Do you (or your clients) feel awkward when in front of a camera? You’re not alone. Maybe 20% of the families I photograph are completely comfortable (and will love and snuggle with little prompting at their photo session). But if you find yourself standing there, “What do I DO with my hands?!?” or “What direction should my legs go when I sit down?!?” I’m here to help.
The posing directions I give the most are: “Lean in!” and “Snuggle!” and “Make angles!”
If those posing instructions aren’t enough, I’ll also give playful prompts at family portrait sessions (that you can also use when taking photos of your own kids). My goal is images that show a natural connection.
I’ve split suggestions out by age ranges below:
Age 1-3
Peek-a-boo
Tickle Monster
Make animal noises
Hold kids upside down
Swing kids as you walk
Hold kids up in the air
Play “hug attack” game
Play chase
Play freeze dance
Give Eskimo kisses (nose to nose)
Kids up on Parent’s shoulder
Age 4-9
Make fart noises
Have the parents dance behind me
Joke contest
Reverse Psychology – “Don’t Smile!” “Don’t Laugh” “Oh, no, you’re starting to smile, stop it, stop it, I’ll get in trouble!!”
Have kids race towards me while the parents walk behind
Have a staring contest
Spin around as fast as you can until I say stop
Do silly dance moves
Ask them, “What ideas do you have for a photo?”
Play “two truths and a lie” game
Give me your best fake laugh
Pile all together in one big hug cuddle
Match your breathing with your parents
Play the telephone game or just have them whisper secrets to each other
Age 10-18
I find this age to be the most cooperative – in which case I just talk to them as we photograph and also ask them, “What ideas do you have for a photo?”
I’ll ask about their favorite movie, book or class – what their hobbies are. What’s their dream vacation? What would their ideal day be like? What are they up to that weekend?
I’ll also ask them to imitate the sound of their dad snoring or their mom dancing. Or if that doesn’t get a natural smile, also ask them to give me their best fake laugh.
Couples/Adults
Walk like your hips are drunk but your face is not
Walk like your hips are glued together
Walk like this is the most fun walk you’ve ever been on
Whisper something silly in a sexy voice in your partner’s ear
Don’t break eye contact with each other
I’ll ask them lots of questions as well – “Which one of you would be the first to go sky diving? Who is the better cook? What’s the other person’s favorite food? If you planned a perfect day for them, what would it be like?” etc.
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I hope these ideas help you the next time you’re in front of or behind a camera.