photographing a family’s story carries immense responsibility—your images must encapsulate the bonds of love and connection that define them. Below are seven foundational poses, refined through professional experience, to help you create timeless, emotionally resonant portraits that families will cherish.
Top 7 Family Photography Poses
1. Family Together
I generally find it easiest to start with the whole family group. The family you are photographing will be expecting this shot, and the children usually have the most patience and stamina at the beginning of their family photo shoot.
If the family has small children, set up a tried and true family pose (sitting or standing) and try to get a few shots of all of them looking, and then let them interact and play together so you can take some candid photos.
If the family has older kids, set up 2-3 family poses and then add in an alternate location. The kids will have much more stamina for multiple settings. However, always try a few candid shots, even with families with older kids.
2. Children Together
Since you still have the children’s attention, remove the adults from the photo and encourage them to interact. A simple hug or look between the children can create closeness and/or laughter that is a joy to photograph. Make sure you are ready to shoot many frames if the children are little.
If the children are older, you can do multiple poses or locations (not both—even older kids have their limits).
3. Mom with Children
Before the children leave, have Mom join in for some fun. Typically, these shots can be more candid and free.
Have Mom give kisses to the kids or have the kids kiss Mom. Even just looking at each other is a beautiful option. Older kids probably won’t be up for all the kissing, etc., but don’t leave this shot off the list – ALL kids need a photo with their mom, and ALL Moms need a photo with their kids!
4. Dad with Children
After taking several photos with Mom and the kids, have her switch out with Dad for several more shots to keep the fun, candid feeling.
If needed, you can place shorter children on a step or crate to help get them closer to Dad. If there is only one child, have Dad pick them up and have fun with them.
5. Mom and Dad Together
I think that every family shoot should capture the vital couple relationship that created the beautiful family in front of your lens. Couples often neglect to photograph themselves together, and they will cherish a good portrait of them together!
I don’t get overly creative with these, but a posed image of the couple looking at the camera and a more candid shot of the couple looking at each other or with eyes closed are good options and all that is needed.
6. Each Child Individually
Take time to capture each child individually. Often, I will move these shots a short distance from where we had been shooting to ensure I have each child’s full attention.
I definitely try to have a sitting pose, a standing pose, and one good close-up. Try to stay on the same level as your subject, especially if they are little!
7. Dad & Son(s) and/or Mom & Daughter(s)
If the family group is such that this pose lends itself to them, I will try to capture these shots. For instance, a mom with her three daughters or a dad with his two sons are both sweet shots the family will cherish.
These groupings work well with candid-style poses and lots of laughing and playing. Encourage interaction, joke telling, and bathroom humor. These should be fun and the “icing on the cake” of your session.
I consider these groupings optional, so before proceeding with these optional poses, it’s a good idea to gauge whether the family still has the patience left for more photos.
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