Because sometimes the kids are melting down, someone is ready to go home, and your clients suddenly forget how to be human in front of a camera.
Most photographers didn’t get into this industry because they love posing. And for family photographers especially, overly stiff or overly staged direction can suck the life right out of a session.
The families we photograph are real people, not professional models. They want to look like themselves, which means happy, connected, and relaxed. But even the most easygoing parents often freeze the moment the camera comes up, asking, “What do we do now?”
That’s where prompts come in. Not rigid poses, but natural actions that get families moving, interacting, and showing real emotion. These are the five prompts I return to again and again in my own work as a full-time family photographer. They’re simple, effective, and work even when the energy is a little chaotic.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or newer to family photography, these prompts will help you direct sessions with confidence and keep the experience light, fun, and authentic.
Snuggle Around the Baby
This one works every time. I ask the whole family to crowd in close and “snuggle the baby like you’re obsessed.” The result is instant warmth. Everyone softens, their heads naturally lean together, and the image feels intimate and connected. It works with brand-new newborns or the “baby” of the family who’s five and still stealing the spotlight.
The “Lion King” Lift
If your clients are millennial parents, this one’s always a hit. Have both parents stand back to back, each holding one child. Then count down: “One, two, three, go!” and have them lift their kids high overhead for a playful, joy-filled moment. You’ll usually catch genuine laughter mid-action and sweet smiles once the kids are back down.
Arm Swings for Toddlers
For the little runners who don’t want to stay still, this is your go-to. Ask each parent to take a child’s hand and swing them forward and back together. It keeps the toddler engaged, makes them feel like the session is a game, and gives you several chances to capture big grins and natural connection.
Superman Fly
Best for kids in that sturdy 12-to-24-month stage. Have both parents hold the child horizontally between them, and cue them to “swoop the baby toward me like they’re flying.” It adds motion and fun to your gallery, plus gives you a variety of creative angles to work with. Just remind the parents to keep smiling even when their arms start to burn.
The Classic Tickle Attack
There’s a reason this one has stood the test of time. Nothing lightens the mood or re-engages a distracted family like a spontaneous tickle moment. Ask one parent to sneak in a tickle or prompt with, “Who’s the tickle monster?” Let the chaos unfold. It works especially well as a reset during slower moments or at the end of a session.
You don’t need a dozen Pinterest boards or a memorized posing workflow to create beautiful, heartfelt family photos. You just need a few solid prompts, a calm presence, and the ability to gently lead your clients toward natural connection and remain flexible as the session unfolds.
Simple cues like these build trust with families, reduce awkwardness, and make the session feel more like play than performance. That’s what turns first-time clients into repeat clients.
Looking for more plug-and-play prompts and full session examples? My lifestyle posing course is packed with real-world strategies to help photographers direct families with ease, even when things don’t go as planned.
Words and Photos by Katie Emanuelson
Contributor
