6 Tips from a Toronto Family Photographer to stop looking awkward in family photos
As a Toronto family photographer I know families want portraits they’re truly proud of to display in their homes. I find the most loved family photos don’t happen by accident, but are the result of a little planning, a relaxed vibe and combined with a couple simple tricks. While I strive for authentic connection in our sessions, enough parents have told me “I always feel like I look awkward in photos, what can I do?”
That’s why I’m sharing how to look good in family photos. These are my six easy tips to help you look and feel great in all your family photos whether with a professional family photographer or for your own snapshots.
Stay Engaged with Your Family
The first, and for me, the most important tip? Engage!
Too often parents get caught with that classic “I’ll turn this car around” face while trying to keep the kids in line just as a genuine smile appears on the faces of the kids.
I can help you with this at your family session by:
- Directing you to interact with each other naturally, instead of forcing stiff poses
- Guiding you through small games, or using prompts to get you to play, talk and laugh so you don’t need to worry about ‘perfection’
- Letting that little bit of chaos sneak into the photos, because let’s face it, that’s where you get the authenticity and real expressions we’re after.
If you want to know how to look good in family photos, start with authenticity and stay engaged. Your photographer will handle the rest.
Need ideas to get the kids into it? Learn how to Make Family Photos Fun for Kids.
Find Beautiful Natural Light
Lighting is everything in photography. One of the easiest ways to improve your family photos instantly? Find soft, natural light.
Outdoors? Look for open shade such as under a tree or beside a building to avoid raccoon eyes and squinting from harsh sun.
Indoors? Use window light for soft even lighting that creates a sparkle in your eyes.
Golden Hour – the hour after sunrise or before sunset gives incredibly flattering, warm light. It’s also directional allowing a variety of looks from soft warm skin tones, to backlit fairytale looks.
As a family photographer here in Toronto, I’m always scouting locations with beautiful nature light. It’s the best way to get that soft flattering look you want for your wall art
Read more about why I love golden hour for family photos.
Stand Tall and Relaxed to Feel and Look Confident in Family Photos
- Posture can make a huge difference is family photos, but that doesn’t mean standing stiff like in school pictures. When standing here’s a couple quick fixes.
- Stand tall but relaxed, like your being gently lifted from the back of your head.
- Angle your body slightly instead of facing square-on to the camera.
- Roll your shoulders back and down without tension.
- Shift your weight onto the foot furthest from the camera with a slight bend in the front knee.
- Lean forward, just a bit over your belt buckle, This brings your face closest to the camera helps smooth the neck under the chin.
A confident easy posture helps you look connected and comfortable. These simple tips form a solid foundation, but remember tip #1: stay engaged! When a confident pose meets genuine connection? Chef’s kiss. That’s what truly brings family photos to life.
Want even more? I created a Family Photography Posing 101 guide to help you feel confident in photos – whether you’re with me or capturing moments at home. And remember, during your family session I’ll gently guide you through all of this, so there is no reason to stress or memorize anything.
Relax: Imperfection = Perfect Family Photos
Sometimes the best answer to how to look good in family photos is the simplest: just relax and go with the flow
Don’t overthink it. You ‘ve done the planning, now let the kid’s be themselves have fun with them (Tip #1 shining through again!)
Laugh at the silly momemts! Unexpected giggles and surprise expressions are often the real treasure.
Messy faces, goofy dances, a burst of laughter with surprise tickles- This is the perfect imperfection of family life and shows the heart of the family more than a perfect studio shot.
Be Seen. Be Loved. Be in the Photos.
I know many parents, especially moms, hesitate to be in their family photos because they are worried about their age, weight, or just feeling ‘unphotogenic’.
But your kids don’t see any of that, they see you.
So often parents tell me they just want “some nice photos of the kids” to remember this chapter of family life. But what about one day, when your children go looking for photos of you? When they want to see you with them? They’ll want to see your smile, your hug, your love captured forever as well.
If your always behind the camera and shy away during your family photo session, there won’t be any. So give a gift to your future selves: Embrace being in the photos and capture those memories now that you will be so grateful to hold onto.
Years from now, they won’t care about extra pounds, wrinkles, or that you were tired that day. They’ll love that you were there. And I’ll make sure you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera so you can focus on what matters most: Engaging with them.
If this speaks to you, I am writing an article A Family Photo Isn’t Complete Without You: How to Feel Confident Getting in the Frame –For them, for you. With more encouragement and practical advice. Check for that soon.
Making Your Photos Part of Your Family’s Story
These images will become a cherished chapter of your family’s story.
They’re moments you want to see every day on your walls, relive while flipping through an album, and pass down to your growing family. That’s why we feel pressure to look good for family photos and why I hope these tips will help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera.
If you also beleive that these moments deserve more than lost on a hard drive I’d love to show you how I take the guess work out turning them into artwork that truly warms your home.
✅ Beautifully curated photo walls that tell your family’s story
✅ Handcrafted albums to pass down for generations
✅ Thoughtful design help so your images truly warm your home.
In an age of endless screens and AI images, discover why families are moving away from digital-only sessions.
Frequent Worries and Quick Fixes
Where am I supposed to look?
We’ll definitely get a few classic, everyone-looking-the-camera portraits. These are important too! But most of the time, you’ll (mostly) be ignoring me and my camera. Try to forget I’m there and focus on your kids, partner or even look dreamingly off into the sunset.
Eyes show emotion. Where you look tells the story of who and what matters to you and can convey mood and feeling in your photos. I’ll prompt you throughout so everything feels natural looks great.
What do I even do with my hands?
Everyone worries about this. I think it was even in a Will Ferrell movie! Don’t overthink it.
If eyes show emotion, hands create connection.
Hold your child’s hands or tickle them, rest your hand on your partner’s back or arm, Lift a kid in the air, or give a big bear hug. Its ok to be closer and more touchy-feely than you would normally. It’s all about showing your love and connection. And don’t worry, I’m always there to help with gentle prompts and ideas.
What if i feel awkward in front of the camera?
It’s totally normal to feel a little unsure in front of the camera. That’s why I specialize in gentle and simple prompts that help you relax, interact with your family naturally and look confident without forced smiles or stiff poses.
How do we know if we're looking okay?
Don’t worry. I’ll let you know!
If you’re not hearing anything from me behind the camera, it usually means you’re doing great.
Don’t stop or freeze or turn around to see what I’m up to—just keep going, stay engaged with each other. I might be waiting for that perfect genuine smile or the reaction right after the moment. I’ll always step in and adjust if something needs changing.
I don't want to look too posed or fake
My approach is about real connection over perfection. I’ll encourage to you move, talk, laugh, and play with your family so the images feel authentic to you and who you are as a family.
My partner isn't really into photos at all.
Ready to Make Some Beautiful Memories?
If you’re dreaming of family photos you’ll be proud to display, and want help feeling relaxed, confident, and truly yourselves, I’d love to chat.
Contact me today to start planning your Toronto family photo session. Let’s make something beautiful together.