9 Must-Do Family Photo Poses for Outdoor Sessions in the Athens, GA Area
ATHENS, GA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
“This one’s always a hit—parents holding hands with their little one in the middle and giving them a big swing through the air. It’s playful, full of laughter, and totally unposed”
Whether you're deep in the toddler trenches, wrangling tweens, or have a crew somewhere in between—family sessions outside are all about embracing the chaos and catching the magic in between. I’m not here to force anyone into stiff poses or make your kid say cheese with a forced smile. Instead, we lean into natural movement, sweet connection, and a little bit of play.
If you're wondering what kinds of photos you'll walk away with from your outdoor family session, here are 9 must-do shots I always try to include—capturing a mix of togetherness, personality, and the little moments that matter most.
The Snuggle Sandwich
Everyone in close, arms wrapped around each other, heads leaning in. No one looking at the camera—just soaking up the moment. This one is simple but powerful. Perfect for starting the session and getting everyone comfy.
Walking Together (Dad Leading the Way)
One of my favorite moments to capture—dad up front, leading the crew while everyone trails behind. It creates such a natural, storybook kind of moment. The way your little ones look up to him, trying to keep up… it’s gold. This one always feels like a quiet glimpse into what everyday life looks like when you're out on an adventure together.
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Mama with Her Babies
Whether you're holding your toddler’s hand or pulling your older kiddo into a quick squeeze—these are the ones that make mamas tear up. I always make time for individual moments between moms and kids during every session.
Dad in the Fun Zone
Piggyback rides, shoulder rides, spinning around, tossing a toddler in the air—dads bring the energy. These playful shots are the ones your kids will laugh at later, remembering just how much fun it felt.
Swinging the Kids
This one’s always a hit—parents holding hands with their little one in the middle and giving them a big swing through the air. It’s playful, full of laughter, and totally unposed. The joy on your kid’s face (and yours too) is the kind of energy that brings a gallery to life. Bonus: it gets the wiggles out and sets the tone for more relaxed moments afterward.
One-on-Ones with Each Kid
These are quiet treasures. I’ll grab quick moments of each parent with each child. Just a few seconds, but they’re often the most emotionally rich in the gallery—pure connection.
Sibling Shenanigans
Whether they’re holding hands, running wild, or having a tickle fight in the grass, siblings bring all the personality. I let them be themselves and gently guide when needed—but the goal is to capture their unique bond.
Chill Time on a Blanket
This is where we slow down for a minute. Everyone cozied up on a blanket—maybe reading a book together, lying on backs watching the sky, or just snuggling while the baby chews on a pinecone (hey, it happens).
The Grand Finale: Golden Hour Magic
At the very end, when the light is soft and warm, I always aim for a wide shot of the whole family with the golden sun wrapping around you. Walking through a field, cuddled up under a tree, or just standing still—these are the prints-you-hang-on-the-wall kind of moments.
Planning Your Family Session in the Athens, GA Area?
Whether you're dreaming of open meadows, cozy pine forests, beautiful lakes, or strolling through botanical gardens—I’ve got go-to locations that photograph like a dream. And don’t worry about what to wear or how to prep. I’ll help you get everything lined up so you can just show up and love on your people. Need a little outfit inspiration? Check out my family styling guide here.
💫 Ready to plan a laid-back, meaningful outdoor session?