Photography Tips: try something different

Remember when I used to give photography tips every week? - well, I know it's been a while.  I think I've told you about all I know, so it's just a matter of practice.  Are you getting that blurry background you want (here's the tip on blurry background) and are you off of the green square and using "P" (here's what that's all about).  Well, family photo season is upon us - I have been doing TONS of sessions - and so I came up with another tip for you: Try Something Different.

When you're taking family pictures for your Christmas Cards, do the traditional sit-and-smile in a group shot, but don't be afraid to try something different.  Here are some of my favorites from sessions I've done in the past few days - and none of them are the traditional shot.  Don't be afraid to try something different - worst case, you'll just delete it later.  Some ideas I use:

Feet pictures - I always take a picture with feet only - there's just something I love about it.  This family all wore Converse shoes, so it was all the more fun.

Pose pictures - this works great with a plain background, like this wall - I love how everyone gets to show their personalities.

Use your surroundings - I love this phone booth picture - -

Jumping Picture - I almost always do a jumping picture - it's a good one to give the kids a break from sit-and-smile pictures.  A hint is to tell every to kick their bottoms instead of just jumping up - it makes you look higher.  And this will take a few shots - and even little kids who can't jump still look cute trying.