How to Get Candid Family Photos

When it comes to family photos, it’s totally normal to be nervous! Parents worry that their kids won’t behave, that they won’t like having a camera pointed at them, or that getting photos taken will be awkward.

Well, I’m here to tell you - the best photos aren’t the ones that are super posed and “perfect,” the best photos are the ones that actually reflect your family and all your personalities! Here is my guide to making sure your session is fun, and that you get candid family photos that you’ll treasure forever!

Hiring a Family Photographer

Here’s a secret - how you feel when you’re getting your photos taken affects your results more than anything else. If you feel stiff and awkward, your photos will show it. But, if you’re having a blast and enjoying yourself, your photos will show that! 

Here’s another secret - how you feel is entirely up to the photographer, which is why it’s so important to hire someone who you connect with who will be able to make you feel comfortable! Most people aren’t totally confident being in front of the camera, but a good photographer should be able to help you with that. As a family photographer myself, a big part of my job is making sure that everyone feels confident and has a good time during your session. Whether that means cracking jokes, making silly faces at the kids, or running around like a fool, I’m all about making candid family photos happen by ensuring you have fun!

Choose a Location the Kids Will Love

When it comes to candid family photos, atmosphere is everything! Like I’ve said countless times (and I’ll probably keep saying it, because it’s true!) ensuring that your kids, and the adults, have a good time will make a huge difference. When you choose a location for your family photos, make sure to pick a place that you’ll love exploring. Places like Prosser Pines or Fire Island will give your kids the opportunity to run around, be curious, and enjoy nature. Those candid moments where they’re picking up sticks and dipping their toes in the ocean will be the ones you treasure forever!

Get Comfortable

Choosing an outfit for your family photos can be stressful - especially when you have to think about not only what you should wear, but what everyone else should wear too! You want to look your best, and you want your photos to turn out well. It can be tempting to put everyone in a fancy new outfit, but here’s why that may not be the best idea!

How you feel during your photo session is the most important consideration - so if you put on those jeans that look great but you can’t move in them at all, you won’t feel comfortable, and it will show. The same goes for your kids - if they’re comfiest in overalls, it’s best to let them wear overalls instead of trying to squeeze them into a bow tie. They’ll be much happier, and much more willing to cooperate! 

Plus, your photos should look like you and reflect who you are as a family - so wear the kind of clothes that you feel good in, and that you feel comfortable in! It’ll feel so much better to not have to worry about your clothes pinching or getting in the way.

Unposed Posing

A common thing that parents do during family photo sessions is trying to pose your kids a certain way. Telling them to smile, asking them to stand a certain way, fixing their hair repeatedly, all these things may seem like they’re going to get you the best family photos, but the reality is that your kids will just feel annoyed, and they won’t be too stoked about the camera.

That’s why I take a different approach - I still like to get a few traditional photos where you’re looking at the camera, but I find that letting kids explore and do their thing leads to much better photos, and much happier kids! I like to use a lot of movement in my photos, like having the kids run, or give a big bear hug to the parents. This leads to much more natural and candid family photos, where you actually look like you’re having fun (because you are!) instead of simply posing and putting a fake smile on your face.

Don’t be Afraid to Get Silly

If you know that fart jokes make your kid laugh, don’t be afraid to tell them! Being goofy and just having fun with it will make everyone feel more comfortable, and it’s bound to get some laughs! Your photographer should help with this too, and should help you feel comfortable to be yourselves and be silly. You’ll treasure those photos of your kids belly laughing so much more than the ones of them standing perfectly still.

Roll with the Punches

It’s easy to get hung up on the details, or to worry about the little things. But do your best to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience! Messy hair and loud laughs are what being a kid is all about, and it’s what makes your family unique and special. Let your kids run around, jump in puddles, play with bugs, and all the other things they love to do, and when you get your photos back you’ll be amazed at how perfectly they capture your family!