Composition

• An inverted triangular composition.
  
  Compositions that work well with three children are linear and triangular. Linear compositions are when you line children in a row. The tallest should be in the middle, or the children should be lined in height order from tallest to shortest. This composition is great for wide-angle or full-body shots. With triangular compositions, the heads are staggered so that they form the point of an imaginary triangle. This gives you a tighter composition for close-ups, and the triangular arrangement is visually pleasing.
  
  

Wardrobe

• Coordinated wardrobe with a linear composition.
  
  When taking photos of three children, plan a wardrobe so they are dressed similarly. Avoid having two in casual jeans and T-shirts while one is wearing a party dress. They should all be dressed casually or all be dressed up. Have them dress seasonally, such as all three wearing a comfortable sweater for a winter shot, or all wearing sun dresses at the beach. Try dressing them in the same color or in coordinating colors. For example, dress them all in white for a clean, classic look, or dress each one in a bright primary color: red, yellow and blue.
  
  

Angles

• Taking photos from behind add interest.
  
  Pay attention to body angles. Positioning the body to a three-quarter angle often creates a more flattering, interesting look. Have children angle their bodies and faces inward toward the center of the composition. Have them lean in toward the child in the center, or tilt their heads inward toward each other. Take a photo at an unexpected angle, such as with their backs to you. Pay attention to your camera angles, too. Shooting small children from a standing adult's height can make them look smaller than they are. While this can make for a great shot, also try getting down to their level or getting lower than they are and shooting upward at them. Different camera angles can create great different looks, even with the same pose.
  
  

Props

• Giving children props can help them pose better. Kids can be unsure of how to stand or what to do with their hands in a photo. When holding a fun prop, they relax and position their bodies more naturally. Give them each the same type of prop, such as a stuffed animal or hat, and see what each personality does with it. Alternately, distribute different props with a similar theme, such as sports equipment (ball, bat and glove, for example). Allow the kids to hold props in a way that feels natural to them, but make sure the props aren't obstructing any faces.
  
  

Settings

• Natural, fun settings relax the subjects.
  
  When looking for portrait settings, look for places where kids are comfortable. The outdoors provide great backdrops and natural lighting. Find settings that play on the "three" theme. For example, a teeter-totter makes a great setting for three, with one child on each end and one in the center. For a linear composition, use a landscape. For a triangular setting, use places where you can stagger their heights, such as stairs, jungle gyms or a park bench in which two can be on the seats and one on the table. If taking photos indoors, find a neutral wall that does not have a lot of distracting elements, or hang a sheet to act as a backdrop.