My schedule is usually full with families wanting to get beautiful family photos at the beach. Families with multiple kids are always so fun to photograph. I love their energy and how excited the kids get with the ocean sounds, waves, and finding seashells. That said, I know this can be a challenge for parents. Especially when you just want to get the coastal beach photos you were hoping for.
How every family session starts
This recent family session began the same way I begin all my sessions, with a family portrait. I positioned everyone on the beach with a beautiful palm tree background. Then, I waited for them to move within that pose and glance at each other. That’s what helps loosen up each family member. I like to let families “fall apart” a bit once they start in a pose. I call this unposing. By having them move and show their own love and personality within that starting point, the natural photos create themselves.
Yes, you’ll get photos with Mom too
Photos with mom always happen, because I’m a mom too. I know we’re always the ones behind the camera, snapping away and trying to get the kids to smile. Once we get the classic family images I need, I start the process of capturing candid family photos. So many families have hired me for these over the years!
Why kids get distracted by the ocean (and why that’s a good thing)
Most children love the ocean and are mesmerized by the waves and splashing water. We set them down in the biggest sensory environment you can imagine, like a giant sandbox. They want to run, splash, and squish sand between their hands and toes. This is exactly what kids are supposed to do. And this is where the parents come in.
How parents can help
I let the kids know we’re going to play and have fun, but that’s really your cue as the parent to engage with them and help make it fun. Keep it light, keep it easy, and try to avoid telling them what to do. Instead, follow their lead and ask them what they’d like to do next. Additionally, give them a choice, and you might be surprised by their answer and the images we get as a result.
For example:
“Would you like mommy to carry you in her arms and spin you around safely?”
“Would you like to do a fun little walk in the sand with me while I hold your hand?”
Anything that keeps them curious and actively participating with you as the parent works.
The secret to natural, unposed family photos
When parents keep their attention on their kids — not on me or my camera — the kids feel heard, acknowledged, and cared for. That’s when these family photos start to show up like magic. The kids run to their parents for a quick hug, as if to say thank you, this is fun, let’s keep going! Natural, genuine laughter and smiles begins to happen. And then, I can step back and observe it all from afar while I’m snapping away. This way, you can stay connected to your family.
That’s it. The entire secret to getting natural, unposed family photos is simply actively listening to your kids and asking them what they want to do. The images come when I can step back and let you just be with your family. That way, I can capture the photos you see on my website. Almost none of them were posed or guided. In fact, I was simply there at the right time to take them.
Ready to take your family photos?
If this feels like the kind of candid, natural family photography you’ve been picturing for your own family, I would love to spend a golden hour on the beach with you. I only take on a handful of sessions each month. So if a Laguna Beach family session is on your heart for this season, I’d love to hear from you. Book your session online or reach out and tell me about your family. I can’t wait to help you capture the real thing.
