As holiday card season approaches, Canadian families are preparing for annual photo sessions that often result in stiff poses and forced smiles. But professional photographers across the country are revealing the rules they intentionally break to capture more meaningful, authentic images of their own families.
The Problem with Perfection
According to professional photographers, the pursuit of perfect family photos often backfires. Norma Fayak of Norma Fayak Photography explains that she never forces her family into stiff poses. "If someone isn't comfortable, it shows immediately. Genuine connection always photographs better than perfection," she emphasizes. Instead of focusing on perfect positioning, Fayak recommends actual interaction through play, silly questions, and treating the moment like an adventure.
Nicole Mondestin of Nicole Mondestin Photography takes this philosophy further by never pretending her family is perfect. "The whole purpose of the photos is to capture the essence of our family at this stage and as we grow," she says. Mondestin recalls how their first photo with their second child captured the arrival of chaos - a moment she now finds funny and beautiful.
Timing and Technical Secrets
Professional photographers pay close attention to practical details that can make or break a family photo session. Kelley Hoagland of Kelley Hoagland Photography never takes outdoor family portraits in harsh midday sun. "Nobody wants to squint through a photoshoot!" she notes. Instead, she prefers the "golden hours" - the hour after sunrise or before sunset - for their soft, flattering light.
Location planning is equally crucial. Annie Vovan of Annie Vovan Photography never chooses difficult-to-reach locations. "I would rather shoot at a location that is close to the house where people stay in a better mood," she explains. Both Vovan and Mondestin emphasize avoiding photoshoots near nap times or when family members are hungry.
Capturing Authentic Moments
Movement plays a vital role in creating natural-looking family photos. Maxine Cadman, a Nations Photo Lab-affiliated photographer, never asks everyone to stand perfectly still. "Movement reads as far more organic and natural on camera," she says. "Families - especially like mine with four young kids - are busy, lively and always in motion."
Several photographers warned against forcing smiles. Tammy Karin of Little Leapling Photography never uses the "s word" - smile. "When someone says to smile, you are delivering a fake smile," she explains. Instead, she focuses on creating genuine laughter and enjoyment that translates into authentic expressions.
Gretchen Richardson, manager of photography training and quality at Lifetouch, observes that parents often try too hard to get their kids to smile, creating pressure that has the opposite effect. "The real magic happens when everyone is being and enjoying their most authentic selves," she advises.
Practical Preparation Tips
Advanced preparation can significantly improve photo outcomes. Marcie Reif of Marcie Reif Photography never waits until the last minute to choose outfits. "Styling is hard for families and knowing what looks best," she notes, pointing out common mistakes like ill-fitting new clothes or mismatched shoes.
Perhaps the most important advice comes from photographers who emphasize maintaining positive energy during shoots. Kelley Hoagland avoids reprimanding children for losing focus, instead focusing on connection and laughter. She successfully engaged her own children by recounting Harry Potter references and appreciated when their grandfather started barking like a dog to get the puppy's attention.
While Anastasia Karnoupakis of Anastasia K. Photography values capturing natural moments, she still appreciates getting one good "grandma shot" where everyone looks at the camera. This balanced approach ensures families get both authentic candids and traditional portraits that grandparents cherish.
The consensus among Canadian photography professionals is clear: letting go of perfectionism creates the most memorable and meaningful family images. By prioritizing genuine connection over rigid poses and embracing the natural chaos of family life, photographers capture the true essence of family relationships that will be treasured for years to come.
