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

Frazier Family Butler Park

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

Seaholm Power Plant Austin Family Photo Session Lawrence Downtown Library

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.