Family photoshoots should be a fun experience that captures genuine connections and happy memories. The magic happens when everyone is relaxed and being themselves. As a Maryland family photography expert, I've learned some tricks over the years to help families loosen up and let their natural joy shine through in their photos. Below are some of my go-to tips for creating genuine family portraits. Let’s join this Baltimore Maryland family outside Rawlings Conservatory for their annual family photos - I’ve been so lucky to photograph them several times as a couple, then their engagement, wedding, newborn photos, and updated family portraits over the last decade!

How to Relax During Family Photos

One of the biggest hurdles to natural-looking photos is feeling self-conscious in front of the camera. Here’s how to ease those nerves:

Embrace the Goofiness: The "Heeheehee!" Trick

This might sound silly, but trust me on this one! When I ask you to smile, I often follow it up with a prompt to say "heeheehee!" Yes, it sounds utterly ridiculous, and that's the point! The act of saying it usually makes everyone (including me!) laugh at how goofy we sound. This spontaneous laughter helps break the ice, releases tension, and leads to genuine, natural smiles that reach your eyes. Many of my clients tell me they even use this trick at home to get their kids to smile for everyday snapshots – it’s a little bit of photo magic you can take with you!

Trust the Silence: My Quiet Moments Behind the Lens

Sometimes, during your photoshoot, you might notice I'm not saying much while I'm photographing you. Please don't interpret this as me thinking, "Hmm, why are they making those weird faces?" Absolutely not! In fact, those quieter moments often happen when I'm observing and loving your natural interactions. I see the way your child reaches for your hand, the little inside jokes you share with your partner, the genuine smiles that erupt when you're just being yourselves. I don't want to interrupt those beautiful, authentic moments with posing instructions. I'm capturing the real you, just as you are.

The Power of a Deep Breath

If you're feeling a little nervous or your energy feels a bit high as we start, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to relax is to take a few deep breaths. I'll often guide you through this throughout our session. This conscious act of breathing helps to slow down your heart rate, calm any adrenaline, and bring you into the present moment. It's a little reset button that can make a big difference in how relaxed and natural you feel in front of the camera. <3

How to Take Candid Family Photos (Even When Posing)

The goal is to make somewhat posed photos feel candid and natural. Here’s how we achieve that together:

Focus on Interaction, Not Perfection

Instead of everyone standing perfectly still and looking directly at the camera, I'll often give you prompts that encourage interaction. This could be:

"Hold hands and walk towards me."
"Whisper something funny to the person next to you."
"Give each other a quick hug."
"Parents, tickle your kids!"

These prompts create movement and genuine reactions, leading to photos that feel much more natural and joyful.

Taking It All In

Not everyone needs to be looking at the camera all the time! Candid-looking poses often involve looking at each other. A loving gaze between parents, a child looking up at a parent, siblings sharing a smile – these create intimate and connected images. Also, looking at the environment. Admiring the scenery, looking at a flower, or simply being present in the moment can result in beautiful, natural shots.

Movement is Your Friend

When I encourage gentle movement, it helps everyone relax and look more natural. This could be swaying slightly, walking hand-in-hand, or even a gentle twirl. Movement adds life and energy to your photos.

Forget "Cheese!"

Instead of the forced "cheese," we’ll try thinking of something that genuinely makes you happy or saying a word that forms a more natural smile, like "poop" for kids (lol) or even our trusty "heeheehee!"

Maryland Family Photography: Documenting Your Family’s Joy

My aim as your Maryland family photographer is to document the unique joy and connection within your family. By focusing on natural interactions, embracing a little bit of goofiness, and trusting the process, we can create beautiful, timeless images that reflect who you are. So, relax, be yourselves, and go with it if I tell you to say "heehee!" – I can't wait to photograph your family’s love and connection :)

Posing Tips for Natural and Joyful Family Photos