(These 5 prompts work even when kids are melting down and Dad wants to go home.)

If the word “posing” makes you roll your eyes a little, you’re not alone. I’m all about photos that feel relaxed and real, not stiff, forced smiles that make everyone look like they’d rather be anywhere else.

The families we photograph aren’t models. They’re regular people who just want great photos without feeling awkward or overly directed. And while they may walk into a session saying, “We’re super chill, we don’t need much help,” the second you raise your camera, they’ll look at you like, “What do we do with our hands?”

That’s where prompts come in. Not rigid, Pinterest-perfect poses, but simple actions that work with real families and real energy. Below are my 5 go-to prompts that I use at nearly every family session. They’re fast, easy to remember, and designed to work even when toddlers are running wild and parents are stressed.

1. Snuggle on the baby

This is my ride-or-die prompt. It’s simple and it always works. I tell everyone to just crowd around the baby and “snuggle in like you’re obsessed.” It brings everyone physically close, softens their expressions, and instantly makes the shot feel intimate and loving. Works with newborns, toddlers, or even the baby of the family who’s five and still ruling the house.

2. The Lion King

Millennial parents eat this one up. I have both parents stand back to back, each holding one kid, and on the count of three, lift them up high like a dramatic Simba reveal. It creates movement, laughter, and legit joy. You’ll usually get a fun action shot, followed by the best real smiles when the kids come back down.

3. Swing the kiddo by the arms

Toddlers who want to bolt mid-session? This is your move. Have both parents hold a kid’s hands and swing them forward and back toward the camera. It distracts the runner, gets genuine smiles, and buys you time to capture the in-between moments.

4. Superman

Ideal for that 12 to 24 month age range when they’re heavy enough to swoop with solid neck control but not old enough to be too heavy. Each parent holds the child horizontally, like they’re flying through the air, and you direct them to “swoop the baby toward me.” This gives you a fun variety of angles and adds some whimsy to the gallery.

Pro tip: tell the parents to keep smiling even while their arms are dying.

5. Tickle attack

A classic, and for good reason. Nothing cuts the tension like a spontaneous tickle. Ask the parents to sneak in a surprise tickle or say “who’s the tickle monster” and let the chaos happen. I use this one when energy is low or I need a reset during the session. Works every time.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need 37 Pinterest boards or a pose flow chart to create beautiful, connected family photos. You just need a few solid prompts, a calm presence, and the confidence to lead your clients with warmth and clarity.

Want more plug-and-play prompts like these? My Lifestyle Posing Course is full of real-world examples, full session breakdowns, and easy guidance that helps you direct families without ever sounding robotic or awkward.