Hey there! Do you have a family photo session booked? If so, you are probably on the hunt for go-to family photo poses. You’ve come to the right place! In this blog, I highlight my top 5 natural family photo poses that won’t leave you feeling or looking awkward. I’m Danielle! I’m a New Jersey family photographer who specializes on natural and organic posing during family sessions.

Family Photo Pose # 1 – “The Walking Pose”

The “walking pose” is definitely my favorite pose to capture on family sessions. In my opinion, it’s the most natural. It’s also the easiest to capture. You simply tell your family to hold hands and walk forward as naturally as possible. I tell them to look at each other and pretend to engage in a conversation. The key is always to NOT to look at the camera.

Family Photo Pose # 2 – “The Tickle Pose”

The “tickle pose” is a great family photo pose that engages natural laughter (especially among the kids.) It’s also great for the kids that don’t like to sit still. Getting them to laugh and giggle is a great way to get their “sillies” out in a fun way. I simply put my family into a seated position (usually on a blanket.) I then tell them I’m going to count to 3. And when I say 3, I tell everyone to pick a person to tickle. Now sometimes this pose can get a little crazy. I tell the kids “gentle tickling” is best. This way, the kids don’t over due it.

Family Photo Pose # 3 – “The Run to Mom & Dad Pose”

This is another one of my favorite poses to capture. This works really well when all the kids want to do is run and play. And this is the pose that the kids want to do over and over again. So I usually save it for the end. I simply tell the parents to squat or kneel down and open their arms wide like they are waiting for a giant hug. I then tell the kids what they are going to run to mom and dad and give them a big hug (without knocking them over.) Trust me, the kids love it! And the genuine smiles and interaction among the kids and the parents is so worth it.

Family Photo Pose # 4 – “The Run Around Mom & Dad Pose”

This is another fun one. It’s also another pose that gets the kids running (which is great for the active kids.) I tell mom and dad to stand and either hold hands or embrace each other. I then tell the kids to run around in a circle around them. I only have the kids run around in a circle a few times so they don’t get too dizzy and fall over! Again, this is a great pose for the getting the kid’s energy out.

Family Photo Pose # 5 – “Hold Kids Up In The Air Pose”

Last but not least, this is my go-to pose for the really little kids. What kid does not like being thrown up into the air by their parents? This pose also works great for the cranky kids. I get a smile out of the kids nine out of ten times with his pose. I tell mom and dad to basically turn to the side and hold their kids up in the air. If the kids are small enough, I tell them they can throw and catch them. This pose obviously only works with the real little ones though. I wouldn’t want mom or dad to hurt their backs!

And there you have it! My top 5 go-to natural family photo poses for your next family session. If you haven’t booked your family photos yet, and you’re on the hunt for a family photographer; contact me here. I’d love to connect and set up a time to chat!