How to NOT Look Awkward in Your Family Photos | South Jersey Portrait Photographer

A huge reason that people put off having family photos done is that they are convinced they will be so awkward in the photos. I regularly have clients tell me “we are no models!” or “we have no idea how to pose! Guess what? Almost none of my clients are real models! And honestly, those still pose/forced smiles never photograph well! You can have beautiful, natural, candid family photos no matter who you are or how much “experience” in front of the camera you have.

Here are some tips on how to look and feel less awkward in your family photos. Make sure to read all the way through because I saved the most important one for last!

MOVEMENT

A huge part of my photography experience is genuine connection and movement. Sitting still or “posing” will make clients, especially children look stiff. Move around and loosen up! Lean into your partner, move your head from one family member to the other. Reach down ruffle your kiddos’ hair or whisper a secret in their ear. Tickle them a bit or give them a giant squeeze. Hold hands and run towards the crazy camera lady or walk in a giant field. These movements will help create REAL smiles and genuine connections without you feeling and looking forced/stiff.

TOUCH

Touch is everything! This is similar to movement, but will really bring that emotion/connection into the photos. Physical contact is what brings a photo from blah to WOW. Your family photo session should be a way to show off the love that everyone has for one another. Heads should always be close together, arms should ALWAYS be touching someone, not dangling to the side. No gaps in between each other.

Here are some examples of things to do:

• hold their hand

• rest your hand on their chest

• twirl their hair in your finger

• gently grab their chin or touch forheads

• snuggle them into a bear hug

• tickle their belly

• kiss their temple

The options are endless, and this adds so much connection to your images. This not only really brings out that emotion, but again, avoids those awkward, stiff poses.

Enjoy The Moment

This is a perfect time to take a mental step back and soak in some time with your family. Instead of focusing too much on the “perfect” family portraits, think about all the tiny details you want to remember from this stage. The things you want to remember about this moment, right now. The way your baby fits so perfectly into your arms, the way your toddler crinkles their nose, the way your partner looks at you or your babies. Focus on your family instead of the photographer. Just BE in the moment and forget about the camera. Love on your family and the emotions will shine right through in the final images. So lean in, soak it up, and be amazed at what your life has created.

A Beautiful Jersey Beach Maternity Session | South Jersey Maternity and Newborn Photographer

As a photographer, I think stressing about the weather takes up half my time - Weather definitely can make a break a session, and if you know anything about New Jersey, you know it can be so unpredictable, but I always am determined to get that session in regardless.

This particular day was a RAINY/foggy one. Even my drive down to the Jersey Shore was drizzling. Would you believe that we stuck it out and still got THESE amazing photos?

While, yes, I absolutely love a good golden sunset, sometimes the cloudy days can give such a beautiful softness! There is beauty and magic in everything, you just gotta see it! Take a look at some of the absolute magic we made and don’t forget to reach out about your own beach session this summer!

Miracle Baby | In home Newborn Photography Session | South Jersey Newborn Photographer

In Home Newborn/Family Session

Ahhhh - This session really tugged at my heart strings! I always say that I LOVE this job because we get tell a story and freeze important moments in time…and this session just really proved that!

Baby Summer was born at 25 weeks and spent the first 5 months of her life in hospital, so when she FINALLY got to go home with her family, mama wanted to capture this moment and I am SO Glad she reached out! These are moments you’ll never get back and photographs not only tell a story of an important time in your lives, but they freeze these moments so you can remember and look back on them forever!

Take a peek at some of my favorites from her session-it was so hard to choose!!

Getting Your Littles to Behave for Photos | South Jersey Family Photographer

You don't. 𝑲𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒉𝒂.

Family portrait season is upon us and trust me, I KNOW how stressful preparing can be. Sometimes kids don’t listen.. for any number of reasons. Expecting them to have fun and smile for a total stranger will surely cause some tension, so here are my tips for getting kiddos on board for sessions!

If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

HYPE THEM UP

Tell them you’re going to visit a crazy, fun lady named Sarah who is going to play games and take their picture! Get them comfortable with my face so I don't seem so scary when they meet me! During the session try and focus less on the “perfect smiles” and “poses”. Let’s focus on candids and letting your kids be them. Tell them a joke, let them run, and have fun!!

DONT MAKE A BIG DEAL

If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.

MAKE IT FUN

the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins.  If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.

BE PREPARED

If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.

BE PATIENT

Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic

I expect all children to be wild and emotional. Photo day can be intense.. Kids are put on a stage and expected to perform for a total stranger, they are bound to be a little extreme and that’s okay! So show up to your session mentally prepared to let your littles be a little extra... and maybe have a little wine ready for when you get home for yourself

Simple Studio Newborn Session | South Jersey Photographer

Ohhhh look at this sweet face! Mr. Landon slept amazing and made my job easy! Mama picked neutrals for her photo session and wanted everything pretty simple, so we came out with such a beautiful, cohesive gallery! Take a look at some of my favorites from his session