5 Steps to Get Natural Family Photos

Let’s be honest for a second: standing in front of a camera with your entire family can feel downright

terrifying. Every time I meet a new client for family photography sessions, I hear the exact same con-

fession: "Brandon, we are so awkward. We don't take pictures often.

If your palms start sweating just thinking about matching outfits, bribing kids with candy, and plaster-

ing on a fake smile, I am here to tell you to STOP stressing right now! As a dedicated photographer, I

have seen firsthand how rigid instructions ruin what should be a joyful, memorable afternoon.

Today, I am pulling back the curtain on my absolute SECRET framework to capturing breathtaking,

authentic family memories without ever feeling unnatural. Let’s dive right in!

1. Choose Golden Hour and Local BACKDROPS!

DO NOT underestimate the power of lighting and location, it is the single biggest MISTAKE amateur

sessions make! If you want that gorgeous, cinematic warmth that completely transforms your photos,

you have to time your shoot right.

As a portrait photographer, I always steer families toward the golden hour, that magical window

roughly sixty minutes before sunset. Whether we are capturing your crew along the stunning water-

front at Ocean View Beach or tucked away in a scenic Hampton Roads park, soft directional light

makes everyone glow effortlessly.

Skip the harsh midday sun, pick a location that feels like home to your family, and watch how quickly

your shoulders drop and your nerves melt away!

2. Ditch Stiff Posture and Focus on CONNECTION!

Here is a truth bomb that completely CHANGED my approach to portrait sessions: your photos do

not need to look like a department store catalog. When families try to force perfect posture, every-

thing falls apart.

Instead of lining everyone up in a straight row like bowling pins, I use a triangle formation. I tell par-

ents to stand close, wrap their arms around each other, and lean in. Touch is the KEY to eliminating

awkwardness! When your hands are holding someone you love, or your kids are clinging to your

waist, your body naturally relaxes.

We prioritize physical connection over static posing every single time. That is how you get images

that actually feel alive!

3. Play Games Instead of Saying "Say Cheese!"

Saying "cheese" is the absolute fast-track to looking like a deer caught in headlights! When you ask

kids (or adults!) to say cheese, you get that tense, robotic grimace.

Instead, I use interactive prompts and playful challenges. I’ll tell the kids, "Quick, go whisper the most

embarrassing secret you know into Dad's ear!" Or I’ll have everyone walk toward my camera while

holding hands and taking huge, silly steps.Suddenly, nobody is thinking about the camera anymore. They are laughing, giggling, and reacting to

each other. That is when the magic happens! Genuine laughter is infinitely more powerful than any

staged smile in the world.

4. Let Kids Be Kids (DO NOT Panic!)

Parents always get stressed when their little ones start running around or acting a bit wild. Listen to

me: DO NOT panic!

Some of my absolute favorite, award-winning images have come from chaotic moments when a tod-

dler bolted across the sand or started picking up seashells. Trying to force a child to stand completely

still for an hour is a recipe for a meltdown.

Instead, I work with their energy. I give them fun jobs: like being the tour guide, finding the biggest

stick, or running to give Mom a giant bear hug. By letting kids be themselves, we capture their true

spirit and personality!

5. Trust Your Photographer and Have FUN!

The absolute SECRET to getting natural family photos is letting go of control. When you show up to

your session trusting your professional to guide the pacing, look out for stray hairs, and handle the

lighting, your entire energy shifts.

My goal as your photographer is to make the entire experience feel like a fun family outing rather

than an intimidating photoshoot. We chat, we explore, we play, and along the way, we capture time-

less art that you will treasure for generations.

Ready to create some magic together? Head over to book your session today and