We’ve all seen them, the stiff smiles, the “what do I do with my hands?” poses, the kids who look like they’d rather be anywhere else. If you’ve ever wondered how to avoid awkward family photos, you’re not the only one!
The good news? It’s totally possible to have a session that feels natural, easy, and, yes, even fun. You just need the right approach and a little preparation to help everyone feel relaxed and confident on camera.
As a San Diego family photographer, I know just how easy it is for family photos to feel a little… awkward. You’ve got everyone dressed, the clock is ticking, and suddenly no one knows what to do with their hands. That’s exactly why I focus on creating sessions that feel relaxed, connected, and full of real moments, not stiff poses or fake smiles.
Whether you’re a San Diego local or just soaking up the sun on vacation, I work with families across SoCal to make sure your photo session is something you actually enjoy. Think more fun, less stress — and yes, photos you’ll actually want to print and hang up.
Ready to avoid the awkward and capture the good stuff? Take a peek at my portfolio, check out my services, or get in touch to start planning your session today.
The Most Common Causes of Awkward Photos
Awkward photos don’t happen on purpose. Most of the time, they pop up when no one really knows what to expect. If you’re wondering how to avoid awkward family photos, it helps to understand what tends to cause them in the first place.
Here are a few common things that can throw a session off:
- Uncomfortable or clashing outfits
When clothing feels stiff or doesn’t work well together, people often feel self-conscious — and that shows in the photos. - Stiff, overly posed direction
If you’re told to stand perfectly still and smile on command, it’s hard not to feel awkward. - Nervous energy or lack of guidance
Families want to feel confident, but when they don’t know where to stand or what to do, things can get tense fast. - Kids feeling overwhelmed or unsure
A new setting, a new person, and a camera in their face? That’s a lot for little ones without some warm-up time. - Not enough movement or interaction
Forced smiles and frozen poses can’t compete with natural connection and play.
The good news? Once you know how to avoid awkward family photos, it’s much easier to create a session that feels relaxed and fun. A little prep, the right energy, and a photographer who knows how to guide the flow makes all the difference, and that’s where I come in.
Choose the Right Outfits and Colors
Picking outfits for family photos can feel like a full-on project, especially when you are trying to dress multiple people and make sure it all looks good together. But when it comes to avoiding awkward family photos, what you wear plays a bigger role than most people realize.
I always recommend choosing soft, coordinating colors instead of trying to match exactly. Aim for a few tones that work well together. Warm neutrals, muted blues, olive greens, or soft earth tones tend to photograph beautifully. Try to avoid loud patterns, bright neon colors, or anything with large logos or graphics. These can draw attention away from what really matters: the connection between you.
Clothing should feel natural and comfortable. If someone is constantly adjusting their outfit or feeling restricted, it will come across in the photos. When you feel good in what you are wearing, you are more likely to relax and enjoy the session.
If you’re unsure about what works well together, I’m always happy to review outfit choices ahead of time. A quick snapshot of everyone’s clothing laid out together can go a long way in catching anything that might look off on camera.
When everyone feels good and looks cohesive, it sets the tone for a session that feels effortless and genuine.
How to Avoid Awkward Family Photos with Simple, Natural Posing
Most people aren’t professional models. And guess what? You don’t have to be.
I use prompts instead of stiff posing to help create natural movement and genuine emotion. Think walking together, snuggling up, or whispering something silly in someone’s ear. These small moments lead to real smiles, and suddenly, you’re not thinking about the camera anymore.
If you’re worried about looking awkward, know this: I’ll guide you every step of the way. I never expect you to “just know” what to do. My job is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and connected.
Want a smoother session with happy kiddos? Read my tips on how to prepare kids for family portraits.
How to Relax in Front of the Camera
A relaxed session starts before I even pick up my camera. I always take a few minutes to chat and connect before we start shooting. We’ll ease into it, let the kids explore, and make sure everyone feels settled. That way, by the time I start snapping, the nerves are already melting away.
And if someone still feels a little stiff or unsure? Totally normal. I use gentle direction and light conversation to help shift the energy. You don’t have to fake anything, be yourselves, and I’ll handle the rest.
How to Avoid Awkward Family Photos with Candid Moments
Of course, we will take a few of those classic everyone-look-at-the-camera photos, but the real magic happens in the in-between moments. Those are the moments that tell the story of your family, just as you are, not how you think you should look.
That is why I always create space during sessions for play, movement, and connection. Whether it is a game of tag, a tickle fight, spinning in circles, or a quiet moment of snuggling on a blanket, these interactions lead to photos full of emotion and personality.
Instead of stiff poses, I use simple prompts that feel more like hanging out with your favorite people. The goal is to help you relax, enjoy the moment, and forget that there is even a camera around. When you are focused on each other instead of trying to get everything perfect, that is when the most beautiful and natural images come to life.
Tips for Managing Kids During a Session
Let’s talk about kids, because they’re the wildcard, right? Here’s the truth: you don’t need perfectly behaved children to get great photos. What you need is space for them to be themselves. I build that into every session.
Here are a few ways I help kids stay happy and engaged:
- Let them warm up at their own pace
- Keep the session light and playful
- Use prompts instead of commands
- Build in breaks when needed
- Follow their lead (and sneak in posed shots while they’re laughing)
I always encourage parents to bring a comfort item or a small toy if it helps their child feel at ease. And if someone needs a reset, no stress — we’ll roll with it. Some of the best photos come right after the chaos.
Not sure what to do with your photos after the session? Read my tips for how to share family photos.
Making Group Shots Look Effortless
Trying to get everyone in one frame and looking good can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.
Instead of lining everyone up in a stiff row, I use natural groupings and different levels (sitting, standing, leaning) to create a composition that feels relaxed and connected. I’ll guide the setup, adjust a few details, and keep the energy flowing so no one has time to feel stiff.
Once we get the “safe” shot, I’ll mix things up with prompts that create movement and laughter. That second or third photo? That’s usually the one you’ll want to frame.
How to Avoid Awkward Family Photos and Love Your Session
At the end of the day, knowing how to avoid awkward family photos comes down to preparation, connection, and trust.
You don’t have to show up with all the answers; that’s what I’m here for. I’ll guide you through every step, from planning outfits to helping everyone feel relaxed in front of the lens. Together, we’ll create photos that feel joyful, real, and totally you.
If you’re ready to book a family session that skips the awkward and captures the good stuff, I’d love to chat. Let’s make something beautiful, and actually have fun doing it.
Get in touch today to start planning your session!
