Family group

[Tom Barry]

Everyone in our family except my granddaughter is a camera-avoiding photographer's nightmare. It was my wife's 78th birthday celebration and I was determined to get something informal, frank, and honest rather than forced. And I always prefer monochrome:
IMG_6790 B&W by tombarry975, on Flickr

[xpatUSA]

A nice group of real people ...

[Manfred M]

I've always found doing family portraits is somewhat akin to herding cats. The bigger the group, it gets exponentially more challenging...

Getting everyone to cooperate photographically is darn close to impossible and even with patient coaching. It's good to see eye contact with at least one member of the group. B&W (okay black & sepia) seems to have been a good choice, given the busy background. Overall, I think you accomplished what you set out to do.

[rpcrowe]

I can definitely feel for the problems incurred with shooting a group of people who really don't want their photos taken...

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured and processed.

[mugge]

I do think this is a good image.
Cheers Ole

[Tom Barry]

Thanks for the kind and understanding words, Ted, Manfred, Richard, John and Ole. My wife has, over the decades, ruined more group photos than I can remember. I've thought about cloning her eyes from other photos! I've even tried asking everyone to close their eyes and then open them at "zero" when I count down from three. Odd thing is, when it is just her or her and one other in the photo, there is no problem. But she's still my favorite person in the world and always will be.

[pschlute]

A very well executed image, and b+w suits it well.

[DanK]

A very nice image. Will you print it or have it printed?

I have a similar problem in my family. The grandkids are no problem at all, but some of the adults are.

[lovelife65]

This is a lovely, real and warm family portrait. One can see the expressions of love in your wife and gentlemans faces directed at your grandchild, whom I must say is absolutely adorable. Thank you for sharing, and happy birthday to your wife
(ps. I'm in that camp of hating my photo taking, so I can empathize).

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, Peter. Dan, I will print it. I can print up to 8"X10" at home. Haven't decided on the size, though. The kids have this version and the original. As most people these days do, they mostly share photos on social media. My granddaughter and our son both have (and even occasionally use) real cameras. One of my nieces, an MD, hires a pro for special occasions and has big monochrome prints made, which she exhibits on several walls at her home.