutter speed on camera and meter at 125, camera & meter on Manual. Flash meter will determine aperture. If you want the aperture at your desired number, change the ISO on flash meter & camera.

[@Franciehatescoffeeicecream]

It's not explained why she moved the light closer each time

[@mitas3484]

I would have gotten a bigger softbox, closer to the subjects, and edited it out if need be. Background should be more simple, it takes too much focus from the subjects. Last thing, the background should be darker compared to the subject, either increase the flash or bring it closer. Increasing the contrast and bring more focus on subjects.

[@WhoDis1959]

Wow that sounds cool..what's your page and video links,would love to learn from you

[@shakebake2680]

@mitas3484. Dork. Then do it yourself and shut up.

[@shakebake2680]

@@WhoDis1959💯💯💯 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@emu256]

​@@WhoDis1959 he's right though

[@tc7486]

One of the best! I learn so much when I watch her work. And family/group shots are the hardest for me. I could watch her work all day. Thank you.

[@Heiko.Kalweit]

Sorry, I don't like the lighting at all. The light, which the strobe emits, is to harsh. At this distance you should take a bigger octa or put the light closer. And the background is too busy and that's why too destracting. Under the gazebo: The father's head is to dark in relation to his wife.

[@TheFilmCouple_]

I agree with the lighting that I personally like a more natural look - either full natural light it minimal fill - but thats a stylistic choice. I also think the softbox should be positioned a bit higher. She has balanced the flash very well, but I agree it's not my personal style either. Fantastic colours captured though

[@jasonbodden8816]

That light wasn't harsh at all but I suppose you want extremely soft like that. For me, this light was soft enough. If the light is too soft outdoors, it just looks a bit incongruent with the rest of the scene.

[@000CloudStrife]

This was meh

[@jasonbodden8816]

Yeah, okay. Where's your video or where can I see your family portraits?

[@vikrantrm4237]

u should learn something from Kyle Cong (& ur cleint behind u is yawning)