How to get family photos you actually love (even if you feel awkward in front of the camera)
- Meliza Orellana
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 14
If the thought of being in front of a camera makes you freeze up, you’re not alone.
I photograph dozens of families every year, and almost everyone starts out saying, “We’re so awkward in photos.”
The good news? You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or how to “pose.” You just need a few simple mindset shifts to relax and actually enjoy the experience.
Don’t Aim for Perfect
Your favourite photos won’t be the ones where everyone’s standing in a perfect line. They’ll be the ones where your toddler is laughing, your partner’s trying not to blink, and you’re smiling for real (not for the camera.)
When you stop worrying about perfect smiles and just be together, the photos naturally reflect your connection.
Keep Moving
Movement instantly makes photos feel natural. Fixing your child’s sleeve, walking together, or twirling them in the air, all those little moments bring genuine emotion and life into the frame.The best part? You don’t even have to think about it. I’ll guide you with easy prompts so you can focus on your family, not the lens.
Pause and Breathe
Take a breath. Relax. It sounds simple, but that tiny pause helps you relax, which translates beautifully in photos.
Trust Your Photographer (That’s Me 😉)
I know being in front of the camera can feel vulnerable (especially if you’re used to being behind it). My job is to make sure you feel comfortable, guided, and seen.
You don’t have to perform; you just have to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.
Let the kids lead
You'd be surprised to see what ideas kids have for photos. Some of the best photos happen when you stop trying to get the “perfect” shot and just let the kids take charge. When they’re allowed to explore, run, or show me their favorite toy, the tension disappears and their real personalities show up. I’ll follow their lead and capture those tiny in-between moments that feel like your family, not a Pinterest board.
Don't Over-Prep the Kids
You don’t need a pre-photo pep talk or a list of “smile nicely” reminders. Kids feel our energy, if you’re calm, they’ll relax too.
Instead of focusing on getting them to cooperate, focus on making it fun. Silly noises, tickles, or a quick snack break go a long way.
Think Connection Over Composition
It’s easy to get caught up in how everyone looks (outfits, hair, poses) but what actually makes a photo timeless is connection.
When you focus on the way you hold your child’s hand, laugh together, or simply look at each other, the rest takes care of itself. My job is to frame that connection beautifully, your job is just to feel it.
Final Thoughts
The secret to loving your photos isn’t about angles, posing, or Pinterest boards, it’s about letting go a little (or a lotta). When you do, what shows up in your photos is what matters most: the real you.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get in the frame this year, this is it. Winter family sessions are now open in The Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley. I'd love to meet you.
Outdoor Family Portraits in Abbotsford, BC
This Abbotsford family session took place on a quiet path surrounded by tall grass and golden light at Willband Creek Park in the late Summer.
We focused on simple, real moments: walking together, laughing, and letting the kids lead.
These are the photos families come back to again and again, the kind that feel like home every time you see them.
Interested in a relaxed outdoor session like this? Learn more about my family photography here →
I’m Meliza Orellana, a Vancouver family photographer specializing in relaxed, storytelling sessions that celebrate real connection. I help families create meaningful portraits that feel calm, natural, and true to who they are. Based in Maple Ridge and serving Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and beyond.
📸 Discover more about my approach →
Comments