Let’s get honest for a moment. Moms, we have a tendency to be our own toughest critics, don’t we? Whether it’s about not ‘bouncing back’ after baby, embracing the changes that come with age, or adjusting to new priorities, we often find ourselves feeling a little too hard on ourselves. It’s no secret that we often feel insecure when it comes to getting our picture taken. We fixate on our imperfections, worrying about how we’ll appear to others. But here’s the thing: it’s not about how our family and friends see us; it’s about how we see ourselves. That’s where I come in. As a Munich family and newborn photographer, my mission is to show you the beauty of your life and help moms feel their absolute best.

Looking fabulous in family photos goes beyond just picking out the perfect outfit and color scheme. It’s all about feeling at ease, radiating confidence, and basking in the love you share with your family. That’s where my expertise comes in. I’ll leverage my knack for natural light and knack for directing to capture those flattering angles and highlight your natural beauty.

So whether you’re gearing up for a full-blown family session or just getting your partner to snap a quick phone pic, I’ve got you covered with some tips to boost your confidence in front of the camera.

Connection over Perfection.

Let go of perfection. Remind yourself that perfection is not the goal; it’s about capturing those raw, genuine moments and connections that showcase your family’s personality. Embrace the quirks and imperfections that make your family uniquely yours, and don’t fret if your little ones are running wild. Trust me, it’s all part of the magic! These spontaneous moments are what will truly make your photos shine and become cherished memories as you reminisce in the years to come.

But hey, let’s talk about confidence for a moment. Building up that confidence muscle before a photoshoot can make all the difference. So, what can you do? First off, practice embracing imperfection. Remember, life—and family photos—are all about the beautiful messiness of the moment. Embrace those imperfections, and you’ll find that they add depth and character to your photos.

And on a daily basis, it’s all about faking it till you make it. Yes, you heard me right! Act as if you’re the most confident person in the room, even if you’re feeling a little shaky inside. Stand tall, smile wide, and own your space. The more you practice, the more secure you’ll feel in yourself and your looks. And before you know it, you’ll be radiating confidence in every photo—and in every aspect of your life.

Engage with your Family

Approach your session as an opportunity to interact and play with your kids. Hold hands, hug your spouse, touch your toddler’s hair or snuggle into your baby’s cheek. By interacting with your family, you’ll radiate beauty and emotion.

It’s natural to feel nervous in front of the camera. To avoid looking stiff or uncomfortable, focus on your family and laugh or smile at the person next to you. When we laugh, it helps our body and mind relax. And when we look happy and relaxed, we’re more likely to look our best in family photos.

Plan Your Outfit

Choosing the right outfit is key to looking and feeling your best in family photos. It can make a significant difference in how happy you are with your final images. The goal? Opt for clothes that not only make you look good but also make you feel comfortable and confident. Solid muted colors or subtle patterns are great choices as they don’t distract from the overall composition of the photo. And don’t forget to coordinate outfits with other family members for a cohesive look that doesn’t veer into matchy-matchy territory.

A dress makes everything better.

Now, here’s a little secret to instantly boosting your confidence: put on a dress. I know, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but trust me, most of my friends swear by it. There’s just something about putting on a dress that makes you feel instantly more put-together and confident. Especially, if it has pockets.

But here’s the catch:

Whatever outfit you choose, make sure it feels like you. Comfort is key, and if you’re feeling uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it’s going to show in your photos. No amount of posing can disguise the discomfort of trying to hide your arms or any other perceived flaw. So, whether it’s a dress or not, make sure it’s something that makes you feel like your best self.

Bonus Tip: Take your outfit on a trial run. Don’t just put it on and stand stiffly in front of the mirror. You’re a mom. You will not be standing still or angling yourself certain ways. You will be bending over, kneeling, sitting, dancing, running – you name it! Be sure that your outfit allows you to move comfortably. If you need to fidget and adjust, or the skirt is a *little* too short… then maybe keep looking for another choice.

Posing Tips

Don’t hide from the camera. Lean Slightly Towards It Instead!

Did you know that distance from the camera and the lens being used can cause something called “distortion”? Basically, whatever is closest to the camera lens appears the largest.

So, when you lean away from the camera, guess what? Your hips and mid-section end up being the closest to the camera. And… that means they’ll appear larger than they really are.

But here’s the trick: Lean towards the camera instead. By doing that, you’ll shift the focus to your face, making the rest of your body look leaner.

Pick ONE person to cuddle up with.

You’re not supposed to choose favorites, but when you’re taking photos it may make sense to choose one person at a time to cuddle up with. If you attempt to wrap your arms around multiple people at once, you’ll be spreading yourself as wide as you can go.

It also looks… a bit staged.

So: Pick one person to snuggle up with at a time. Wrap your arms around them and then let the others snuggle in close to you. Not only does it flatter you, Mama, but it adds a genuine sense of connection in your photos. Win-win!

Belly to Belly

When you scoop up your little one, it’s natural to prop them on your hip for support. But let’s face it, jutting out your hip isn’t the most flattering or intimate pose.

So, when it comes to striking that perfect pose, opt for belly-to-belly contact with your baby. Yep, that’s right—cradle your babe right in the front. This brings your faces close together, creating an instant connection. And remember, lean towards your child, not backward.

Last but not least: Move!

You know what the beauty of lifestyle photography is? It is about capturing natural, candid moments in motion. Movement is key! Moving around not only helps you loosen up, but also allows for more dynamic angles that flatter your body. Plus, it adds depth and interest to your photos, making them truly come alive.

So, go ahead and twirl, dance, and chase after your little ones—trust me, it’ll not only result in more engaging photos but also make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable for everyone involved. With these simple tips, you’ll feel more confident in front of the camera in no time. And remember, when you’re working with a photographer, they’ll be there every step of the way to help guide you into those perfect poses.