5 Easy Family Photoshoot Tips That Aren’t Awkward
Awkward family photos are rarely due to awkward families. They are usually about the moment the camera appears and nobody knows what to do next. People freeze, shoulders rise, hands get weird, and smiles turn into that tight “are we done yet” face.
The good news is you do not need a professional studio setup, a complicated theme, or a perfectly behaved group to get a family portrait you actually want to keep. Because the truth is, the best family photos come from light direction, clear roles, and gentle movement.
Below are five simple tips that make DIY family photos feel relaxed and look intentional – whether you are shooting in your backyard, living room, or a nearby park.
1. Use Flattering Light
Good light solves half the problem before you ever press the shutter. When lighting is harsh or uneven, people squint, shadows hit faces in unflattering ways, and everyone looks tense.
For outdoor family photos, aim for open shade, like the edge of a tree line or the shaded side of a building. This will prevent squinting and glare while ensuring your photo is properly lit. For indoor family photos, turn off harsh overhead lights and move your group near a window. Angle faces toward the lightsource for a natural, flattering glow without stepping outside.
To fix low light or glares, be sure to try the Portrait Enhancer for a one-click solution.
2. Choose Poses That Keep Everyone Close
Family photos get awkward fast when everyone is spaced out with random gaps. Even with natural smiles, the distance can make the photo feel uncomfortable. A better approach is to build your group like a cozy cluster, not a lineup.
The best way to ensure spacial awareness is to choose one “anchor" subject and place them first. Then, stack people in layers. Put kids slightly in front or tucked in close, and keep shoulders touching when possible. Vary head heights a little, so the posing doesn't look overly staged.
3. Avoid Awkward Hands
Hands are one of the biggest giveaways of a stiff family photo. When people do not know what to do with their hands, they either hide them, grip their clothes, or lock their arms to their sides. Instead of simply telling everyone to “pose,” give them a basic hand assignment.
Engaging with props, an arm around someone’s shoulders, or hands gently cupping the face all photograph well. When hands have a purpose, faces relax without anyone forcing it.
4. Choose Photo-Friendly Outfits
What you wear sets the tone of the entire photoshoot. The goal is not perfectly matching, single-color outfits. It is a look that feels coordinated and timeless, without distracting from your group.
Pick a simple color palette with two to three colors, then let each person interpret it in their own way. Avoid logos and loud graphics, and mix in texture – like linen or knits – instead of busy patterns. If you want a pop of color, choose one accent shade and repeat it once or twice across the group so it looks intentional.
Want to try a different hue? The Replace Color tool allows for quick shade swapping to give your photo a whole new vibe.
5. Take Both Classic and Candid Shots
If you only take one type of family photo, everyone feels pressure to look perfect, which makes the posing stiff. Plan two simple shots instead, one classic and one candid.
Start with the classic family portrait where everyone looks at the camera. Then add a candid shot. This can involve an activity everyone in the family enjoys to ensure natural results. Having something to do helps break up the routine of directed posing and encourages relaxed, natural expressions show up.
If you are editing the full shoot, the Batch Photo Editor makes it easy to apply the same edits and tweaks to multiple photos at once. So every photo – casual or posed – looks its best.
Keep Family Photos Natural, Not Perfect
A family photo does not need perfect posture to look great. It needs soft light, people close together, hands that feel natural, and at least one moment that genuinely represents your family dynamic.
Once you have your favorites, a few quick edits can pull the set together. Adjust exposure and warmth for a consistent feel, apply portrait enhancements, crop to tighten the composition, batch edit your final selection, and more. Then, export and print – all in one place. Take the stress out of taking and editing family photos with these tips and BeFunky's Photo Editor!
