Being a Seattle area family photographer can mean many things. While much of my work can feel “candid” and “authentic” there are prompts that I offer family’s to help them feel comfortable and to put them into positions or poses, that allow that natural and candid feeling to happen. All this to say, if you’re nervous about family photos because you have no idea what to do in front of the camera, rest easy. I will help you relax and guide you into poses and prompts that bring out your family’s love and connections.
While each family is unique and the way children will react with a prompt is always different, I have a few favorite poses for family photos.
The “sandwich” is one of the first poses during your family photos I will do.
Essentially, I have you make a sandwich with your child, or children, squishing them between both parents. You are the bread and they are the peanut butter and jelly (or whichever type of sandwich your child decides to be!).
This pose can lead to sweet and tender moments if your child is feeling a little shy and snuggly in the beginning or it can lead to playful smooches and big laughs.
It doesn’t matter the age of the family members either, the sandwich is a great beginning pose for family photos.
Another favorite pose is the sniffing (or breathing in) photo.
You’re probably thinking, what?! I don’t want a photo of me sniffing something! But go with me. As you’re snuggling with your child, I will slow things down a moment and ask you to hug a child close and breathe them in. It brings out a quieter moment of taking things in. However, we can always make it playful by asking your child to tell me what mom smells like. I will ask them “Does mom smell like chocolate or strawberries?” Their answer is always sure to surprise you and lead to more sweet and connected photos with your children.
Next we move on to the “Competition family photos”
Who doesn’t love a little friendly family competition. (Don’t worry, I keep it light and ensure everyone is safe!) Depending on the location this could be, who can throw a rock further, mom or dad. Or who can hit a rock with another rock in the water. Or maybe having the kids race back and forth between their parents and me.
These playful photos keep the session moving, allow kids (and parents) to get some wiggles out all without the pressure of standing and smiling at the camera.
Dance Parties also make for great photos of your family.
Did your heart skip a beat there? Dancing?! I’m no good at dancing. That’s what you’re thinking. But don’t worry. Again, it’s fun, playful. And can also mean, picking your child up and twirling, or dipping your kids or lifting them high into the air, channeling your inner Patrick Swayze (Any other Dirty Dancing lovers?)
One last favorite pose is about Surprise Tickles.
After finding a super comfortable place to snuggle up (like on some river rock or in a field), I will capture your family in another portrait. But then when your kids least expect it you surprise them with tickles! The giggles and close encounters brings out the biggest and best smiles on everyone in the family.
While we may not do every pose at every sessions, and I have a few other favorites I love to include, these are a taste of what you can expect at a family photo session with me.
If you’re in the Seattle area to Snoqualmie Valley and looking for a fun, laid-back experience that leads to joyful photos of your family, then contact me and let’s get your family booked for family photos this year.