When you look back at your favorite photos, some make you smile because they’re beautifully composed. Others tug at your heartstrings because they capture an authentic, unplanned moment at just the right time. Posed and candid photography each have a special place in creating meaningful family memories. In each of your newborn photography sessions or family photo sessions with me as your Los Angeles family photographer, you get a mix of both styles.
Posed Photography:
Family Portraits That Stand the Test of Time
By definition, posed photography consists of more static images where everyone is looking at the camera and likely also smiling. The benefits of capturing posed portraits are clear: they feature flattering angles, everyone is looking their best, and the photos are polished and timeless. Posed family portraits are perfect for:
- Family holiday cards
- Gifts for grandparents and extended family
- Family wall art and home displays
- Annual family portraits that document your family’s growth
Candid Photography: Capturing Authentic Family Moments in Los Angeles
Candid photography captures dynamic, spontaneous interactions between you and your loved ones. These natural family photos keep the focus of your subjects on each other, not the camera. In my Los Angeles family photography sessions, candid images might include kids running through the garden, parents sharing a knowing laugh together, or a baby’s yawn – along with everyone’s genuine reactions. The magic of candid photography is in the emotion: how you feel when you look at them. Candid photography benefits:
- Captures genuine family personalities
- Documents real family connections and relationships
- Creates emotional, evocative family photos that tell your unique story
- Preserves authentic family moments you’ll always treasure
Why Professional Family Photography Needs Both Posed and Candid Styles
Both posed and candid photography deserve a place in your Los Angeles family photo session. Why?
- Balance: No family is always picture perfect, or 100% silly and casual. I aim to highlight that mix. Posed images are classic and always frame-worthy, and candids tell the story of who you and your family are together and as individuals.
- Variety: A combination of structured, posed portraits and playfully candid moments create a full, well-rounded gallery you’ll enjoy for years to come
- Authenticity: Posed photos capture how you look at your best, while candid photos capture how you feel. The pairing of the two is as real as it gets.
My Professional Approach to Los Angeles Family Photography Sessions
Capturing both posed and candid family photography is a bit of an artform, and I’ll start by saying you can trust me to lead the way, no matter who may be behaving in a way that you didn’t expect. With little ones, a range of emotions is all part of the process!
I start with gentle posing to help everyone feel comfortable. After capturing a few posed images, I transition into candid prompts – depending on everyone’s age and stage, this could include conversations and gentle suggestions or games that get everyone loose and moving. While I move quickly through these prompts, keeping the flow natural so families never feel stiff or awkward, I also never enforce a strict time limit on my sessions: it’s important that everyone – even the littlest family members – feels at ease, and sometimes it takes some extra time to get them there. I’ll take all the time we need to get the images you want.
As you think about posed and candid photography, imagine your own family session, knowing you’ll be well guided and well taken care of. You never have to choose one or the other – you’ll always get a mix of the two styles, showing the best and the most authentic of your family’s essence at once. I hope you’ll consider booking a family session soon, so please reach out HERE to learn more about my packages and availability, or if you’re ready to book today.
