Why Posing Isn’t a Dirty Word
As a family and newborn lifestyle photographer who is known for joyful “candid” images, I often hear from people that they booked me because my work isn’t posed.
Well, my friends, I have a secret. It totally is!
For non-professionals, “lifestyle photography” is often confused with what photographers call documentary photography—completely unposed, letting moments unfold naturally with zero interference. Which is amazing! If you love that raw, unfiltered vibe, you do you!
However, lifestyle photography is just that—your life, styled.
If you haven’t had a session with me yet, you might think, Oh my gosh, I love that her work isn’t posed! because of how natural it looks. But let me tell you—I am directing you constantly.
Why Posing Is Key (Even When It Doesn’t Look Like It)
Most adults feel at least a little awkward in front of a camera. They don’t know where to put their hands, how to stand, or how to interact naturally while also looking good. Kids? They’re usually the opposite—completely unaware of the camera, bouncing off the walls with excitement, or maybe feeling a little shy and slow to warm up.
That’s where posing comes in.
But posing isn’t a dirty word. In fact, how to pose for photos is something I’ve mastered so that you don’t even have to think about it. I like to call it guiding instead of posing. Because while I will absolutely place you in a flattering position, I don’t leave you frozen in place—I give you fun prompts, play games with your kids, and create moments that feel authentic.
How to Pose for Photos Without Feeling Stiff
Even if you think you don’t like posing, here’s why it actually works:
It ensures connection. One of my biggest rules? No stiff hands! Your hands should always be engaged—holding your child’s tiny fingers, resting on your partner’s shoulder, or tucking a strand of hair behind your daughter’s ear. Little details like this make a photo feel warm and connected instead of stiff and awkward.
It keeps things from looking… weird. Ever seen a photo where someone doesn’t know what to do with their hands? Or a group shot where people are standing just a little too far apart? I make sure that doesn’t happen. Posing is how you get those natural, effortless images without actually having to think about it.
It makes sure everyone looks their best. I pay attention to everything—your angles, the light, the way the kids are snuggled in, the way your dress moves when you twirl your toddler. Every little adjustment I make is to ensure that you look incredible.
Making Posing Feel Natural
If you’ve ever wondered how to pose for photos without looking stiff, the key is a mix of structure and spontaneity. I’ll place you in a flattering pose, but from there, we keep things interactive. I’ll ask you to whisper something silly, give your child a tickle attack, or see who can make the baby laugh first.
And let’s be real—most families want at least one photo where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera. I know just the right moment to capture that classic shot, but I also know when to let the session unfold naturally, capturing those in-between giggles, cuddles, and moments of pure joy.
Trust the Process
I get it—when you hear “posing,” you might picture those awkward, stiff studio portraits from your childhood. But I promise, this isn’t that. Posing is simply the foundation that allows natural, joyful moments to happen.
So if you’ve ever worried about how to pose for photos, don’t stress—I’ve got you. You just focus on loving your people, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to book a session and see for yourself? Let’s make some magic together!
P.S. The session featured in this post? It’s my MOST posed type of session, the mini session! While longer signature sessions allow for more candid and in-between moments, minis are jam packed from start to finish, with a focus on getting all of the combinations of your family, so they are much more posed and structured. Which means every single photo in this post started with a pose!