Favorite Poses for Families
Family, Newborn and Military Photographer in Newport RI
There’s a few poses that I love to use with my families, and guess what - I’m going to share them with you! You can use these when you’re looking to get some authentic interaction and emotion from your families.
Tell your kiddo what makes you proud to be their parent:
When I prompt parents with this one I usually have the parent with their arm around their teen, or their elementary/younger child tummy to tummy. Sometimes I have mama sit on the ground with their child and snuggle. I love to do this pose with parents and children one on one.
Get your parent and child into position and then prompt them with “Tell Anthony what makes you proud to be his father” Get ready to snap on a fast shutter speed to get all the facial expressions. I’m telling you, this one gets me every time. The way the parent looks at their child, the way the child looks at the parent. Not only does this prompt give great photos, but what an encouragement to the kids!
Whew. Cue the emotions.
2. Dance like your favorite song is playing!
With this prompt I tell families to hold hands, and spread out slightly. Then ask them to dance like they would in the kitchen when their favorite song comes on. You’ll get families who dance gently, and some who dance like no one’s watching. Again make sure your shutter speed is FAST! This usually prompts giggles (especially if there’s actually no music playing).
3. This one goes out to the quieter families, and the shy kiddos. Have mama (or dad!) Sit on the ground then have the kiddo sit on their lap. Tell the parents to wrap their arms around their baby, and breathe them in. Tell them to get their face into their child’s hair, and really breathe in their essence, like when they were babies. You’ll get some sweet, sentimental feeling images from this one.
4. Take a walk!
This seems so simple, but moving from place to place during your family session can produce some really great photos if you’re paying attention! Tell your family to walk to a certain spot where you’re shooting. Pay attention to what everyone is doing, how dad holds the youngest, how the family is moving in a line. Don’t be afraid to play a little “red light green light” with your family! When you shout red light - run up to the front of the group and then give them the green light, get the leaders of the group with the rest following. Don’t underestimate the power of walking. Never stop shooting. Some of the most genuine moments come during those transition moments when everyone’s guard is down a little.
Are you a family looking for a fun and relaxed family session coming up? Now’s the time to get on my calendar! Hop on over to my contact page to get in touch!
Are you a family photographer as well? Tell me: have you used any prompts similar to these with your families? Which one are you going to try out in your next family photography session?! What is your go to prompt for families? I would love to hear in the comments!
