5 Tips for Connected Natural Family Photos | Edmonds Family Photographer
Your Lifestyle photo session is about to begin and maybe you (or your significant other) are feeling nervous about how not to look awkward in all of your photos. You may be thinking, "I'm not a model, I don't know what to do with my hands, or where to look, or when to smile." But, don't worry, it is my job as your family photographer to find and photograph the moments that capture the essence of your family. I will coach you along the way to help you achieve the connected look you want and to help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera, but, if you are an information seeker (like me ;) ) who likes a head start, here is a short list of easy ways to make your photoshoot look and (more importantly) feel natural. Bonus tip: if you're not sure when to smile, the answer is, whenever you feel like you want to! =)
1) Get Close
Unless we're taking a silhouette photo, get really close to the ones you love. Sharing space is what being a family is all about. So, squeeze in together and try not to leave gaps between family members.
2) Physical Contact
One incredibly easy way to show connection in a photo is to demonstrate actual physical connection. Put your hand on your child's shoulder, wrap your arm around them, or give them a giant hug. Tuck your child's hair behind their ear, nuzzle their cheek, or kiss their head. Do the things you normally do to show them your love. I'm sure you play with your kids all the time, you snuggle on the couch, squeeze them, and give them kisses. If these are natural interactions in your family, then interacting in this way in your photos will inherently make them look and feel more natural.
If we're taking photos of just you and your significant other, try not to leave your arms hanging at your sides. Instead, put a hand on her waist/hips or one on his chest. Touch their face or wrap them up in your arms. Try to keep your hands on different levels (ie, if his hand is at your waist, consider putting your hand on his bicep or chest, or your arms around his neck). Do what makes you feel comfortable and snuggle up with your favorites.
3) Relax Your Joints
I get it, having your photo taken can feel uncomfortable or awkward at first, but it doesn't have to be either of those. One way to look relaxed and natural is to feel relaxed, so take a deep breath and loosen up those joints. Allow your elbows to bend a little, keep your fingers and wrists relaxed and not bent at a funny angle, and consider slightly bending your knee that is closest to the camera. As your body starts to relax, so will you, then we can just play and have a good time.
4) Engage with Your Kids (or Significant Other)
If we're meeting for a family photoshoot, I want you to be having fun. So, feel free to play! Engage with your kids in ways you normally do; make up a story, sing a silly song, or tickle your kids. You can also try exploring the environment around us or playing a game. And, frankly, if being a total goofball gets your kiddos laughing, then expect no judgement from me, and go for it! (If my introverted self doesn't get in the way, I might even join in =) )
5) Look at Someone You Love
Here we are with all of your favorite people, snapping photos to try and tell the story of your love. One of the best ways to show connection in a photo, and one of the hallmarks of lifestyle photography, is to look at the person you love, even if they are not looking at you. While you're looking at them, think about all the reasons you love them or all of the things they do that make you laugh, then just let yourself smile (or chuckle). Your expression will be natural, the response you get from your family will be natural, and your photos will convey all of your genuine emotions.
Updated January 19, 2024
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