Have you taken family pictures yet? We took ours several weeks ago and it may have been the best and easiest experience we’ve had yet. I don’t think it was anything we did as parents, but rather the stars just aligned for us that day.
So often I feel like taking family pictures is more of an ordeal than it needs to be. We fret over what outfits to wear and then struggle to get our kids to smile. We worry about where to look, where to put our hands, and if we will still like our family when it’s all said and done.
I’ve found over the years that the more natural and fun we make it thought, the better our pictures turn out. If we’re moving and talking throughout the photo session we tend to get more natural smiles. The more relaxed and natural, the better your photos will be.
I’ve also found that having some tips and poses to shoot for is also very helpful. It helps guide your photo shoot and ensures that you’ll get some of the images you were hoping for. So, below I’ve shared 11 easy poses you can recreate with your family. Let me know your tips, too!
11 Easy Poses for Family Photos:
1. LOOK AT EACH OTHER
Looking at each other is a great way to evoke natural smiles. Often, it makes someone laugh or smile even bigger. It also lessons the tension and makes the shot feel less posed.
2. WALK HOLDING HANDS
This feels a bit silly while doing it, but it makes great images. Movement is good and more natural.
3. LAUGHING
Laughing is always the best medicine. It brings out those big smiles and decreases body tension. We usually tell silly jokes or say words that the girls aren’t allowed to say like “butt” to get them to giggle.
4. SEATED
Everyone sitting down makes for a sweet, more intimate pose.
5.HUGGING/LETTING YOUR KIDS BE KIDS
We typically encourage our girls to just talk, hug, and be silly. The photographer keeps their focus toward her and then we end up getting the sweetest images of the girls.
6. POSED
Posed is not necessarily bad, but with kids it has to happen quickly. The photo below occurred right after a series from above where we let them be goofy and silly together. After a couple moments of silly they did better at posing for a quick picture or two.
7. WHISPER INTO HEAR EAR
This feels so silly in the moment, but it makes for a sweet, intimate moment. It also brings out a more natural smile in the partner.
8. HEAD ON SHOULDER
Instead of standing stiff side by side, hold hands, lean against one another, or rest your head on his shoulder. It will loosen you up, makes you stand more naturally, and relax you both.
9. VARYING EYE GAZE
Shift where your gazes are. We took several photos with me looking at one of the girls and the girls looking at each other or the photographer.
10. KISSING
Kissing photos are just the sweetest. Have your littles give each other kisses on the cheek or kiss their parents on the cheek. It’s so sweet!
11. BE SILLY
At the end of the photo shoot or when your kids are starting to falter, let them just be silly. You’ll be surprised at the images you’ll capture! We had fun with our “free time.”
photos by Alyssa Cates Studio
