(at least- nothing clean)
As you know, getting a family together is similar to herding cats. And like cats, humans are also pretty predictable. Feed them, pet them, and don't ask for too much.
Knowing I wouldn't have much attention span from my subjects, I kept it ULTRA SIMPLE. I told them:
It didn't matter what color they wore, or really even what style, since I was shooting in B&W and planned for a closeup (no pants or shoes showing).
My lighting setup was simple, and I had pre-planned where I wanted everyone to stand. My sister-in-law Rebekah was crucial to this successful operation by standing behind the camera to get everyone's attention. We could have used a remote trigger, but kids don't have genuine expressions when they're smiling blankly at a wall. Subjects need something interesting behind the camera to engage with- so a crazy aunt is just the thing! :) We clambered into positions and only had to yell strongly encourage one kid to stop being a doofball and smile normally. (It was Bruce- it's always Bruce).
Left to right: Bruce (11), me (over 40), Jon (well over 40), Jack in the back (17), Charlotte (8) and Clara (14) down at the bottom.
Are you exhausted from the pursuit of happiness? I pray you find rest in the New Year.