The Five Most Common Family Posing Mistakes
Family photography is both extremely rewarding and incredibly exhausting. I love it so much, and I also recognize that there aren’t nearly enough resources available to help family photographers be successful. I have decided to share what I have learned through my years of experience full of trial and error to help my fellow photogs stay inspired. My family posing guide offers 40+ pages of tips and prompts that can save you hours of scrolling through Pinterest trying to find a million different poses.
There is nothing more frustrating than doing all that work to memorize poses, only to have them end up feeling awkward and fake. As photographers, we strive to capture the essence of our clients in every frame. But sometimes, in our pursuit of "perfect" poses, we end up with stiff, unnatural images that lack the genuine connection we're aiming for.
Today, we're diving into the five most common posing mistakes photographers make in family sessions and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Over-relying on "cheese"
Remember the forced smiles your mom made you pose with for family photos? Yeah, let's leave those cheesy grins in the past. Instead, encourage genuine laughter and conversation. Ask silly questions, play music, or simply let your clients interact naturally. Those real smiles and unposed moments will shine through in your photos.
Mistake #2: Posing like a mannequin
Rigid stances and fixed expressions kill authenticity. Instead, focus on guiding, not dictating. Give your clients general prompts like "lean in towards each other" or "whisper a joke in someone's ear." This allows them to find their own comfortable, natural positions that reflect their relationship.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Family Dynamics
Not every family ticks the same way. Some are loud and boisterous, while others are quieter and more introspective. A good photographer recognizes and adapts to these differences. Don't try to mold every family into the same mold.
Take time to get to know your clients before the session. Ask about their personalities, how they interact with each other, and what activities they enjoy doing together. This understanding will guide you in creating poses that feel natural and comfortable for them. My posing guide walks you through how to comfortably capture several different family situations, including large age gaps in siblings and co-parenting relationships.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Individual Personalities
Every family member has their quirks and personalities. A one-size-fits-all posing approach won't do them justice. Observe your family, draw out their individual energy, and tailor poses to their comfort level. Let the shy child peek from behind Mom's leg, encourage the goofball dad to make silly faces, and capture the quiet tenderness between siblings.
Mistake #5: Fearing Imperfections
Life is crazy, and so are family photos. Trying to force children to sit still and pose perfectly is a sure way to ruin a session. Rather than fearing imperfections in your photos, try to encourage kids to be themselves! Play games, make jokes, and get messy. Embrace the chaos, capture the giggles, and celebrate the beauty of real life!
Posing families can feel daunting, but with the right tools under your belt, you can achieve beautifully authentic family photos every time. In my downloadable family posing guide, I will teach you:
How to get hundreds of images without hundreds of poses
Reduce mental clutter and increase creative space.
Prompt genuine emotion
Have fun with your clients.
Confidence to handle any family situation
And more!
