Why You Shouldn't Put Off Your Family Photo Session Just Because You Feel Awkward

Fiona Bielby

Feb 253 min read

We’ve all been there—standing in front of a camera, feeling unsure about how to pose, where to look, or what to do with our hands.

Woman in a yellow coat and child in colorful sweater playfully interact in a forest path with fallen leaves, evoking a joyful mood.

The fear of looking awkward in photos is real, and it can often hold people back from scheduling something as important as a family photo session. But here’s the truth: those little worries should never stop you from capturing memories with your loved ones.

Family of four with a dog sitting on grass captured by family photographer. Parents smiling at toddler and holding a baby. Sunlight filters through trees, creating a warm, happy scene.

As a family photographer, I see this all the time, and I promise—it's never as bad as you think! If you’ve been putting off your family photos because you’re worried about feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera, here’s why you should go ahead and book that session today.

Smiling family of three outdoors in a forest. Parents wear brown jackets. Child held between them in a cosy vest, exuding warmth and joy.

Family of Four smiling on a tractor in a sunny field; two seated, two standing. Green and blue tones dominate the background of trees and sky.

1. Perfect Moments Over Perfect Poses

Forget stiff, awkward poses. The best family photos capture real moments—laughter, hugs, and the little interactions that make your family special. As a family photographer, my job is to help guide you naturally, making the experience feel less like a photoshoot and more like a fun day spent together.

Dad crouching with arms open as two kids playfully run on grass during a family photography session. Stone arches and trees in background. Bright, joyful scene.

A child in a red dress walks on a sandy beach, holding hands with two adults during a family photography session. Background features rocky cliffs and greenery.

Woman in blue leads a small white horse with a young girl riding it during a family photography session. They're walking through a grassy area. A red building is in the background.

During a family photography session Grandad sits with his two grandchildren sitting on a stone bench by a river. One child holds a soccer ball. Trees in background. Casual, joyful mood.

2. Your Kids Won’t Stay This Age Forever

Time moves fast, and children grow up quicker than we’d like to admit. What seems like a small delay today could turn into years of missed opportunities. Family photos freeze moments in time, allowing you to look back on each stage of life, from tiny toddlers to teenagers preparing to leave the nest.

Baby in a blue dress with a bow, sitting in a high chair, surrounded by hands guiding her towards a pink frosted cake, outdoors with flowers during a family photography session.

Four kids in denim jump off a hay bale, three below pose smiling during a family photography session. Overcast sky, grassy field. Joyful, playful scene.

A couple, wearing black and plaid shirts, lovingly gaze at their newborn wrapped in a white onesie during a family photography session. The scene conveys warmth and tenderness.

A family of ten, including children, standing on grass with trees in the background during a family photography session. The mood is cheerful. One shirt reads "MCKENZIE".

Smiling family of four in a park during a family photography session. Parents hold two young children playfully. Background shows blurred trees and pathway. Casual attire.

A group of nine people and a dog pose in a garden with a historic building in the background during a family photography session. The mood is cheerful and relaxed.

3. A Good Photographer Knows How to Help You Feel Comfortable

I totally get it—being in front of the camera can feel nerve-wracking. That’s why a good family photographer (like me!) comes prepared with tricks to help you relax, natural prompts to get authentic smiles, and angles that highlight your best features. You don’t have to be a model—just show up and trust that I’ll take care of the rest.

Think of it like visiting a trusted doctor. You might feel a little self-conscious or unsure at first, but you know they’re there to help, not to judge. Their expertise puts you at ease, and you trust them to do what’s best for you. It’s the same with family photography—I’m here to guide you, support you, and make sure the experience is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

A smiling elderly woman, two boys, and a girl sit on a bench with a cheerful elderly man outside a stone house, surrounded by greenery.

A woman kisses a sleeping child during a family photo session while holding another child in a pink dress. The setting is indoors, with a warm and tender mood.

A mother and her two children share a warm embrace in a field during a family photo session . They're wearing white, and the mood is loving and peaceful. Trees in the background.

