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How to Take Beautiful Candid Family Photos (and Avoid Meltdowns in the Process)

Monday, November 10, 2025 | By: Animal House Photography

Two children walk hand in hand on a grassy path surrounded by trees.

If you're like me, your favorite family pictures are unposed and natural. I love photos that show real connections and the unique personalities that make each family special.

But here's the question: how are people getting these laughing, playful photos? How do you get your kids - big or little - to enjoy your session without meltdowns and fighting?

I'm here to answer that question. Beautiful candid family photos are right around the corner! 

Family holding hands, walking in a sunny, grassy field with trees in the background.

Choose the Right Photographer

Choosing a photographer whose vision matches yours is the first step. Make sure the person you choose has a portfolio of photos that look like what you want; you don't want to hire someone who specializes in studio portraits if what you want is candid outdoor shots.

A photographer should also put you at ease. You should feel comfortable knowing that they have the experience and skill to get what they need while you enjoy your family.

Practical Tip:

Check out the photographer's Instagram

A woman twirls a girl in a field while her daughter holds a child and the sun sets behind them. They are surrounded by trees.
A family in casual attire sits and stands near a rustic wooden structure in an outdoor setting.
A family stands together outdoors; two adults, a child on shoulders, rustic wooden building in background.
Family of five smiling together outdoors on a grassy field with trees in the background.

Wear Cute AND Comfy Clothes

I know starched collars and lace can be incredibly cute, but if you or your little ones are uncomfortable, it will show up in your photos. Your photographer will work with you to choose a wardrobe with good color and texture; your job is to make sure you are comfortable. 

This includes, maybe especially, your shoes. Make sure your footwear is appropriate for whatever setting you have chosen. Don't wear heels to take photos in a field, for example. Just as with your clothes, make sure your family's shoes are as comfy as possible.

Practical Tip:

Make sure your kids' shoes fit; those little feet grow fast!

Child hugging a woman wearing a floral dress in a sunlit field.
Two children in casual clothing sit on a blue fence, watching chickens in a rural setting.

You Set the Tone

Your family will follow your lead. If you are stressed and tense, that will especially translate to your kids. Decide ahead of time that you will roll with the punches so that when something goes wrong, you can take a breath and recover.

Practical Tip:

Have a (very casual) conversation with your family about what to expect.

Woman in floral dress hugging a child with curly hair, standing outdoors in a grassy area.
Woman and child holding hands in a grassy area with white chickens in the background.

Playfulness is Key

Don't be afraid to play! No matter the ages of your family, play is a surefire way to bring out the smiles.

If it's just you and your spouse, playing and teasing will show your unique relationship.

If you have older kids, seeing you play will at least get you an eye roll and a reluctant smile.

With young children, play is their love language. They will shine if you show that you are interested in them and are enjoying your time together.

In any case, playfulness is a great way to bring out beautiful candid moments.

Practical Tip:

Think of a few games ahead of time (red light/green light, hand clapping games, etc.) that might help bring your kiddos out of their shells.

A father and his four children standing together in a grassy field at sunset, with warm light and trees in the background.
Family standing in a grassy field with hills behind them; child joyfully running nearby under a partly cloudy sky.
Children smiling on a swing, with a couple standing in the background in a grassy field.
Children on a swing in a park, with trees in the background and a woman standing nearby.
Child smiling while being held, wearing a white and black striped sweater and green pants.

Let Personalities Shine

Some people don't smile much. Maybe they are shy or maybe they are uncomfortable in front of the camera, but they aren't going to naturally cheese it up for family photos. Of course other folks are effervescent and delighted to be photographed.

Either way, it's important to let these personalities shine. If your spouse or child is shy, let them be shy! Be gentle and help them feel comfortable in the moment. If you have a kid who wants to make silly faces, make it into a game together. The more relaxed you are, the more your family will be themselves and take beautiful pictures.

Practical Tip:

The more you tell your kids to smile, the less natural those smiles will look. Instead, relax and let them do what feels natural (within reason, obviously).

A father and daughter sitting together, the man with a red shirt and mustache, the daughter with short hair and a light sweater, smiling.
Young girl in a light blue dress smiling, sitting indoors on a textured surface.

Remember the Goal

You are here to capture your family as you are. You want to remember the personalities, the special connections, and the little quirks that make you and your family unique. While that silly face your kid makes is maybe not what you visualized, it does show who that kid is today, right now. 

Later on, you will look back at these photos with delight at the memories they conjure of this season.

Practical Tip:

Spend some time thinking about what unique traits you enjoy about each of your family members. Maybe even make this a family activity to do together.

A family of five stands in a field under a large tree with a scenic view and cloudy sky in the background.
Family posing joyfully in an open field, with a child on a man's shoulders and a beautiful sky in the background.

Enjoy It

These days are special. Enjoying your family photo session can be a part of savoring moments together, and with that mindset your photos will come back absolutely beautiful.
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