8 Techniques I Use to Capture Authentic Family Moments | Salt Lake City Family Photographer

vanessa51606
Oct 7
2 min read

When families step in front of my camera, my goal isn’t to create stiff, posed portraits. It’s to capture the real connection, laughter, and love that make your family unique. Over the years, I’ve developed techniques that help families feel comfortable so those genuine moments can shine.

Here are eight ways I create authentic family photos:

1. Incorporate Play and Movement

Play is the secret sauce of family sessions! Whether it’s a game of tag, dancing in your living room, or a tickle fight on the couch, movement helps everyone loosen up and forget about the camera. That’s when the magic happens.

2. Build a Connection Before the Session

I always start by getting to know your family before we meet. Using my questionnaire and pre-session consultation, I want to learn what makes your kids giggle, what activities you love, and how you connect best. This builds trust and makes everyone feel at ease when the camera comes out.

3. Observe More, Direct Less

I guide gently, but I don’t over-direct. I step back and let your family’s natural rhythm unfold. By observing more than I direct, I’m able to capture the relationships, personalities, and love that make your family one-of-a-kind.

4. Capture the In-Between Moments

Sometimes the best photos happen when no one thinks they’re being photographed—walking hand-in-hand between spots, adjusting a kiddo’s sweater, or sharing a quick laugh. These tiny in-between moments are often the most meaningful.

5. Focus on Emotions, Not Perfection

I’m not aiming for flawless smiles or stiff poses. Instead, I look for hugs, giggles, and quiet in-between moments. Those raw emotions tell your story far better than any “perfect” picture could.

6. Choose a Setting That Feels Like You

Families are most comfortable in places that matter to them—your home, a favorite park, or a cozy spot where you naturally spend time together. When the location feels familiar, genuine interactions flow naturally.

7. Give Simple Prompts Instead of Poses

Rather than instructing everyone to “stand still and smile,” I use gentle prompts like, “Whisper something silly in your sister’s ear,” or, “Hold hands and walk toward me.” Prompts create space for natural reactions and authentic laughter.

8. Capture Close-Ups and Details

It’s not just about the big, sweeping family shots. Some of the most meaningful images come from the little details—the way your toddler’s hand fits inside yours, the curl of baby hair at the nape of the neck, or the wrinkled smile lines of a grandparent. These close-ups add intimacy to your gallery and highlight the small, fleeting details that often go unnoticed in everyday life. Years from now, you’ll treasure them most.