Child with closed eyes hugging her mum, during a family photo session, both with brown hair. Soft green background creates a serene, comforting atmosphere.

A baby lies on a blanket between two adults outdoors. One adult kisses the baby’s cheek during a family photo session . The grass is green, and emotions seem tender.

Two brothers smiling and hugging in a colourful flower garden, during a family photo session, both wearing light-colored shirts. The mood is joyful and playful.

4. Memories Are More Important Than Insecurities

Years from now, when you look back at your family photos, you won’t be critiquing your smile or wondering if you stood the right way. You’ll be grateful to have tangible memories of the people you love. These photos will become treasures—reminders of the connections, laughter, and love that define your family.

Three grandsons, an their grandad, lie laughing on grass, during a family photo session. The man wears a red shirt; kids in colorful outfits. Happy mood.

5. You’ll Regret Not Taking Them

Think about it: have you ever looked at a family portrait and thought, “I wish we hadn’t taken that”? Probably not. But many people do regret not having more photos of their loved ones, especially as time passes. Don’t let fear of looking awkward keep you from creating something meaningful.

A grandmother, woman, and two kids in park are sitting on a blanket. The kids wear striped dresses, during a family photo session. Bright, sunny day.

Family of four sitting in a meadow, smiling, during a family photo session. Lush greenery and wildflowers surround them. Overcast sky sets a serene mood.

Family of four smiling in a sunny park, during a family photo session. A woman holds a baby in gray, and a man holds a girl in pink. Autumn trees in the background.

6. Candid Photos Are Often the Best Ones (maybe you've already noticed)

Some of the most cherished photos aren’t the ones where everyone is perfectly posed—they’re the ones where you’re caught in the middle of a laugh, snuggling your kids, or sharing a meaningful glance with your partner. These real moments are what make family photography so special.

Smiling man and woman sit together on farm equipment during a family photo session in a sunlit field, wearing casual blue and brown clothes, with a barn in background.

A group of people, including children, walk together in a sunny countryside, smiling during a family photo session . Fields and trees are in the background. A dog accompanies them.

Family of five playing on grass in a park, during a family photo session. Adults and children wear white, surrounded by evergreen trees. Joyful and serene atmosphere.

Three people on a rocky beach by tall cliffs, examining the stones. Overcast sky, green vegetation on cliffs, and calm, explorative mood.

A group of six adults and one baby in a garden, smiling. The baby, in a blue dress, is centered. The mood is joyful and casual.

7. You Deserve to Be in the Picture

Too often, parents—especially mums—end up behind the camera instead of in the photos. But your presence matters. Your kids want to see pictures of you with them, not just pictures of themselves. They’ll cherish those images one day, even if you’re feeling self-conscious about how you look right now.

When I was younger, I used to shy away from the camera without even considering it, now I look back and wish I'd let my husband take more, so even if you don't book a family photo session, let your family take photos of you!

It costs nothing, and I promise, you'll never regret it!! All the photos below are of me with family, my only regret is I wasn't in more.

Mother and her son climb a rocky hill under a cloudy sky. The boy wears a Nike shirt. The mood is adventurous and determined. Black and white.

Four people pose together under a canopy surrounded by tropical plants. They wear casual summer attire, smiling in a relaxed atmosphere.

Four people smiling in a windy outdoor setting. Hair is tousled, and one wears a "Vans Off The Wall" shirt. Black and white photo.

Three people smiling in a candy store. Background has colorful candy jars and a fridge with water bottles. Bright, cheerful atmosphere.

The Time for a Family Photo Session is now, Go On, Get Planning...

The best time to take family photos is now. Not when you feel “more confident” or “less awkward” or “after you lose a few pounds.” The love and joy you share with your family are what make these photos beautiful, not perfect poses or flawless appearances. So let go of the worries, embrace the moment, and schedule that family photo session.

You’ll be so glad you did!

PHOTO SESSIONS

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