What if we're awkward in front of the camera? Posing Tips for real families to look natural in family photos

The truth behind the lens

Let me guess… you’re already feeling nervous about it. The idea of stepping in front of a camera makes your stomach drop a little. You’ve told yourself (maybe for years) that you’re not photogenic, or that you never quite know what to do with your hands. And maybe, if we’re being honest, you're already imagining the awkward smiles and stiff shoulders.

Here’s my confession: nearly every family I work with tells me the same thing before we even start. In fact, it often begins in our first phone call. About 8 out of 10 of my clients admit they’re camera-shy or unsure about how they’ll look. And that’s exactly why I design every single session so you never have to “pose” the way you think you do.

Because it’s not about posing. It’s about connection.

You don't need to “perform” to be photographed beautifully

Let's clear something up right away: I don’t expect anyone to show up camera-ready, with one hand on a hip and a model-perfect tilt of the chin. Real life is not a fashion editorial. It’s a snack cup forgotten in a handbag, a baby who wants up and down within five seconds, a partner trying to figure out why you’re both suddenly so sweaty. And that’s exactly the kind of brilliance I love to photograph.

When we meet for your session, it’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.

I start from a true blank canvas with every family. No rigid script. No poses forced onto someone who just wants to breathe. Over the years (and with the help of my three adorable chaos-makers at home), I’ve become quite good at reading each family’s energy.

Some people need a little more direction, some need space to just be. I adapt, observe, and gently guide as we go along.

By the end of your session, most people say it didn’t feel like a photoshoot at all. More like spending time with a friend who happened to snap a few (okay, many) frames.

How to look natural in family photos - even if you feel awkward

These are not rules, just quiet reassurances I offer throughout each session. My goal is to help you feel grounded, seen, and yes, beautiful as you are.

Tip 1: Give your hands something to do

It sounds simple, but it works. If you're standing there wondering what to do with your hands, here's a few things I always suggest:

• Touch someone you love (hug, hand-hold, tickle, brush hair back)

• Put a hand in your pocket, or gently rest it on your hip

• Tuck a strand of hair away, adjust a sleeve, even hold onto your toddler’s sock if that's what's closest

Movement helps. We aren’t statues. Shifting and touching help bring you back into your body, in the present moment, not stuck in your head worrying about how you look.

Tip 2: Don’t pose - play

T

his is a big one. I work with prompts, not poses. That might mean I ask you to tell your partner the story of how you met, or ask your child to blow raspberries on your cheek. I might tell you to walk toward the ocean, slowly, stopping only when someone bursts out laughing. How you respond is up to you - I'll be there to capture it with care.

Families aren’t meant to be arranged like furniture. They’re alive, they’re messy, and they’re perfect in motion.

Tip 3: Trust the process (and the incredibly silly photographer in front of you)

I’ve made peace with being the goofy one during our time together. I’ve been known to laugh (loudly), crawl on wet grass, and make sound effects that only a toddler would find acceptable. It’s part of that softness I bring into every session, so you feel free to be your unfiltered, judgment-free self.

When you see me being silly, you’ll know it’s okay for you to relax too. This is not about flawless smiles - it’s about honest ones.

Why this matters more than you think

The reason I get a little emotional about this topic (yes, another confession) is because it hits close to home. For so many years, I kept myself out of the frame. I didn’t like how I looked. I was tired, unsure, adjusting to a new version of myself.

But now, looking back at old photos, I don’t care about the sleep-deprived eyes or the rumpled shirt. I just wish there were more moments captured of me with my children.

That’s why I tell every parent: you deserve to be seen. You deserve to be remembered. Not just the polished version, but the vibrant, messy, emotional soul holding the family together.

Because years from now, your children won’t remember whether your hair was perfectly styled. They’ll notice the way you held them. The way you looked at them. The way you showed up.

Ready to feel relaxed and real in your next family photo session?

If you’ve been putting off family photos because you think you aren’t “camera-ready,” I’m here to tell you: you’re beyond ready. You’ve already got everything you need.

All those little gestures you make unconsciously? That’s gold. I’m trained to spot it - the quiet looks, the hands gently landing on a shoulder, the shared laugh after a tickle. That’s the poetry I want to capture for you.

If you’re curious about how a relaxed, natural photo session with me works (especially living in a beautiful, chaotic city like Hong Kong), head over to www.ayelenalcover.com. Let’s have a quick call, answer your questions, and talk about what excites you about remembering this season of your life.

You don’t need to pose perfectly. You just need to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

Happy photoshooting!

Ayelen