How to Feel Less Awkward in Family Photos
If getting in front of a camera is your idea of a good time, first of all, I'm jealous. For most people (myself included!), being photographed ranks somewhere between "mildly uncomfortable" and "please don't." The good news is that the secret to a great family photo has almost nothing to do with looking perfect, and everything to do with just being yourselves. These tips actually help. I promise.
Take a deep breath and just relax. I know, easier said than done. But I promise I'm not standing there judging you, and I promise you don't look silly. Here's a little secret: sometimes when you feel the most ridiculous, that's when the photos turn out the absolute best. The stiffness that comes from trying to look "right" is usually what makes photos feel off, so let that go.
Think of it like you're an actor for the hour. This one sounds weird but really works. Give yourself permission to be over-the-top, theatrical, even a little “extra”. Act like a supermodel. Ham it up. The more you lean into it, the more natural and fun your photos end up looking, because you've stopped overthinking and started just doing.
Ladies, please don't suck it in. Weird thing to say, I know, but when we try to hold everything in, we tend to puff up our chest and pull our shoulders back,, which can actually make us look broader than we are. Instead, try relaxing your body, tipping your hips slightly back/to the side, and leaning just a little forward. I'll walk you through exactly what I mean when we're together, but trust me, it's a game changer.
When in doubt, ignore the camera and just hang out with your family. Some of the most beautiful shots I've ever taken happened when the family forgot I was even there. Tickle your kid, make a silly face at them, snag your teen in a (gentle!) headlock. Try to have fun and get those real smiles. Couples, give each other a nudge, whisper something, lean on an inside joke. When you're actually interacting with the people you love instead of performing for the camera, your body language completely changes, and it shows.
But quiet moments are just as beautiful. Not every great photo is a big reaction or a burst of laughter. Sometimes it's just taking a slow walk to the water together, or letting your kid pick up sticks and draw in the sand while you watch. Those calm, in-between moments can become some of the most meaningful photos from the whole session.
If I ask you to do something again, it doesn't mean you did it wrong. This one's for my fellow perfectionists. Sometimes I'll ask you to repeat a moment not because it was bad, but because the light shifted, or there was a palm tree growing out of someone's head in the background, or I just
I get it more than you know. I'm a photographer who genuinely hates being in front of the camera, so I am not up there judging you. What I am doing is rooting for you, and doing everything I can to make this as painless as possible. If leaning into the whole "actor" thing helps, run with it. If you need a second to shake it off and reset, we'll take that second. And when you stop worrying about the camera and just focus on the people in front of you, the photos tend to take care of themselves.💕
