Let’s name the elephant in the room during your family photo session: “What do I do with my hands?”

If you’ve ever stood in front of a camera and thought, “Help, I have no idea how to look natural or what to do with my totally-not-awkward limbs,” you’re in good company. Nearly every family I photograph shares this same concern during our first chat.

Just recently, I had a family come into their session armed with a printed shot list (think wedding day vibes, but for a Tuesday afternoon at the park). One family member even voiced their concern straight up: “What if we don’t get any photos we like?” It’s a valid worry. Being on camera can feel unfamiliar, and adding energetic toddlers or hesitant partners into the mix doesn’t exactly ease the nerves.

But here’s the thing - a few minutes into the session, I saw it happen. That exhale. That moment when they realized, “Oh, this is not a photo shoot. This is just us... being us.” Even the family member with the detailed list loosened up. No stiff poses, no pressure to “perform.” Just movement, connection, laughter - and yes, some snack-cup chaos.

Let’s break down how we get there.

Why Posing Feels Weird (and How We Move Past That)

You’re not a model. Great, neither am I.

The word “posing” carries a lot of pressure, doesn’t it? It implies that you need to look a certain way, morph your body into just the right angle, or force a right-out-of-Pinterest smile. And when you’re wrangling a toddler who just chucked their shoes (again), that expectation just adds stress.

Here’s how I approach it.

Before we even meet up for your session, we’ve already talked. I’ve learned about your family, what moments matter to you, and which kinds of images make you feel something. I ask every family what their most important photo might be. Shockingly (or not), the answer is almost never "everyone looking directly at the camera." It’s usually something like Dad hugging the kids, Mama being nuzzled by her baby, or that spark of laughter between siblings. That’s what we’re after.

So instead of forcing you into poses, we create space for moments. I’ll offer gentle guidance and prompts to get us moving. Think: “Can you touch your nose to your dad’s nose?” or “Hey Mama, lean in and smell the top of her head.” You’re not required to act or pose. You’re just invited to connect.

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How to Feel Natural in Family Photos

1. Forget “Looking Perfect.” Focus on Feeling Present.

Before every session, I remind my families that we’re not aiming for perfect. We’re aiming for real. Those wild little details - sticky fingers, a clingy moment, hair caught in your earring - these are the future nostalgic treasures.

Instead of adjusting yourself constantly for the camera, respond naturally to your kids or partner. Cuddle them, tickle them, smooth their hair. Let the moment breathe.

2. Keep Your Hands Busy with Connection

So back to that pesky “what do I do with my hands” question - here’s my secret: if your hands are connected to someone you love, they suddenly have a purpose.

During your session, I’ll prompt:

“Hand in mom or dad’s hand.”
“Can you put your hand on their cheek?”
“Pull them close and wrap around their middle.”

From there, your hands start doing what they naturally do when you’re calm and connected. No awkwardness required.

3. Movement Over Posing

One of my favorite tricks to keep nerves at bay? Keep moving. We walk, we spin, we snuggle, we pause and breathe. Sessions are filled with interaction so that nobody has the chance to get too self-conscious.

Dad not super into photos? We keep it relaxed and low-pressure. Toddler’s on the move? Great, we follow their lead. By moving through the session (literally), your body stays present - not frozen in “what do I look like?” limbo.

4. Start with What Feels Comfortable

If we’re sitting, I’ll position you in a way that already feels natural to your body. No twisty poses or unnatural stances. Then, I’ll gently layer in interaction: “Pull your little one into your lap,” or “Put your hands on your partner’s knee, just like you’re chatting on the couch.”

The result is never stiff. It’s real life, quietly arranged to allow emotion to shine.

Why This Matters (and What You’ll Really Remember)

You might not remember what shirt your partner wore. But you will remember the way your toddler buried their face in your neck, or how your teen surprised you with unexpected laughter that made you tear up. That’s what I want for you - photos that feel like you and moments that linger.

And if you came into this wondering, “But what if I’m awkward?” allow me to repeat this: you’re not alone in that feeling. But we’ll work through it together, gently, intentionally, and maybe even while chasing your kid barefoot through a wildflower field.

Let’s Make Magic from the Messy

So if you’ve been putting off family photos because the idea makes you cringe or sweat, know this: you don’t have to be ‘ready.’ You don’t need to have outfits perfect or kids perfectly behaved. You just need to show up as your real, loved, loveable selves.

And I’ll take it from there.

Ready for a session that feels more like play and less like posing? Reach out here and let’s talk about what matters most to your family right now. I’d love to take a walk, chase the light, and tell your beautiful story - awkward laughs, snack cups, and all.