Why the Best Family Photos Happen in the Moments You Don’t Plan
When you think about family photo sessions, you either picture one of two things: everyone dressed perfectly, standing still, smiling at the camera… or total chaos with kids running wild while the photographer just tries to keep up. The truth is the best family photos usually land somewhere in between.
Being a family and newborn photographer for as long as I can remember, I can promise you this: the best photos aren’t forced. They’re the ones where you’re hugging, laughing, or whispering something silly to your kids. It’s the in-between moments, that split-second before the laugh, the quiet breath after the hug and that make photos feel real!
Family Sessions Don’t Have to Be Stiff (or Stressful)
We both know that traditional family photos can feel… awkward. No one really enjoys standing in a row with frozen smiles while your toddler’s trying to escape and dad’s wondering how long this will take. My sessions are designed to feel more like playtime than posing.
We’ll still start with some light direction, where to stand, how to hold the baby, what to do with your hands. But once everyone’s settled, that’s when I step back and let you be a family. You’ll tickle, walk, snuggle, and joke. I’ll handle the camera work. The best part is that’s when the real photos happen, the kind that actually look like you and not like a stock image version of your family.
Let the Kids Lead (It’s Better That Way)
One of my favorite parts about family photography is watching kids take over. When kids are having fun, everything changes. Their body language relaxes, parents loosen up, and suddenly everyone’s laughing for real!
I use prompts like, “What does mom’s nose smell like?” Kids love it. They lean in close to sniff, giggle, and sometimes yell out “boogers!”, which makes everyone laugh, including mom. But what I see through the lens is a soft nose kiss and pure love.
That’s the beauty of letting kids be kids. When families stop worrying about “perfect behaviour,” we get perfectly imperfect photos that show exactly who you are!
Movement Makes Everything Better
If there’s one secret to great candid family photos, it’s movement. Families that move together photograph better. Walk hand-in-hand, spin your toddler, lift the baby, or whisper something that makes everyone laugh.
Even the smallest movement brings your photos to life. It keeps things natural and helps everyone forget there’s a camera pointed at them. You’ll be amazed at how easy it feels once you stop trying to stay still.
The In-Between Moments Tell the Story
Here’s the thing about photography, which is anyone can pose you. But capturing the connection between you and your family? That’s the real art. During every session, I’ll guide you into a pose and then let you make it your own. Maybe your daughter decides to tickle you mid-hug, or dad starts making faces behind me to get a laugh. That’s when I start clicking. Those are the “in-between” moments that turn an ordinary photo into something you’ll love for years.
And if your kids are wild, don’t stress. Some of my favourite galleries come from sessions where parents swore it was total chaos. Like one of my clients, Cindy, told me afterward: “Honestly, I had such low expectations because the kids were so crazy during the shoot. But you captured amazing shots and we’ll treasure them forever.” That’s what happens when you let go of perfection and just enjoy being together.
Want more ideas for your family session? You’ll find plenty of inspo over on my Instagram!
The Heart of It All
The best family photos happen when you stop worrying about being perfect and start focusing on being you. So the next time you book a family photoshoot, think less about “looking right” and more about “feeling right.”Play. Hug. Laugh. Whisper secrets. Let the kids be a little silly. I’ll guide when needed, but the best photos always come when you forget you’re being photographed.
If that sounds like your kind of family session, you can see more here for inspiration or reach out now to book your family session. Let’s create the kind of images that actually feel like your family, a little messy, funny, and full of love!
