There are a lot of ways to achieve natural looking family portraits.  Here are 10 of my go to pose prompts.

1.  Look at mom and tell her you love her sooooo much.  Or tell her a really important secret.

2.  Forehead to forehead or nose to nose.  It's all about getting super close. 

3.  Walk hand in hand but close the gaps in between while you do it.  

4.  Everyone warm and cozy under the blanket.  Family members have to get real close to one another which prompts immediate snuggling.

5.  Play peekaboo

6.  Twirl.  Can be used for little girls with a pretty dress or moms in a gorgeous flowy dress.  

7.  Feel the sand, water or leaves or anything else that is fun to play with.  Doing this keeps the kids from feeling pressured into doing something they don't want to do.

8.  Show me the biggest hug ever! 

9.  Kiss.  It's just so sweet!

10.  Tickles.  This one always gets the giggles going.

And a bonus tip, The 2-hand handhold.  Mom holds dad's hand with both of her hands.  Dad can be holding their little one or it's also perfect for a photo of the parents alone!

The main rule is just to have fun and explore.  If your family went to the park one day without the photographer, what would you do?  What would the kids want to do?  Just interact with them like you would normally do and you'll get the best, most natural pictures.

Jonathan

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