Traditional family picture can be a masterpiece

The traditional family photograph usually has at least one of these features: eyes shut, clashing outfits, unbecoming poses and squirmy children. To turn your snapshot into a Norman Rockwellian masterpiece, follow these five tips.

1. Pick the right photographer. All do not shoot alike. For a family portrait, hire a professional who is an expert at coddling children and positioning people, rather than capturing lions in the Serengeti. Also, peruse different studios’ portfolios, noting their creative styles. When you’ve selected your photographer, talk to him or her about the backdrop that will best capture the spirit of your family – for example, Washington monuments vs. fake North Pole. Check out the Professional Photographers of America’s Web site (800-786-6277, www.ppa.com), which has more than 14,000 members worldwide and lets users search photographers based on location and specialty.

2. Dress for the ages. Skip the gaucho pants and shrugs; in a decade, they might be as fashionable as petticoats. Go for timeless attire in solid colors, preferably in jewel tones. Skip turtlenecks (you’ll look like a floating head), black and white (too much contrast), sequins and patterns, unless they are a fine pinstripe. Before the shoot, lay out your family’s outfits on a bed (try to pick similar colors or hues) to see which ones match and which ones clash.

3. Do be a poser. To show off your best assets and skinniest side, avoid a straight-on pose. Instead, if standing, place your legs at a 45-degree angle to the camera, then twist your waist a la Gisele Bundchen. If sitting, pull your body up (no slouching!). Slightly tilt your head to avoid extra chins and clear shots up your nose. Also, keep your hands to your sides or on your lap rather than buddy-style around your nearest relatives’ shoulders. Don’t be afraid to include pets or throw in props related to a family member’s hobby (a football or a flute).

4. Put on your best face. Don’t get a haircut, eyebrow wax or facial in the days preceding the portraiture. You want some of the cut, wax and exfoliate to have time to mellow out. For makeup, go natural, not Bozo. If you tend to have shiny skin, be sure to use a matte powder.

5. Say smile. You want natural smiles, not those forced grins that come across looking painful. So laugh it up with a family joke. If your photographer’s a real pro, she should be able to put you at ease – or just ask Uncle Joe to tell you the one about the donkey.