The Daniels’ Family Photo Shoot at BYU’s Duck Pond

It’s an updated photo of the Daniels! These are the Illinois Daniels who will be moving to New Jersey in a few months. They are a military family and Jonathan is a pilot in the U.s. Air Force. I photographed them a year ago at a white barn in Orem. And I also photographed their engagements and wedding. Although I still haven’t blogged their wedding photos. I’m a bad big brother.

Big smiles for family photos

Jonathan is my youngest brother. There are 15 years between the two of us! And they are kind enough to let me use them in my photography marketing. It has been a lot of fun to photograph them from marriage to kids to family portraits. I do it all.

And I am showing the portrait version and the landscape version of some of these photos. I shoot enough options so you can see how a change in orientation really makes a photograph different. And you should be hanging photos on the walls of your home! And some walls could use a wide photo or others could use a tall photo.

Landscape and portrait versions

The nice part of the BYU duck pond is you can just turn around and there is a totally different look. I love locations where we can shoot the whole thing in one spot. All you need to do is turn.

We turn around 180º for a completely different view

Are you taller than your kids? Just get down to their level. There are several ways to sit or to kneel on one knee. I’m there to help guide your poses so you don’t look awkward.

Best solution for height differential. Short kids, tall parents

Getting reactions from the kids can be a challenge. Molly was up to it and most girls seem to be programed for model photography at a young age. James on the other hand required a few goofy voices or noises to get his attention and hopefully a smile. There were some tears, but that is when we switch kids. Give him a chance to cool down, and come back to him when he is happier.

Cute kids

Getting some good smiles for the camera

Shooting just the kids can be a challenge. Parents like to stand to the side and make noises. The best thing is for one parent to hover above the photographer and try to get their attention. Otherwise the kid is looking away from the camera.

Brother & Sister

Finally, a happy picture

Sad faces can be totally adorable as well. This was moments after he was happy and smiling.

A sad face portrait, just as fun

Individual portraits

Using the manmade waterfall

If there is time, it’s a wonderful idea to get individual portraits.

Mom & Dad

Autumn is still upon us and winter around the corner, however, anytime of the year can be a great time for a family portrait session.

Mom’s portrait

Dad’s portrait