Do you ever see another family’s photos on instagram and wonder how they got such natural looking photos? And why your photos always feel so stiff or involve a lot of crying and begging your kids to cooperate? Well I’d love to help you out! I’m a Dallas Family and Newborn photographer that specializes in classic yet candid photos. I guide families through sessions so that instead of worrying about posing or forcing smiles, you can actually relax and enjoy being together. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best family photos aren’t about perfection, they’re about connection. The giggles, the snuggles, even the chaos. It all tells your family’s story in the most beautiful way.

So if you’ve ever wished your photos felt more genuine and less like a chore, these five tips will help you get those candid, joy-filled images you’ll treasure forever.

1. Play, Play, Play!

Have you ever heard that a child’s love language is play? Well it’s absolutely true, and it’s why the number one way to get joyful, candid family photos is to play with your kids. Play with your kids during their session, make them feel loved, and get some memorable family photos in the process! Don’t worry about the camera. Play tag with your toddler, make funny faces at your baby, flip them upside down, throw them in the air, do lots and lots of tickles. The more fun you make taking photos for your kids, the better the photos will turn out, I promise. The family’s who get the best family photos are the ones who focus on enjoying time together, and who trust me to do my job to capture it.

2. Keep the mood light-hearted

I know sometimes you have to be parent. I get it, I do. But the more light-hearted you can be during a session, the more your kids are going to cooperate and give you great candid-style photos. No one wants to smile at the camera after their mom just yelled at them for picking up a rock or whose dad just threatened to take away Roblox if they didn’t smile. If there was ever a time for bribery and letting things slide, it’s during family photos. So try your best to keep a smile on your face, engage with your kids and parent them as gently as possible so we keep those giggles coming!

3. Choose a time that works best for your family

Every photographer is going to tell you that golden hour is the best time to take photos. But when it comes to family photos, the best time is when your kids are the happiest. So please, do not feel like you have to schedule your family photos at sunset if you know your kids are going to be a cranky mess! Schedule your photos for a few hours earlier so your kids are in a bright and happy mood, and less likely to have a complete meltdown because they’re missing their bed time. A good photographer can get fantastic photos at any time during the day, so prioritize choosing a time that works best for your family.

4. Don’t tell your kids to smile at the camera

Let the photographer do it! Even for candid-style photos, we still want a few classic shots with everyone smiling at the camera. And the best way to do this is for you to model that behavior for your kids, while your photographer works on getting their attention. Because I guarantee, the one moment your kid finally smiles at the camera, you’ll be looking down at them making a funny face as you tell them “say cheese!”. So please, leave the directions to your photographer, and you just show your kids how to smile really big and take a pretty photo!

5. Plan an activity to do during your session

Sometimes the best candid photos come from doing an activity as a family. So instead of just taking photos in a field, try planning something to do instead! It can be as simple as taking photos near a creek, so your kids can skip rocks. Or it can be as elaborate as painting pumpkins together in your backyard. Totally up to you! Here are some ideas for you to consider for your next family session:

• Shoot at a creek or lakeside so kids can splash around
• Pack a picnic blanket with some desserts
• Bring a ball so you can play catch
• Go to a playground so kids can play
• Shoot in your backyard so kids can play with their own toys
• Paint pumpkins
• Paint Easter Eggs
• Bring the family dog to play with
• Ride bikes
• Bake cookies at home
• Bring some sidewalk chalk and draw
• Shoot an an apple orchard and pick apples
• Shoot in a meadow and pick flowers
• In the summer, let kids play in the sprinklers
• In the fall, make a big leaf pile and let kids play

6. Learn to love the imperfections

The final way to get family photos that you love, is to embrace imperfection. Not every photo is going to be museum worthy pieces of art. A double chin might slip in here or there because you’re laughing so hard. Or some dirt might end up on your toddler’s shirt because he’s roughhousing with dad. But those things are just a part of this season of life, so they deserve to be a part of your family photos too! So I encourage you to give yourself and your family a little grace, and understand that candid photos come from candid moments. And candid moments are hardly ever perfect.

If you’re looking for someone to capture candid-style photos of your family that feel genuine, I’d love to be your photographer! You can see my pricing HERE and you can reach out to schedule your session HERE. Talk soon!