When families start looking for natural family photography in Perth, one of the first worries I hear is, “What if we’re awkward in front of the camera?” Let’s be honest. The idea of getting in front of the camera as a whole family can feel downright awkward.
Maybe you’re imagining stiff smiles, clingy toddlers, or your partner giving you that “why are we doing this again?” look. You might be thinking, “But what if we’re just not photogenic?” or “I never know what to do with my hands.”
You are not alone. I promise. Every family I photograph, even the ones who look effortlessly natural in their gallery, starts with the same nervous laugh and a quiet disclaimer like, “We’re really not photo people.” And every single time, those nerves melt away once the games begin, the cuddles start, and we focus on connection over perfection.
Let’s talk about how to turn that initial awkwardness into something real and joy-filled.
Natural Family Photography in Perth: Normalising the Nerves
If you’ve ever felt uneasy about family photos, you are 100% in the right place. So many mums tell me they feel more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. The kids might have never met a photographer before. Your partner might need a little convincing. That’s all completely normal.
That’s why I structure sessions in a way that prioritises comfort and authenticity from the get-go. We start with a walking shot – no one has to look at the camera or even think about it. It’s just a stroll together, and in those first few minutes, the tension starts to ease. I watch for the little moments, a sibling hand-hold, a wind-blown laugh, a dog sneaking into the frame. That’s when the magic begins.
I’m not here to direct every move or ask you to strike stiff poses. This is about connection, not choreography.
Posing… But Not Really. Natural Posing Tips for Perth Family Photography
Connection over perfection
Years ago, I thought a perfect posed photo was the goal, everyone smiling at the lens in a neat little row. And while that classic portrait still has its place in your gallery, it’s not the part I love most.
What lights me up is capturing your family’s real energy – the way your daughter leans into you when she’s tired, or how your partner gently squeezes your hand without even meaning to. That’s what I aim for.
Instead of forcing poses, I use gentle prompts and playful activities to help you focus on each other. Some examples are:
- Walking hand-in-hand along the beach or through the bush
- Whispering something funny in your child’s ear (cue giggles)
- Spinning your toddler around while they squeal with joy
- Sharing a snack on a picnic rug (yes, even messy crackers are welcome!)
These aren’t “poses” in the traditional sense. They’re moments of movement that give your body something to do while your heart takes the lead.
Help for your hands (yes, even if they’re holding a snack cup)
One of the most common things I hear is, “I just don’t know what to do with my hands!” It’s completely understandable. If you’re holding your little one, adjusting their outfit, or keeping the dog from legging it, your hands will be busy – and that’s beautiful.
For everyone else, I set up small actions to help. Hug your kids, hold your partner’s hand, gently brush the hair out of someone’s eyes. These mini-movements keep photos natural (and avoid those dreaded stiff arms).
You are not being judged (and your kids don’t care)
Let me gently remind you: your kids don’t care how much weight you’ve lost, if your outfit is Pinterest-perfect, or whether your hair is doing “the thing again.”
They care if you’re present: cuddling, smiling, looking at them like they’re your whole world. And to help you feel your best, here’s a little tip: take a minute to plan. Maybe get your hair and makeup done and wear something that makes you feel good. You don’t have to go all out, but a little boost to your confidence will shine through.
Why It’s Worth Pushing Through the Awkward
The thing about awkwardness is that it almost always fades. Kids warm up (especially once the giggles start), and so do grownups. What stays behind isn’t the awkwardness – it’s the memory of laughing as a family, of twirling through dunes at sunset, of wrapping your tiny baby in your arms and letting time pause for just a while.
Your gallery won’t just show what your family looks like. It will show how it feels to be you, together.
Natural Family Photography Perth: Let’s Make it Easy (and Actually Fun!)
I do things differently here at Eileen Devereux Photography. There’s no pressure to “get it right.” All you need to do is show up with the people you love. I help guide the rest.
If the idea of a full session still feels daunting, let’s start with a relaxed sunset shoot in one of my favourite northern Perth spots – from the bush trails near Wanneroo to the breezy coastline close to Hillarys. We’ll go slow, keep it fun, and capture the kind of photos that feel like a Saturday afternoon, not a magazine cover.
Because here’s the truth I want every mum to hold on to: being in the photo isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. You belong in your family’s memories – snack cup, unbrushed hair, and all.
Ready to be seen (and not just behind the camera)?
If you’ve been putting off family photos because you’re worried it’ll feel awkward or forced, I’d love to show you how relaxed and natural it can be. Real connection is what I’m here to capture.
Reach out through my contact page or browse through past galleries to see what a session really feels like. I’m based in Perth’s northern suburbs and photograph families across Joondalup, Wanneroo, Currambine, Hillarys, and beyond.
Let’s help you step into the frame – exactly as you are.
