We’re So Awkward in Photos : A Photographer’s Guide to Truly Natural Family Photos

My approach is really simple: natural, candid family photos happen when you’re with your people — not performing for the camera. It’s never about being photogenic or knowing how to “pose”; in fact, those tricks usually make everyone stiff and awkward. So instead, I treat your session like a conversation. I give gentle guidance to help you relax, then encourage movement and play so you naturally drop into your own rhythm. When families ask for candid photos, I know they don’t mean everyone standing in a line saying a frozen “cheeeeese.” They mean the real stuff — the moments where you’re unaware, connected, and focused on your tribe.

That’s why I use conversation to distract you at the start, movement once you’ve warmed up to me, and play when you’ve truly forgotten the camera is there. And yes, when I say “pretend I’m not here,” I fully understand the eyebrow raise — it is weird at first. But the more you settle into simply being with your family, the more those real, relaxed, totally unforced moments appear. That’s the entire secret. It’s not performance. It’s presence.

What Are Natural, Candid or Unposed Family Photos?

The easiest way to explain natural family photos is to start with what they’re not. They’re not everyone lined up, perfectly coordinated, smiling at the camera on command. I still take one or two of those at the start (because honestly, they look beautiful printed or gifted), but they’re not the heart of the session.

Candid photos happen in the in-between. When your child bolts into the waves — go with them. When they want to show me a shell, climb on dad like a koala, or hold your hand in complete silence — that’s where the magic happens. These tiny, unprompted moments say more about your family than any “smile!” ever could. My job is to give you enough space to be yourselves, follow your children’s lead, and create the kind of moments that feel honest and completely yours.

How I Create Natural Moments During a Session

My role isn’t to pose you like mannequins — it’s to help you relax enough that you forget about the camera altogether. I start with gentle direction, just so you’re not left wondering, “What do I do with my hands?” (If in doubt: touch someone you love — it instantly looks natural.)

Once we ease into it, I encourage movement, conversation and a bit of chaos. Parents often realise mid-shoot that it’s basically intentional family time… just with someone quietly documenting it. Kids lead the way, which is perfect, because children never fake their emotions — they just are. And those in-between, unfiltered moments end up being the photos you’ll treasure in ten years.

Ill also say that being well prepared helps – prepare your kids on what to expect and what we are doing. If you’re in the planning phase , I wrote a helpful guide here

Tips for Getting Truly Natural Photos

• Let go of performing. You don’t have to “be good at photos.” Just be with your people.
• If you feel awkward, connect physically. Hold hands, cuddle, pick up the toddler, lean in. Touch grounds you.
• Look at your family, not at me. I’m the least interesting thing at your session — your kids are the story.
• Play is everything. It’s all your children want and it creates the most genuine expressions.
• Be present. The best sessions feel like a walk, a hangout, or a slow moment together.
• Your kids don’t need to smile. Some of the most powerful photos are serious, thoughtful, or quiet.
• Uninterrupted moments matter. Kids absorbed in play or discovery often make the most meaningful frames.

Does the Location Matter for getting Natural Family Photos?

Living and working across Pottsville, Hastings Point, and the wider Tweed Coast means we have the most gorgeous natural backdrops — creeks, dunes at Cabarita Main beach and Tallows Beach, bushland , rock pools, open fields, tidal streams. These environments naturally invite exploration and movement, which is exactly what creates those unposed, effortless images families love. When your kids feel free, the photos always follow. My favourite for truly natural photos is at home , in your kitchen , in your backyard. Even unconventional photoshoot locations like Pizzey Skatepark or Byron Bay skatepark . Get in touch here if you’re wanting something unconventional – I would love to hear !

FAQs

How do we prepare for a candid family photoshoot?

Keep it simple. Wear something comfortable, arrive ready to play, and let your kids be themselves. I’ll guide everything else. I have written a helpful guide in planning for your shoot , it can be found here and how to prepare your kids for a family photoshoot

What should we wear for natural-looking photos?

Soft, neutral tones always flatter the coastal light here on the Tweed Coast. Avoid stiff fabrics or anything you constantly need to adjust — comfort photographs beautifully. I I have a helpful guide here as well as a pinterest board here for some ideas if you’re more visual and Pinterest obsessed

What if my kids don’t cooperate?

They don’t need to. Candid sessions work because kids are unpredictable. We follow their lead, and it always turns into something wonderful. If want to walk into the session with confidence , I prep all my clients but I have a written a helpful guide here on how to prepare your kids for a family photoshoot

Do you help with posing at all?

Absolutely — gentle posing to start, then we let things unfold. You’ll never be left standing awkwardly wondering what to do.

Where do you shoot?

I’m based in Pottsville and photograph families across the Tweed Coast, Northern Rivers, and southern Gold Coast. Think Hastings Point, Pottsville Creek, Black Rocks Beach, Cabarita, and plenty of secret spots

Can we bring pets?
Always. Pets add movement, personality and fun — perfect for candid photos.

Do you do extended family sessions or family reunion sessions?
Yes. These sessions include enough time for the important combinations and the real storytelling in between.

What time of day is best for a photoshoot?

Ideally golden hour if you want golden soft light but it also depends on your fmaily and location. I wrote a helpful blog here – answering that question as well as this one which helps with planning a family photoshoot. I would love to hear more about what youre dreaming of creating – contact me here

If this way of photographing families resonates with you the un scripted moments, the connection, the unseen in-between , I’d love to photograph your family too. Not as a performance, but as time together that you’ll look back on and feel. If you’re ready to explore what that could look like for your own family, you can get in touch here and we’ll gently shape a session that feels natural, relaxed and truly yours. Let’s chat about a session that’s relaxed, meaningful, and all about your tribe. Contact me here for availability if you’re not ready for the next step but curious on pricing , they can be found here