Let’s be real: family photoshoots are a bit like that reality TV show you secretly watch—awkward, chaotic, and full of funny moments that only your family will understand. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been on both sides of a photoshoot: the side where you try to get the perfect picture, and the side where you’re doing everything possible to avoid looking like you’re about to run for your life. But don’t worry, I’m here to help with some hilarious family poses that will turn your photoshoot from a hot mess into a masterpiece.
You know what they say: “A family that laughs together stays together”—and while that might not be entirely true, it definitely makes for some great photos. So, grab your camera, gather your family, and let’s dive into my favorite family photo poses that will make your photoshoot a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
The Classic “Everyone, Please Just Stand Close” Pose
Let’s start with the most iconic of all family poses—the “everyone close together” pose. This is the one where you force your family into one big group, like a human puzzle. You’ll squish together like sardines, and everyone will try to act normal, but deep down, we all know that someone’s about to start complaining about the other person’s elbow in their side. Parents, this is your moment to get your kids to pretend they actually like each other for 5 seconds. I mean, how hard can it be to smile like you’re not secretly plotting to run away?
Bonus points if you manage to make everyone stand still without anyone trying to escape (looking at you, Uncle Bob, who always claims he has “somewhere to be”).
Walking Together (aka The Family That Tries to Look Casual But Really Isn’t)
Let’s be honest: “walking together” is just an excuse to get your family to act like they’re on a leisurely stroll while trying not to look like they’re about to trip over their own feet. This pose is meant to look candid, but you’re really just trying not to fall flat on your face while pretending to have fun. You know, like a family in a Hallmark movie. In reality, there’s always that one kid who trips over a twig and says, “I’m not walking anymore!” But hey, at least you’re getting the shot, right?
Also, props to whoever manages to walk in a straight line without stepping on someone’s foot. It’s harder than it sounds.
The “Piggyback Ride” Pose: No One Can Say No to This
Ah, the piggyback ride pose—a classic. It’s fun, it’s playful, and it’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing (or crying, depending on who’s getting the piggyback ride). Parents, this is your moment to channel your inner superhero, even if you’re secretly questioning your life choices after the 15th “I need to go to the bathroom” request while carrying a child. But the best part? It’s hilarious, and those photos of your kids laughing or holding on for dear life are priceless. Plus, your toddler will probably giggle, and your teenager will definitely roll their eyes, but at least everyone is together, and that’s what matters!
Just don’t let anyone fall off, or you’ll be dealing with a family member who insists they’re “too old for this nonsense.”
Candid Laughter: AKA The “We Pretend We’re Having Fun” Moment
A family that laughs together stays together… or at least that’s what they tell us. Getting a genuine laugh in a photo is harder than it looks. Especially when your dad is “trying too hard” to be funny and ends up making the most awkward joke about “ducking” while everyone else is wondering why they agreed to this in the first place. But, don’t worry—laughter is contagious, and the second you start genuinely laughing, the whole family will follow suit. Or at least, that’s the hope.
If you can manage to get a shot where everyone looks like they’re truly enjoying the moment (and not just because you bribed them with ice cream afterward), you’re basically a photography wizard. Just hope someone doesn’t snort-laugh and ruin the whole thing.
The “Individual Portraits” Because We’re All Unique Snowflakes
Sure, family portraits are great and all, but sometimes it’s nice to focus on individual shots. After all, each family member is a special snowflake, right? Your son might be obsessed with Minecraft, your daughter might be sporting her 7th unicorn-themed shirt of the week, and Aunt Carol might still think it’s 1993 and that shoulder pads are still a thing. So why not take the opportunity to capture the essence of each family member’s unique personality?
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should let your teenager stand there and pretend to be a model with the most unimpressed look they can muster. But hey, we all know it’s a rite of passage for teenagers to look like they’ve been forced into a hostage situation during family photos.
The Generational Pose: For When You Need to Show Off Your Entire Family Tree
This is the pose that makes your family look like the fancy, royal lineage you secretly know you are. It’s a group shot that includes multiple generations—grandparents, parents, kids, pets, the neighbors who’ve somehow become honorary family members, etc. In this pose, everyone will be trying to fit into the frame, and you’ll be wondering why it’s so difficult to get everyone to smile at the same time.
Don’t forget, Grandma will be wearing her best “I’m definitely not just here for the cookies” face, and your brother-in-law will be acting like he’s too cool to be in the photo. But it’s all worth it when you look back and see how much the family has grown. And yes, there will be at least one person who insists that their hand looks “awkward” in the shot, but we all know it’s fine. Everyone looks great.
Sitting on the Ground: Casual, Comfortable, and Unnecessarily Close
Let’s talk about the sitting on the ground pose. It’s cozy, it’s intimate, and it’s guaranteed to make you and your family way too close for comfort. If you have young children or pets, good luck keeping them from rolling off the blanket, crawling away, or—let’s be real—trying to eat it. But despite the mild chaos, this pose works wonders for getting everyone to look like they’re having the best time ever.
It’s like the “family cuddle,” but with way more kids trying to steal the last piece of pizza in the background. And, of course, one person will always end up sitting on someone else’s foot.
Side-by-Side: It’s Like You’re In a Band, But Worse
When you need a simple, classic family photo, the side-by-side pose is your go-to. Everyone lines up, and you all pretend you’re not awkwardly trying to figure out where to put your hands. Pro tip: Do not, under any circumstances, try to make your dog stand in this pose unless you want it to look like a circus act. At some point, someone will be looking at their phone, someone else will be pretending to act casual, and someone will definitely be flexing like they’re preparing for a bodybuilding competition.
But hey, it’s an easy pose, and that’s the beauty of it. You may look like you’re in a 90s boy band (minus the cool dance moves), but at least it’s a solid, stress-free shot.
Big Hug: All the Feels, Except When Someone Fakes It
Who doesn’t love a big family hug? It’s a picture-perfect moment, full of warmth and love. But let’s be real, there’s always one person in the hug who is pretending to enjoy it. You know the one. They’re standing stiffly, holding their arms awkwardly, and secretly wishing they were anywhere else. Meanwhile, the little ones are squeezing so hard it looks like they’re trying to break someone’s ribs.
But despite the stiff arms, this is the pose where the love and the laughter really shine through, even if you’re all one accidental headlock away from a family meltdown.
Playful Interaction: It’s Like a Normal Family, But With More Wrestling
For families who truly live life on the edge (or just love chaos), the “playful interaction” pose is where all the magic happens. Imagine kids running around, trying to jump on Dad, while Mom desperately attempts to wrangle them back into the frame. It’s a hot mess, and it’s probably going to end with someone getting a face full of grass. But guess what? These moments are often the most hilarious and genuine.
Nothing says “family” like a photo of everyone laughing (or crying) while chasing each other around the yard. Honestly, if you can get through this pose without a meltdown, you deserve a trophy.
Final Thoughts: Creating Timeless Family Memories (and Some Really Funny Ones)
Let’s face it: family photoshoots are a beautiful, hilarious, and often chaotic experience. But no matter how messy it gets, the memories you create with your loved ones are priceless. So, embrace the craziness, let your photographer work their magic, and above all, have fun with it!
Ready to Make Some Hilarious Family Memories?
Now that you’ve got a solid idea of how to get your family in gear for that next photoshoot, why not book a session and see how many of these ridiculous poses you can pull off? I promise I’ll make you look like a million bucks (even if your dog is doing an impromptu solo performance).
Fill out the form below or click here to schedule your photoshoot, and let’s make some memories that will have you laughing for years to come. ALSO, head over to my Pinterest profile to view more family poses.
