Family Poses That Always Work
Finding poses that work for every family can be tricky, but some poses never disappoint. These tried-and-true positions make everyone look good and feel comfortable during your photo session.
Hugs:
A hug is one of the best ways to show your affection and love. It’s a form of greeting, a friendly gesture and mood lifter. It’s something everyone can share and a great way to show the connection the “huggers” have with each other. There are so many variations you can literally fill a gallery with genuine, loving hugs everyone will enjoy.
Spins and Twirls:
- Twirls with Mom, Dad, individually or with sibling(s)
Hand in Hand:
You can make this one more fun by asking one to be the leader, having everybody take big steps or adding some piggy back or shoulder rides.
Blanket rides and Under the Blanket:
This is a great way to end a session or to help break the ice if a subject is being difficult. There’s nothing fake about the joy that comes from these.
Want more inspiration and tips? Check out my Fall Family Session Guide for inspiration tailored to young families.
The best part about these classic poses? They work for families of all sizes and ages, giving you timeless photos you’ll love for years.
Tips for Looking Natural in Family Photos
Feeling stiff in front of a camera happens to almost everyone. The good news? A few simple tricks can help your family look relaxed and natural in photos and it starts before the session begins.
Dress for Comfort and Confidence
What you wear makes a huge difference in how you feel:
- Choose clothes you feel good in – not just what looks nice
- Pick fabrics that move well and don’t need constant adjusting
- Coordinate colors without matching exactly
- Wear something you’ve worn before and know fits well
I’ve made choosing wardrobe easy by providing you with a What to Wear Guide that includes shopping links.
Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
The best family photos happen when you:
- Talk to each other during the shoot
- Touch naturally – hold hands, put arms around shoulders
- Forget the camera is there
Prep Your Kids (But Don’t Over-Prep)
Kids look most natural when they:
- Know what to expect but aren’t over-coached
- Have had enough sleep and snacks
- Get breaks when needed
- Feel like they’re playing, not posing
Remember, the most loved photos often have imperfect smiles and messy hair. These real moments show your family’s true connection – much better than stiff, perfect poses. My Fall Family Session Guide provides many tips on how to prepare your kids.
Book Your Birmingham Family Photography Session
Ready to capture those precious family moments with photos you’ll treasure forever? Let me help you create beautiful memories with my guided, stress-free approach to family photography.
As a Birmingham family photographer, I understand what makes a session truly special:
- Personalized guidance through all the poses mentioned above
- Patient approach that works wonders with children of all ages
- Fun experience where your family can relax and be themselves
What sets my sessions apart:
- I’m not scared to act a fool to get your children’s attention. You’ll hear various noises and see many silly faces.
- We move at your children’s pace – no rushing or forcing poses
- We play lots of games that help create natural smiles
“Laura took amazing outdoor photos of my infant and toddler, who rarely cooperates for photos but loved playing and showing off for her. We are thrilled with the images!” – The ClarkFamily
Want to see your family shine in beautiful, natural photos like the ones above that were taken at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens? Let’s chat about creating images you’ll love for years to come. Book your session today
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