How William and Kate’s photographer got royals to unwind on camera

The Wales family have perfected the art of the modern royal portrait but according to the man behind the lens, the real magic has nothing to do with matching outfits or immaculate lighting.

For more than a decade, the Prince and Princess of Wales have graced the world with official portraits marking milestones, holidays, and those charming family moments fans eagerly await. 

Yet it was their ultra sleek 2023 Christmas card, the black and white snap featuring Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis that truly broke from tradition. Shot indoors, stripped of scenery, and styled in crisp white shirts and jeans, the portrait felt more "family magazine cover" than “formal royal photo.”

Now, photographer Josh Shinner, who captured the minimalist masterpiece, is lifting the curtain on how he gets the perfect shot. 

“It’s creating the most relaxed atmosphere so the people in front of the camera can be themselves,” Shinner explained. 

“If you can make people feel at ease, they open up and that creates a better picture. Otherwise, you’re basically taking a passport photo, someone stands still, someone presses a button, and there’s absolutely no feeling.”

Josh revealed that even the most happier looking family portrait is carefully choreographed. 

The placement of each member of the Wales clan was no happy accident. “You go to compositions that have been used for hundreds of years from paintings into photography,” he explained. 

“Break it up a bit, use different levels, keep the faces relatively close together.” In other words, a royal portrait may look relaxed, but the structure behind it is pure, time-tested artistry.