How to Feel Natural and Look Your Best in Your Family Photos
Whether this is your first professional photoshoot or your tenth, I wanted to share a few simple tips that will help you feel relaxed, confident, and connected in front of the camera.
These small tricks make a huge difference — and best of all, they’re easy once you know them!
📸 Touch is everything.
The difference between strangers and family is the way we touch.
When you're posing, touch your kids' shoulders, arms, or cuddle close — it shows real connection, and the camera loves it.
💡 Tip: The camera can only see touching that happens in front of you — not behind your backs! So make sure your hands and arms are visible.
👀 Where you look matters.
When I ask you to look at each other, really look — not off into the distance!
When I ask you to look at the camera, make sure you do, or it’s very obvious if you're glancing elsewhere (and trust me, we all know that one family member who always looks the wrong way — don't be them! 😉).
💡 Tip: Your eyes tell the story — stay present with each other or the camera, depending on the prompt.
❤️ Stay close — really close.
When you look at someone, you naturally want to pull away to see them better.
Don't! Stay physically close — it might feel strange, but it looks amazing on camera.
Moving your face closer to your loved one:
Looks more connected
Helps avoid awkward gaps
Reduces double chins (yes please!)
🦵 Bend your front leg.
If you’re standing for a portrait, bend the leg closest to me, not the one at the back. This shifts your weight backward and creates a more flattering shape.
💡 Tip: Bending your back leg can actually make you look wider — bending the front one subtly tucks everything in the right direction.
🚫 No arms behind backs!
If there are 3 or more people standing together, try not to wrap your arms behind each other.
It tends to make everyone look broader — and that's probably not the look you’re going for!
🚶♂️ Walk slower than you think.
When I ask you to walk, it’s not a normal pace — it’s a very slow, almost exaggerated "one step per second" beat. Everyone naturally walks too fast the first time — it's totally normal!
💡 Tip: If I ask you to walk while looking at each other, don’t talk! Talking mid-step can make your face look strange — smiling or laughing naturally looks much better.
💇♀️ Mind your hair.
If you have longer hair, be aware of it falling across your face when you turn your head. If it covers too much, all the camera sees is your nose — and while noses are cute, it's not usually the look you're after!
📉 Looking down? Use your eyes, not your whole head.
When I ask you to look down, most people instinctively drop their whole head — but then the camera only sees the top of your head. Instead:
Keep your chin lifted
Look downward gently with your eyes
It’s subtle, but it looks so much more flattering.
👨👩👧👦 Be in the moment.
The portraits you’ll probably love most are the ones where you’re being with your family, not posing for me. Look at them lovingly. Laugh with them. Snuggle them. I'll tell you when it’s time to look at me!
💡 Tip: And when you do glance at the camera — stick your chin slightly forward and lean into your loved ones for that extra polished look.
✨ Most of all — Relax and Trust the Process
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to remember every little thing. Just be present, have fun, and enjoy the time with your family.
I'll guide you through it all, and together we’ll create something beautiful that feels like you.
I can’t wait to see you soon!