Why Candid Family Photos Capture Your True Story Better Than Posed Portraits.
I could have put this family on the dock, told them to smile, and I would have had a handful of ok photos where their boys are probably fake smiling. Does that feel magical? Of course not. Here you’ll find real moments that tug at your heart. Keep reading to find out why these are so important.
The Magic of Real Moments
There’s something different about the way your child giggles when no one’s asking them to smile. Or the way your partner leans in to brush hair from your face without realizing I’m taking a photo.
As a Grand Rapids family photographer, I’ve learned that it’s often the moments in between—the unplanned, imperfect, beautiful ones—that families treasure most.
Why Posed Isn’t Always Best
Posed portraits have their place, but they can sometimes feel… staged. Candid family photography focuses on:
Genuine emotion instead of forced smiles
Natural body language rather than stiff positioning
Real interactions that reflect your family’s personality
These details make the photos feel alive—so that when you look back at them years from now, you’re not just remembering what you looked like, but how you felt.
Candid Photos Tell Your Family’s Story
Every family has a rhythm, a way of interacting that’s uniquely theirs. Candid photography captures:
The inside jokes
The little quirks
The way you show love without words
When I photograph documentary-style family sessions, I’m not trying to make you fit into a mold. I’m trying to preserve your truth.
How We Create These Moments
The secret? We don’t force them. During a session, I’ll encourage you to:
Play your child’s favorite game
Bake cookies together
Go to an ice cream shop
Take a walk in your neighborhood
Have tickle fights in the living room
By focusing on activities you already love, the photos become a real reflection of your life.
See More Real Life Sessions
Want to see what this looks like in action? Read my blog on Why Your Home Might Be the Best Place for a Candid Family Photo Session (link coming soon).
Or, if you’re ready to create your own collection of honest, heartfelt images, you can book your Grand Rapids family photography session here.
