How Joshua Shinner makes royals look elaxed
Joshua Shinner, the photographer behind Kate Middleton and Prince William’s most loved photos, says the secret is to slow everything down. He shot the black and white Christmas card in 2023 with The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all matching in white crisps with an elegant and casual vibe. The same relaxed session also gave them birthday portraits for George and Louis in 2024, Father’s Day pictures with William, and a chic solo photo of Princess Kate released in May. For Shinner, the key to these perfect photos is to avoid being in a rush and to establish a relaxed atmosphere. 
Forget perfection, focus on the vibe
In an interview with The Telegraph in November, Shinner explained that people rush family photos and end up looking tense. He expresses that informal moments are often the best, especially on Christmas Day, when everyone will look back at the memories. His rule is simple.
“That’s not to say it needs to be complicated. Some of my favorite pictures are the most informal. You’re trying to capture a moment. If it’s a Christmas Day to look back on, that’s perfect, you don’t need all the gear and knowledge.”
Do not try to shoot ten minutes before Christmas dinner, but also do not drag it on for hours. You know your family, so use that to help them feel comfortable.
“When you’re photographing your own family, you have the biggest possible advantage in that you know these people, so you can make it comfortable,” he said. “Don’t do it 10 minutes before Christmas dinner; don’t take hours over it.”
One last secret shot
Merry Christmas from William and Kate! Inside the Prince and Princess of Wales' 2025 Christmas card https://t.co/m1lMwj5YK8 pic.twitter.com/IW5AW4uJRy
— Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) December 25, 2025
The photographer also shared a few clever tricks. Use different levels, so faces are not all in one straight line. Avoid harsh lights above your head, relax your hands, and choose outfits that coordinate without being identical. His final magic move is to keep shooting when everyone thinks the session is over. That is when faces soften, smiles turn real, and you often get the picture everyone secretly loves the most.
“Maybe everyone lets their face slip, and you get that authentic moment. I often take one or two frames after I’ve ‘finished,’ just because people (even if they don’t think they are) are holding themselves slightly differently and that turns out to be everyone’s favorite picture,” he revealed.
