Carly Anderson Photography | Utah Photographer & Mentor

If you’re like me, the posed photos with forced smiles are just… not it. I spent a lot of time early in my career trying to figure out how to get images that made me feel something! In this post I’ll go over some of my favorite tips that will help you pull out real emotions from nervous families.

Send the Questionnaire!!!

Just do it. My questionnaire has saved my behind more times than I can count. Try to really get to know your clients through it… How do they comfort their kids? What is their favorite memory together? What special bonds do they have? You want to really understand their family dynamic. I go over my questionnaire during my mentorships if you’re stumped on what to ask!

2. Use Multiple Prompts per Pose

I do this to bring the feeling of reality. Very rarely are all the kiddos focused & on the same page. But having everyone doing something that feels true to them brings sincerity to the images while keeping everyone on task & busy. This one takes practice but once you get the rhythm it will feel like second nature!

3. Use Vague Prompts

This may sound counter intuitive, but this allows for personalities to shine through as your subject interprets the prompt on their own. Basically instead of outlining exactly what you want them to do “kiss daddy on his cheek” use more broad language like “can you give daddy loves” and then the subject shows affection how they’re comfortable doing so.

4. Always Have your Camera Ready

I mean ALWAYS… especially during transitions! As families move onto the next area, pose, etc. they will go on autopilot and you’ll get those REAL moments. To make this easier, keep your lens cap off and adjust your settings at the beginning and end of every pose!

5. Send a Preparation Guide!!

I have a family prep guide that helps my families get into the mindset that it’s OK to not just stand their and smile before their session even begins. It helps them understand the best thing they can do to create the “perfect” session is to be themselves and let their kiddos do the same. My mentorships also cover this guide & teach you to create your own. It’s truly a game changer to have you clients show up ready to create family memories!

Carly is a Salt Lake City family photographer & mentor that helps other photographers achieve storytelling & nostalgic images. She offers both virtual & in person mentorships.

learn more about my mentorships >>