10 posing tips for family photoshoots

PORTRAITSADVISE

28 Jul

Getting everyone in front of the camera can feel a little daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you're planning your first family session or just want to feel more confident on the day, these simple posing tips will help you look relaxed, natural, and connected.

Here’s how to make the most of your family photoshoot.

Here are 10 posing tips for families to help capture natural, joyful, and connected photos:

1. The Group Hug

Have the family stand close together and embrace. This pose creates warmth, intimacy, and often results in genuine smiles and laughter.

2. Sitting in Layers

Arrange the family sitting in layers—parents in the centre or back, with kids sitting on laps, beside, or in front. This creates a visually balanced and cosy composition.

3. Walking Together

Encourage the family to walk hand-in-hand toward the camera or away from it. Capture candid moments of smiles, conversations, or kids skipping along.

4. Focus on Connections

Ask family members to interact with each other—parents looking at kids, siblings playing, or parents stealing a glance at one another. These candid interactions showcase relationships.

5. The “Pile-On” Pose

Have the family lie on the ground or a blanket with the kids “piling on” top of one parent or both. This creates playful, joyful energy.

6. Use Props for Fun

Incorporate simple props like blankets, balloons, or picnic baskets. Ask the family to sit on the blanket together, hold the props, or play with them to add a storytelling element.

7. Hold and Lift

Encourage parents to lift younger children or hold them close. Capture natural moments of kids laughing or snuggling into their parents' arms.

8. Kids in Focus

Let the kids lead for a bit! Have them run, jump, or hug their parents while you capture the playful energy. This often results in natural, heartwarming moments.

9. The Staggered Pose

Avoid placing everyone in a straight line. Instead, stagger family members—some standing, some sitting, and others leaning. This adds depth and variety to the composition.

10. Candid Interactions

Encourage the family to share a funny story, tickle the kids, or look at each other. These candid interactions bring out natural smiles and laughter, creating heartfelt moments.

These poses can be easily adapted for families of all sizes and ages, helping to capture a mix of playful, candid, and posed images that celebrate their connection.