Family Portraits ~ From Awkward to Authentic
- Lisa Combs
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Insights from a Long Island Family Photographer
Family Portraits ~ From Awkward to Authentic.
Let's be honest - most parents come to a family photo session with two big worries: What do I do with my hands? and Will my kids actually cooperate? If you’re picturing forced smiles and stiff poses, don’t worry—that’s not how I work! The best family photos happen when everyone is relaxed, engaged, and maybe even having a little fun (yes, really!). I use playful prompts and easy directions to get natural interactions, so instead of awkward poses, you’ll get real smiles, sweet moments, and maybe even a few belly laughs. Still skeptical? Don’t worry—I’ve got this. In this blog article i'll discuss just a handful of my go-to prompts for capturing the magic of your family just as you are.
Swing Time
Movement is a priceless distraction, especially for family sessions with apprehensive toddlers. Even the toughest little clients are no match for a swinging good time. Add the family dog to the mix and we have a winning moment captured.
Dance Party
Another favorite is a little impromtu dance party. Cueing up Spotify and prompting various family combinations is a great way to shake off stiffness and bring out laughter. Sometimes it's twirling like a ballerina, others is 'show me your best (or worse) dance move'. Kids always giggle when mom and dad having a romantic sway.
Daddy's Shoulders
Kids love being up high on Daddy's shoulders. Adding the prompt to shower mommy with kisses creates a tender moment and often a little bit of fun filled chaos. This sweet playful moment is always a client favorite. Who can resist showcasing their family's love in these priceless shot?
Walk in the Park
Forturnate for us Long Islanders, we have many scenic landscapes and nature trails. Having families take a relaxed stroll down the path together, holding hands and enjoying the moment is a perfect way to capture your connection. Letting little ones explore is key. Don’t worry about perfection—just focus on being present with your family. If your child wants to run ahead or collect leaves, let them! These small, natural interactions create the most beautiful, storytelling images.
KISSY FACE
Young kids arent the only ones that often need a little ice breaker. Dad's are notoriously...um, uncooperative. I get it, they get told what to wear, drive in traffic and have to pretend they want to get their photo taken. Even the most resistant dad loves being showered with love. Kissy face for the win.
Story Time
Not all moments need to be action packed or silly. Tender, quiet moments where no one is looking at the camera because they're completely focusing on something other then the camera is truly what we call authentic moments. Children adore having mom or dads undivided attention. When clients cuddle under a tree to read a favorite story, they soon forget I'm there lurking with a big camera and long lens.
Splish Splash
A sunset beach photo session isn't complete without getting a little wet and sandy. Prompting clients to kick off their flip flops and jump in the water is a family favorite. These shots are great because they highlite each famliy member's unique personality. Who is holding her dress timidly? Who is jumping with full abandon? And who is leading his sisters in? This is the type of photograph family members will look back on when the kids are grown, recalling their special qualities.
At the end of the day, a family stroll isn’t about perfect coordination—it’s about soaking in the little moments, like a toddler’s unexpected sprint, a leaf-collecting mission, or a giggle-filled game of “let’s see who can walk the silliest.” Picking fun locations instead of a traditional studio and giving clients simple prompts create storytelling family vignettes. Being a fly on the wall to capturing these moments while families slowly relax is a wonderful thing. By the end of the session even Dad admits it wasnt so bad. So embrace the chaos, enjoy the journey, and let me capture the magic of your perfectly imperfect family adventure!
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