What you need to know
One of Duchess Kate and Prince William’s go-to photographer explains how to capture the best snaps of your loved one.
Joshua Shiner posed for a black-and-white photo in 2023 with the Prince and Princess of Wales’ children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, wearing a white button-down shirt and dark pants in front of a backdrop.
This year, he collaborated with the family again on a photo session that included birthday portraits for Prince George and Prince Louis, Prince William’s Father’s Day photo with all three of his children, and also released a solo photo of Duchess Kate in May. The same photo shoot provided the images that the Prince and Princess of Wales chose for this year’s family Christmas card.
In November, Shiner shared with the Telegraph her tips for family photos, from setting the mood to getting everyone together. His first tip was to slow down.
“Taking family photos can feel like a routine, so people rush and it can look bad,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of my favorite photos are the most casual ones. I’m trying to capture a moment. If it’s Christmas Day to look back on, that’s perfect. You don’t need all the equipment or knowledge.”
Establishing a relaxed atmosphere is also essential to a calm atmosphere. Also, try not to make too much noise for too long.
“We create the most relaxed atmosphere so that people in front of the camera can be themselves. If you can make people feel safe, they can open up and the result is a better picture,” he said.
“The biggest advantage when photographing your own family is that you know the people and feel comfortable photographing them,” he continued. “Don’t do it 10 minutes before Christmas dinner. Even if it takes hours, it won’t work.”
The photographer argued that “there’s a certain way to look good” and recommended “a little bit of subdivision” by using different levels to change the position of faces in different groups, as seen in the 2023 Christmas shot of the Welsh family.
Scheiner also suggested people relax their hands (“people are scared of how weird their hands look,” he joked), avoid standing directly under lights, and coordinate clothing loosely for a cohesive look.
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“And just when you think you’re done, take another drink,” he added about when he would rap.
“Maybe everyone’s face will slide and you’ll get that authentic moment. I often take a frame or two after I’m ‘finished.’ That’s because people carry themselves a little differently (even if they don’t think so), and that turns out to be everyone’s favorite photo. ” Shiner said.
