Getting everyone to look at the camera and smile at the same time can feel like the whole point of family photos. It’s usually the photo parents have in mind when they book, and I understand wanting a good one of everyone together. But don’t discount the value of candid family photos.
There’s a lot worth photographing while we’re getting to those smiles. Your toddler might lean into you between photos, or the kids might start laughing at something that has absolutely nothing to do with me. Those moments often give you a different kind of family photo, one that feels familiar because it’s how you actually are together.
After 20+ mini sessions this fall, I’ve been spending plenty of time photographing families. If you’re getting ready for your own session, I hope this takes a little pressure off: everyone doesn’t need to look at me the entire time for us to make photos you’ll love.
What are candid family photos?
Candid family photos show your family interacting instead of everyone looking directly at the camera. That could mean walking together, laughing, sharing a hug or holding a child who wants to stay close.
During a session, I’ll still help you with where to stand and what to do. Sometimes I’ll get everyone settled and then ask you to look at each other, or give you something simple to do together. You have direction, but there’s room for your own personalities to come through.
You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about creating a spontaneous moment on command. I’ll guide you and pay attention to what happens along the way.
You can hand over the job of directing everyone
By the time you arrive, you’ve probably coordinated schedules, found clothes and answered several questions about whether everyone really has to wear those shoes. You’ve already done plenty of organizing.
Once we start, let me handle the directions. It’s understandable to want to remind your kids to smile, especially when you’ve put effort into getting everyone there. But you don’t need to spend the session monitoring how they’re doing.
Often, it helps if you join in and let your attention shift toward your family. Pull your child close, listen to what they’re telling you or laugh at whatever their sibling is doing. You get to be in the photos with them, and I can keep an eye on the rest.
A little movement can help everyone settle in
Being told to “act natural” while someone holds a camera in front of you isn’t especially helpful. Most adults immediately start wondering what their hands normally do.
Having something simple to focus on makes it easier. We might walk together, bring everyone in close or have the kids look at each other. That gives you a starting point without asking you to hold the same expression for several minutes.
It can also help children who would rather move than stand still. We can work with some of that energy while still giving the session direction.
Quiet moments belong in your gallery too
When people think of candid family photos, they often picture running, playing and big laughs. Those can be lovely, but a child who wants to stay in your arms gives us something worth photographing too.
If your little one is feeling shy, we can begin with them close to you. There’s no need to make them more outgoing for the camera. A cheek against your shoulder or a small hand holding yours might be exactly what you want to remember about this age.
I’ll pay attention to how your family is settling in so we can work with the personalities in front of me.
We can still make time for everyone looking at the camera
You can absolutely want a traditional family portrait and enjoy the less posed photos too. I’ll guide you toward photos of everyone together and leave room for interaction as we go.
Every family and session is different, so I can’t promise a particular expression or moment. What I can do is help you through the experience without expecting your kids to perform perfectly from beginning to end.
A gallery with some variety gives you options. You might choose a smiling portrait for a gift and find that the photo of everyone laughing together is the one you want to frame at home.
You deserve to be in the photos with your kids
If you’re usually behind the phone, you probably have plenty of photos of your children and fewer that include you. A family session gives you a chance to be part of what you’re documenting.
That can take a little getting used to when you’re accustomed to checking hair, straightening clothes and making sure everyone is where they need to be. I’ll help with those details so you can spend more of the session with your family.
You don’t have to face the camera in every photo to be fully part of it. Sometimes looking at your child feels more comfortable, and it gives you a photo of the two of you together that you couldn’t have taken yourself.
Family photography in Silver Spring and across the DMV
My studio is based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and I also photograph families on location throughout Washington, DC, Montgomery County and Northern Virginia. We can talk through whether the studio or an outdoor setting makes sense for your family and the photos you have in mind.
If clothes are the part you’re still figuring out, my guide to what to wear for fall family photos is a helpful place to start. You can also read about mini sessions if you’re considering a shorter session and want to understand your options.
Let’s plan photos that feel like your family
When you reach out, tell me a little about your family and what you’d like to remember about this stage. If you’re worried about a shy child, a busy toddler or feeling awkward yourself, you can tell me that too.
I’ll help you plan and guide you through the session. There’s room for the photo of everyone smiling at the camera, along with the hugs, conversations and expressions that happen while we’re together.