You know that moment right before someone snaps a photo and you suddenly forget what to do with your hands? Or how to smile like a human? Yeah… you’re not the only one.
Hi, Emily here from Emmy & Ollie Photography, and if awkwardness in front of the camera had a fan club, pretty much every parent I work with would be in it. It’s 100% normal to feel a little (or a lot) unsure when you’re being photographed. Maybe you’ve had a stiff, weird session before. Maybe you’re worried your kid won’t stay still for a single second. Or maybe you’re just plain uncomfortable being the center of attention. Whatever it is, I see you.
And better yet? I’ve got your back with a relaxed, goofball-approved approach to family photography that makes space for silly, messy, beautiful you.
Real Talk: Most People Feel Awkward at First
Let’s get this out there: nearly every family that steps in front of my camera has one moment where they look at me like, “So… what should we be doing right now?” That’s totally okay. That’s why I never expect anyone to come in knowing how to pose.
Take one of my recent sessions, for example. I had a sweet family show up and the first thing they said was, “We’re kind of awkward in front of the camera, just so you know.” Challenge accepted! I busted out my Shake-It-Out dance (yes, we literally shake our arms and wiggle like jellyfish), gave everyone time to breathe, and we started chatting, not posing. Little by little, they loosened up. I cracked a few jokes, showed them how to shake out that stiff “camera smile,” and before long? We were just hanging out with my camera snapping away like a fly on the wall. The photos? Absolutely full of life, real love, and belly laughs.
How I Help You Feel Natural (Even If You’re Not a Professional Wiggle-Dancer)
Every family session I shoot, whether it’s in a cozy home in Ann Arbor or out chasing golden light in a field near Chelsea, is designed to help you feel comfortable and genuinely yourself.
Here’s how I make it happen…
1. I Prompt, Not Pose
I’m not a big fan of traditional “posing.” You won’t hear me say, “Tilt your chin 45 degrees and hold that smile!” Instead, I guide you with prompts like:
- “Can everyone snuggle in like you’re watching your favorite movie together?”
- “Walk toward me and pretend you’re going to a dessert buffet. Ok go!”
- “Everyone make the silliest face you can think of right now!”
These scenarios aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about drawing out the giggles, movement, and tiny in-between moments you really want to remember.
2. Shake It Out
Seriously, this is my best hands-down posing secret. If you start to feel stiff or stuck, I’ll ask you to shake your hands, hips, toes… whatever’s got tension. That tiny physical release melts away the nervous energy. Right when you’re resetting? That’s often when I click the shutter. There’s magic in those seconds we forget to overthink.
3. Keep It Moving
Most of our session is filled with motion. Whether we’re walking trails, playing a game, or snuggling on the couch, we’re doing something. No standing in awkward silence, I promise. If we do pause to look at the camera (I get it, grandma wants one for the fridge), I’ll gently guide you into a natural-feeling position. But even then, I’m more likely to say “Hey, whisper your favorite pizza topping in mom’s ear” than “Hold this stiff pose for 30 seconds.”
4. Distract the Camera-Shy (Especially the Little Ones)
Some kids are a little nervous to see me with a camera in hand. That’s totally okay! I crouch down to their level, show them my camera, and sometimes even let them take MY picture. Once they feel included (and we’ve played a little game or two), they often forget I’m even there.
And yes, if you’ve got a wild one who can’t sit still or a little love with sensory needs, they are exactly the kind of kid I love to photograph. My background as a camp counselor and nanny (and a mom to two) gave me all the tricks for turning nervous energy into joyful photos.
5. Let’s Keep It Real, Not Perfect
Holding a toddler’s Cheerio cup in one photo or laughing in an almost-blinking moment? That’s the good stuff. I believe every season, every body, and every face deserves to be seen with love. I’m here to help you celebrate exactly where you are, not to freeze you in some picture-perfect version of yourself you don’t even recognize.
Why This Actually Matters
Here’s the thing. Your photos aren’t just about what you look like. They’re about how you felt. If you walk away from our session saying, “Wow, that was actually fun,” then I’ve done my job.
The goal isn’t some Pinterest-worthy lineup of magazine poses, it’s remembering how much you love your kid’s deep belly laugh, or how your partner’s hand always finds yours when no one’s looking.
If you’ve been putting off family photos because you were worried you’d feel awkward, I hope this helped you take a deep breath. You don’t have to be polished or perfect to have beautiful keepsakes. You just have to show up as your real, incredible self.
Ready to Loosen Up and Love Your Photos?
Whether you’re looking for a low-pressure outdoor Ann Arbor family photography session or dreaming up a playful in-home shoot, I’d love to help you feel at ease in front of the camera.
If you’re still nervous or unsure where to start, reach out and let’s chat about what a relaxed, silly, meaningful session with me actually looks like. (And if nothing else, I promise you a decent laugh and zero fake smiles)
Life’s too short not to enjoy your photoshoot, don’t you think?
