Family photoshoots can feel like herding cats. Between dodging fake smiles, figuring out what to do with your hands, and making sure everyone’s in the frame with their eyes open, it’s easy to lose the fun part. But here’s the thing - photos don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

One of my favorite sessions involved a family with adult and teenage kids. No poses, no polished Pinterest boards. Just real moments, some truly questionable skipping, and a whole lot of laughter. And you know what? That awkward, slightly ridiculous “skip while holding hands” moment? That’s the one everyone loved the most.

If you’re looking for family photos that actually feel like your family, these easy, no-pressure tips are for you.

Let’s Be Honest: “Perfect” is Overrated

If you’ve ever searched for candid family portraits or tried to look natural in a photo only to freeze up once the lens flips toward you… you’re not alone.

I work with families who want to look back on photos and see their real selves - not a stiff version of everyone dressed up and holding their breath. The goal? To create space where you can simply be. No awkward poses. No need to “perform.” Just you, being together, in a way that feels natural.

Take it from that teen-filled session I mentioned - the best moments happened when we let things get a little messy and didn’t take ourselves too seriously.

How to Actually Capture Real, Honest Moments

Ready to ditch forced smiles and make space for something beautiful? Here are 6 ways to create relaxed, real images that feel like your family.

1. Skip Perfect Posing

Seriously, no one needs to stand at a 45-degree angle smiling into the sun. I don’t work with pose charts - I work with personalities.

Black and white candid portrait of a family standing close together outdoors, laughing and hugging in a genuine moment of connection

I’ll guide you in a relaxed way, but mostly I watch and listen while you interact like yourselves.
Expect me to prompt you with silly or slightly awkward things to pull out real emotion - the giggles and eye-rolls are gold.

Feel weird? That’s part of the magic.

2. Let Movement In

Stillness is overrated. I want you to move through your time together.

Walk, play, dance, skip (yep, even if it feels goofy).
Little bursts of movement loosen everyone up and often spark that authentic joy or connection we’re chasing.

“Family walking together across a grassy park while a young child runs ahead smiling, holding a stuffed toy during a candid moment.”

The more you move, the more you relax. And the more you relax, the more beautiful your images feel.

3. Embrace the Chaos (I do!)

Let me be the chaos coordinator. You don’t need to manage anyone’s hair, mood, or level of patience - you’ve done enough already.

Four sisters laughing together while sitting on white tiered steps near a large window, captured in a natural light, candid moment

Let the toddler run wild.
Let your teens poke fun at each other.
Let go of keeping it “together.”

I’ve worked through every silly family dynamic you can think of - and those are usually the ones that result in the most meaningful photos.

4. Trust the Pause

Sometimes the most real moments happen in the quiet.

I’ll never rush you, and if something starts to feel stiff, we’ll reset with a quick conversation or breath.
I often ask open-ended questions so you’re naturally engaged instead of “camera aware.”

Real connection doesn’t need direction. It just needs comfort and time.

5. Dress for Comfort and Confidence

Yes, you want to look good - but not in clothes that make you feel like someone else.

Choose outfits that reflect your everyday vibe, not your once-a-year fancy dinner self.
Think: moveable, breathable, and true to who you are.

If your jeans and hoodie are your confidence uniform? Rock them. If you love a vibey dress with boots? Do that. I’m here for whatever version of you shows up fully and feels good.

6. Remember: This Is Supposed to Be Fun

I wish more families knew this walking in - it’s not a performance, it’s a hangout. You’re allowed to laugh, play, joke, and even eye-roll a little.

Candid photo of a family walking side by side across a downtown Oklahoma City crosswalk, sharing conversation and natural interaction.

When you give yourself permission to enjoy the moment instead of chasing a picture of perfection, that’s when the real magic happens.

It’s Not About the Photos (Wait, What?)

Okay, yes, technically this is a photoshoot. But at its heart, it’s something bigger.

It’s about freezing the micro-moments - half-smiles, inside jokes, sibling side-eyes, quiet hand squeezes. It’s about remembering who you were at this stage, together. Right now.

And it’s about letting someone else hold the camera so you can actually be in the moment for once.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to look picture-perfect, I just want to remember how this felt” - then we speak the same language.

Let’s Make Space for the Good Stuff

If this all sounds like your kind of energy - relaxed, real, no-pressure photography - I’d love to meet you. Whether your kids are chaotic toddlers or grown adults who still tease you for group hugs, we’ll create something honest and worth remembering.

Check out lindsebarksphotos.com to see more family sessions like these, or DM me to chat about what you have in mind.

No fake smiles required. Just show up, be you, and I’ll take it from there.

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