Complete Guide to Family Photography

Master the art of family, maternity, and newborn photography with proven lighting techniques and a systematic posing approach that works for subjects of all ages.

Family photography presents unique challenges that can leave even experienced photographers feeling overwhelmed. Capturing genuine connections while managing multiple subjects at different developmental stages requires technical skill, creative vision, and the ability to direct with confidence. Family photographers must master multiple skills that go far beyond simply understanding their camera settings.

In this comprehensive guide, photographer Sandra Coan draws from over two decades of professional experience to offer a proven system for creating beautiful, timeless family portraits. Through clear instruction and beautiful photographic examples, Sandra demonstrates how to develop a consistent, predictable routine that will help you work efficiently while producing exceptional results.

Whether you work in a studio, on location, or in clients’ homes, you'll learn how to confidently pose and light subjects of all ages—from newborns and babies to children and their parents—while capturing authentic connections and creating images families will treasure for generations.

You’ll learn:

• How to craft beautiful, natural-looking light using both window light and artificial light sources

• A baby-led approach to newborn posing that prioritizes comfort and safety while producing stunning results

• Essential posing techniques for subjects at every developmental stage—from newborns to toddlers to school-aged children—and for both single subjects and groups

• How to build a consistent posing flow that maximizes efficiency without compromising results

• Composition techniques that will elevate your family portraiture and flatter your subjects

• Methods for directing clients into poses that look and feel natural

• Practical solutions for common challenges when photographing families

• How to build your signature style through consistent lighting and posing techniques

With Sandra’s guidance and The Complete Guide to Family Photography by your side, you’ll develop the skills and confidence you need to create beautiful, classic family portraits in any setting while providing an exceptional experience for the families you photograph.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Part I: Lighting
• Chapter 1: Lighting Fundamentals
• Chapter 2: Working with Natural Light
• Chapter 3: Working with Artificial Light
• Chapter 4: Lighting on Location
• Part II: Posing
• Chapter 5: Posing Fundamentals
• Chapter 6: Composition
• Chapter 7: Posing Flow
• Chapter 8: Posing Newborns, Babies, and Small Children
• Chapter 9: Posing Siblings and Families
• Chapter 10: Maternity Posing
• Part III: Case Studies
• Chapter 11
• Chapter 12
• Chapter 13

About the Author

Sandra Coan is an industry educator and award-winning photographer specializing in studio portraiture, artificial lighting and fine-art film photography. Since starting her career in 1999, Sandra has become Seattle’s premier maternity, newborn, and family photographer.

In addition to running her busy studio, she teaches thousands of photographers each year on respected platforms like CreativeLive and Kelby One as well as at industry events, like WPPI. She is also a regular contributor to Rangefinder magazine, Professional Photographer magazine, Click magazine, and many more.