In this video, we take you behind the scenes of a fun and engaging family photo session with the Saxon family at the beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Here, we’ll provide you with some creative posing ideas for families, especially those with one child.
The Ideal Family Structure for Mini Sessions
There’s something incredibly special about photographing a family of three. It’s an arrangement that allows for a lot of creativity and intimate moments. The Saxons have been long-time clients, and it’s always a joy to photograph them. Haley, Ben, and their adorable baby Millie provided the perfect opportunity to showcase some simple yet effective posing techniques.
Our Posing System: Posing for Purpose
We utilize a system called “Posing for Purpose,” which simplifies the process into six core poses. This system starts with just two people, usually the parents, and introduces the child into the mix, making it easy to adapt the poses. For families with a young child, these poses are adjusted slightly to accommodate holding the child or positioning them in a way that highlights their interaction with the parents. If you’re interested in learning more, we offer a free workshop HERE that delves deeper into this method.
Posing Ideas for Families
- Classic Family Pose
- Begin with the parents seated and the child either in their lap or standing between them. This creates a warm and intimate setting. Have the parents wrap their arms around each other or around the child to show a close family bond.
- The Airplane
- Have one parent lift the child and “fly” them like an airplane towards the other parent. This playful pose brings out genuine smiles and laughter, capturing the joy and energy of the family.
- Kisses and Cuddles
- Ask the parents to shower the child with kisses on the cheek. This not only brings out the child’s giggles but also captures the affection and love within the family.
- Walking Together
- Have the family walk hand in hand towards the camera. This natural movement can create dynamic shots that feel candid and relaxed.
- Shoulder Rides
- A great way to incorporate fun and height variation in the photos. Have the child sit on one parent’s shoulders while the other parent interacts with them. This pose is especially effective for children who enjoy being lifted high.
- Peek-a-Boo
- Use a tree or other large object for the parents to hide behind and play peek-a-boo with the child. This game brings out natural smiles and laughter, resulting in candid and joyful photos.
Tips for a Successful Session
- Engage the Child: Keep the child’s attention by using toys, making funny faces, or playing their favorite songs. The more engaged the child is, the more natural and happy the photos will be.
- Be Patient: Young children can be unpredictable. Be patient and ready to capture spontaneous moments.
- Keep It Light: Maintain a playful atmosphere. Families will feed off your energy, and a relaxed environment will lead to better photos.
Posing Ideas
We hope these posing ideas for families with one child inspire you for your next family photo session. Capturing the unique dynamics and love within a family of three can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t forget to check out our free posing workshop HERE for more in-depth techniques and tips. Happy shooting!