The Truth: Nobody Feels Totally Natural with a Lens in Their Face
Has anyone ever told you they feel completely at ease when someone points a big camera at them? Yeah, me neither. Most families I photograph tell me at some point they’re nervous about posing, worried about looking stiff, or convinced they’re “just awkward.” If that sounds like you, don’t worry. With a few simple posing tips for family photos, you’ll see just how easy (and fun) it can be to capture moments that feel like the real you.
Here’s the thing: those are the families who usually end up with the most meaningful photos.
Take the family who booked me for their first-ever session with their wild little toddler. They felt unsure about their outfits, didn’t know how to “stand,” and were totally convinced their kiddo wouldn’t last five minutes. Fast forward: they leaned into the silliness, let their son run free (yes, with goldfish in hand), and we captured moments that felt truly them – playful, connected, and completely unique.
If you’re reading this and nodding along, just know: there’s nothing wrong with you. Awkward is normal. Stiff is optional. And yes, we’ll absolutely get good photos anyway.
That Awkward Feeling? It’s a Sign You Care
Here’s what I’ve learned after photographing lots of thoughtful and wonderfully real families like yours: feeling unsure just means you care about preserving this moment right. You’re not trying to be perfect – you’re trying to be present. That’s way more important.
I’ve worked with plenty of amazing families who weren’t sure what to do with their hands, didn’t feel like their home was “photo-worthy,” or had toddlers on the move the entire time. But with just a little guidance and a shift in perspective, those sessions turned into ones filled with laughter, love, and a few goldfish-fueled snuggles.
So let’s talk about how we can turn “what do I do with my hands?” into photos that actually feel like you.
Posing Tips for Family Photos: How to Let Go of the Awkward and Embrace the Real
1. My Best Posing Tip for Family Photos: Let Go of “Control” – Seriously
I say this with so much love: let go of the idea that you can (or should) control the whole session.
- If your toddler wants to hold a toy car the entire time? Cool.
- If your middle schooler needs a little teasing to smile? Let’s bring out the Dad jokes.
- If your baby starts chewing on your hair mid-snuggle? We’re keeping it.
When you stop trying to “get everyone smiling and looking,” you make space for actual connection. Hug your kid. Nuzzle your partner. Laugh at whatever chaos is happening. That’s the stuff we’ll capture, and trust me, it’s beautiful.
2. Posing for Family Photos Isn’t What You Think
I get it – the word “posing” brings up flashbacks to 90s studio portraits with stiff shoulders and weird hand-on-hip directions. Same.
But lifestyle photography is different. My version of “posing” is more like gently placing you in beautiful light, guiding you into a spot that makes sense, and then letting you interact naturally. I’ll occasionally prompt you – “Hold her hand and whisper something silly” or “Okay, now pretend Mom and Dad kissing is the grossest thing ever” – to spark those real reactions.
It’s not about stiff smiles. It’s about creating space for emotional storytelling.
3. Choose Comfort First
Worried your outfits aren’t Pinterest-worthy? You’re not alone. But what matters 100x more is that everyone feels good in what they’re wearing.
The best photos are the ones where your kid is comfy enough to run or curl up in your lap, not picking at scratchy tags or tugging at something stiff.
I help all my families plan outfits that work for photos and feel like them – even if that means staying in bare feet and favorite comfy jeans. You can also check out my go-to list of real-family-friendly color palettes if you want a starting place!
4. Embrace Movement
Kids move. You move. Love moves. A session with me isn’t about everyone standing still – it’s about capturing the motion of your life together.
So pick up your kiddo when they reach for you. Sway side to side while snuggling your baby. Let your toddler race ahead and then scoop them up for a bear hug.
Movement makes magic, and it helps keep everyone relaxed – plus, you’ll forget that you’re acutally posing for your family photos 😉
5. Trust the Person Behind the Camera (Hey, That’s Me!)
When you work with someone who gets families – especially the messy, unpredictable, totally perfect-in-their-own-way kind – the whole process gets a lot less stressful.
I’m not here to judge your home, your hair, or your kids’ snack habits. I’m here to see your actual story and help you feel completely accepted just as you are.
If there’s ever a moment you’re unsure what to do, I’ll guide you. If your toddler needs a break or wants to jump in puddles, we’ll roll with it. And if all else fails… tickles and snacks never hurt.
Posing for Family Photos Should Feel a Lot Like… Family
This whole photography thing? It’s not a test, it’s a time capsule.
When you allow yourself to lean into love, laughter, and this one-of-a-kind season with your family – however chaotic or imperfect it may feel in the moment – you’re giving your future self a true gift. These aren’t just pretty pictures. They’re memories, connection, and proof of how much you love each other.
So if what’s been holding you back is fear of being too awkward, I hope you’ll believe me when I say: you’re not. You’re already enough. And with the right approach, a little guidance, and a whole lot of grace, you’ll walk away with photos that truly feel like you.
Ready to Make Something Real Together?
If you’ve been looking for a Tacoma family photographer who will put you at ease, embrace the energy of young kids, and help you create honest-to-goodness memories – I’d be honored to be the one to tell your story.
Let’s chat about how we can make your session relaxed, real, and (yes) fun.
Interested to learn more about what a family session with me looks like first? It’s a quick read 🙂
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