Top Tips for Natural Family Portraits in Temecula, Murrieta, and Beyond

As a mom of three and an award-winning family photographer with 20 years of experience, I've seen it all—from toddlers throwing tantrums to teens who’d rather be anywhere else. But let me tell you, there’s nothing more rewarding than capturing those genuine, heartfelt moments that make family photos truly special. Whether you’re booking a family photoshoot in Temecula, Murrieta, or one of the many gorgeous spots like Idyllwild, Laguna Beach, or Oceanside, I’m the family photographer here to help make your session as smooth and fun as possible.

Before the Click: What You Need to Know

When it comes to natural family portraits, preparation is key. Whether it’s the number of people, the location, or the family dynamics, having a game plan ensures that your photos reflect your family's unique story.

Location, Location, Location!

First things first—where’s this magic going to happen? Your family photographer has been scouting and knows the best local locations. Whether we’re shooting in a serene park in Murrieta, a beach in Laguna, or a rustic spot in Idyllwild, knowing the location ahead of time helps me plan the perfect setup. Plus, it gives me a chance to scope out spots for those jaw-dropping backdrops.

The Size of Your Tribe

Is it just the four of you, or are we talking about a full-on family reunion photoshoot? Knowing the number of people helps me think through groupings and poses that will make everyone look fabulous. Whether it’s the entire extended family or just a few, I’ll make sure everyone shines.

Relationships Matter

Families are all about connections, so I like to know who’s who. Who are the parents, the kids, the grandparents? As your family photographer, knowing the relationships helps me capture those little moments of love and laughter that make your photos so special.

Generations and Furry Friends

Are we talking multi-generational here? Or maybe you’re bringing along your fur babies? Whether it’s kids, pets, or both, I’m all about making sure everyone is comfortable and happy. Toys, treats, or even a favorite blanket can be game-changers during a shoot.

Dress to Impress (Comfortably)

Unless we’re going for a specific theme, I always suggest solid colors and comfy outfits. And hey, if we’re working with little ones, a backup outfit might just save the day!

Gear Up for Greatness

Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way—there’s nothing worse than showing up without the right gear. Here’s what’s always in my bag for a family shoot:

-Wide-angle lens for those big family shots.

-Zoom lens for capturing those sweet, candid moments.

-Extra battery because you never know when you’ll need it.

- Reflector and white card for perfect lighting.

- Tripod to make I can shoot and connect with your kiddos

Making Your Family Comfortable

Every family is unique, and part of my job as a family photographer is making sure everyone feels at ease. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure that your session is relaxed and fun, whether you’re a family of three or twenty.

Keeping It Comfortable

I start every session by chatting with everyone and making sure you all feel relaxed. A little joke, a compliment—whatever it takes to get those natural smiles.

No Long Poses

While traditional posing is important, I know that holding a pose for too long can feel awkward. Especially with kids, I like to keep things moving to capture genuine expressions. As a family photographer, I have tricks up my sleeve to create both traditional poses and candid moments.

Small Groups, Big Moments

Breaking the family into smaller groups—like parents with kids or siblings together—can bring out beautiful, intimate interactions that make your photos even more special. This is included in every family photoshoot.

Feel the Love

Encouraging closeness and affection between family members leads to those warm, fuzzy photos everyone loves. Sometimes it’s the spontaneous hug or a shared laugh that becomes the highlight of the shoot.

Notice the Little Things

From a stray hair to a twisted collar, I’m always on the lookout for details that could affect the final shot. After all, we want these photos to be perfect!

Say Cheese (But Really Mean It!)

If I’m not cracking a joke myself, I’ll enlist the family jokester to get everyone laughing. Real smiles make all the difference!

Posing Tips for Perfect Family Photos

Posing doesn’t have to be stiff or uncomfortable. Here are some tried-and-true tips that make everyone look their best:

Large Group, Short Attention Span

The bigger the group, the shorter the attention span. As a family photographer of large groups, I have had a lot of experience. I keep the directions simple and clear so we can get those perfect shots before anyone starts to drift.

Tall in the Back, Short in the Front

Classic but effective—tall people go in the back and center, while shorter folks and kids are in front or on the sides. This ensures everyone is seen and the composition is balanced.

Focus on the Faces

Every family photographer has a favorite lense. For me, zoom lenses are the fave. It’s what creates beautiful bokeh and compresses the background perfectly. For me, the key is to make sure every face is clear and in focus is the use of a tripod, even with action shots. It helps to control my composition and still have connection with my clients.

The Chin Trick

Chin down and a small lean forward—just a quick tip I use to make sure everyone looks their best.

Embrace the Location

If we’re shooting somewhere with natural props like stairs, fences, or rocks, I’ll use them to create dynamic, natural-looking poses. The result? Photos that feel effortlessly stylish.

Specific Poses for Family Photos

Here are a few favorite poses that work well for all kinds of families:

The Line-Up

Simple and effective, a line-up makes sure everyone is visible. We can hold hands, wrap arms around each other, and even take a little walk.

Kids First

Kids up front, parents behind—this classic pose lets the kids be the stars. From here, we can transition into fun, playful poses that capture everyone’s personalities.

One of my favorite parts of the job is capturing kids' energy and creativity. Whether they’re posing or playing, I make sure their personalities shine through.

Don’t forget Mom and Dad

Even if they say they don’t need it. Always take the couples shot. Parents are the heartbeat of the family. Make it fun, casual, and candid.

Special Tips for Different Family Sizes

Whether you’re a family of three or a big, blended family, here are some pose ideas that work like a charm:

Families of Three or Four

A classic “hand in hand” pose, with the child in the middle, is always a winner. We can also get creative with different looks—like kiddos on dad's shoulders or play tossing the toddler up in the air.

Families of Five or Six

For larger families, I love the “hug it out” pose, where everyone gets in close and wraps arms all around each other. It’s a fun, cozy shot that always looks great.