Tips For Great, Natural Looking Photos At Your Next Session

Family photo sessions are a great way to capture memories and create beautiful photos that can be cherished for years to come. Some people can feel a little self-conscious in front of the camera (Hi, it's me), making it difficult to capture natural and genuine moments.

Follow along for some tried and true advise with some tips and tricks for being natural in your family photos and creating a beautiful final product that you won't look awkwardly posed or uncomfortable in.

Above all else-

Choose the Right Photographer.

 First and foremost, it's important to choose a photographer who can make you and your family feel comfortable and at ease.

Look for someone who has experience with family photography and has a portfolio that resonates with you. Schedule a consultation and ask all questions you might have before committing to a session.

A good photographer will be able to put you at ease and guide you through the process, resulting in more natural-looking photos that you will be proud to hang on the wall and send to Grandma.

Two: Location

Choose a location that makes you feel comfortable. Choosing a location for your family photo session is so important! It can set the whole tone and mood of the session and ultimately, your photos.

Consider a location that you and your family feel comfortable in, such as a park or even your own backyard. A location that is familiar can make you feel at ease and more relaxed in front of the camera, allowing for more natural and genuine moments to be captured.

Three: Be Yourself!

Sure, it sounds cliché, but it is so true for so many reasons! Especially in photo sessions. Being your true self and letting you shine will bring you confidence, and it will show through in your pictures.

To appear natural in your images, it's important to be yourself in front of the camera.

Let your personality and individuality shine through in the photos and outfit choices. If you're a goofy family, don't be afraid to show that in the photos. I LOVE telling jokes and funny stories during my session!

If you're a more serious family, that's okay too. Embrace who you are and let that show in the photos.

Four: Embrace The Imperfect-ness

Don't worry about perfection - It's easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect in your family photos, I know, I have been there a time or two...or four!

But perfection isn't the goal, even though it can feel that way sometimes. Instead, focus on capturing natural moments and genuine emotions.

Remember that imperfection can add character and charm to the photos. Playing with your kids, rocking them and telling them stories. Or cuddling up with your partner on a blanket while the kids run around you being silly.

Don't be afraid to embrace the imperfect moments and let them take the lead.

Five: Have Fun!

This one kind of goes hand in hand with number four.

Family photo sessions should be fun, not stressful!

Embrace the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and make memories. Laugh, play, and have fun during the session.

Have kids on the younger side? Let's do ring around the rosie! Heck, just you and your partner? Let's still do ring around the rosie! And don't tell anyone, but tickle fights are my secret weapon!

The more relaxed and comfortable you are and focused on having fun with your family, the more natural the photos will be.

Six: Embrace Candid Moments

Ok, piggy backing again here on four and five.

Candid moments are often the most natural and genuine in family photos. Don't be afraid to embrace them and let them shine.

Whether it's a silly expression or a genuine moment of connection, candid photos can be some of the most beautiful and meaningful.

Photo above for example - the little boy was trying to run away. In these instances, it is usually best to let it go and go with the flow! Kids are kids! The whole goal is to have have fun, and running around is fun for them.

I wouldn't have gotten this shot if he wasn't trying to get away and having fun with it.

Seven: Take Little Breaks!

This is especially handy If you have young children. Taking breaks during the session can be super helpful. Young children are often easily overwhelmed or bored, which of course lead to tantrums or uncooperative behavior.

When you take a break to play or relax, it can help them feel more comfortable and happy, leading to more natural and genuine moments being captured.

Your photographer can also discretely capture this break time, which turn out to be the sweetest moments of your session sometimes!