I think we can all agree that family photos are a must. No matter what your family looks like today, the nature of time is that it’s always changing. Your kids will only be the ages they are once. Your family is only all together so often. With so many new seasons of life to celebrate, it’s no wonder we all want pictures to help us remember each season perfectly! But there are lots of different image styles out there, and lots of photographers, too. 

With each family photo session, my goal is to capture timeless, authentic, and joy-filled moments, all while putting you at ease. Each gallery should capture your family’s unique story—a story too beautiful to be captured with one image type! Let’s talk about my three favorite photo types, and why all three should be included in your family photos.

1. Classic Portraits

No matter how natural you want your family photos to be, make sure you include at least a few classic smiles on your image list. These are the money shots! Classic family portraits are the images that end up as profile pictures, printed on holiday cards, and framed to make perfect gifts to grandparents. Family members not feeling their smiliest? I’ve got you covered. Check out my top 5 Tips for a Successful (and stress-free) Family Photo Session.

2. Candid Poses

Yes, candid poses. Seems like an oxymoron, right? But let’s face it, you can’t always count on 30 minutes of stunning candid moments (depending on the length of your family photo session). Being super-posed the whole time can look pretty awkward, too. Enter: The candid pose. Since not everyone knows exactly what to do in front of the camera, staged candids are a great way to create an organic-looking shot, with a little guidance that allows your photographer to frame the composition exactly as they’d like. Most photographers come armed with prompts, poses and strategies to make you feel at ease, posed but not too posed. Feeling like yourself should come naturally! Each prompt gets you started so your personality can shine.

3. True Candid Family Photos

Of course, some of the very best family photos come from moments in between portraits and poses. Truly candid photos capture a moment in time as opposed to a beautiful photograph. There’s something to be said for both, but when it comes to images of authentic personality, candids definitely have the advantage. As a Colorado photographer, I’m all about making people feel at ease. I want you to have a memorable experience with your family, in addition to keeping joy-filled photos after the shutter stops. Candid photos will take some self-imposed pressure off, and allow you to remember how you felt instead of dwelling on how you looked. 

Whether your family photos include 10 people, four generations, or two people and a dog, each image tells a story. Every chapter is important, and each and every season deserves to be remembered. No matter what you’re looking for in a family photo session, let’s capture the moments together!

It’s so tricky to incorporate wedding photo props without getting tacky. You want to encourage your guests to add their own, fun images to your collection, but you don’t want to make an elegant event feel like a birthday or grad party, right? I hear you! Whether you’re looking to add some fun to the classics on your shot list, loading each reception table with disposable cameras, hosting a social “I-Spy” or setting up a Polaroid station with the guest book, you’re in luck. Here are my favorite wedding photo props (that aren’t cheap or cheesy)!

1. Scrabble Tiles

Let your guests spell out their own words of wisdom with these classic tiles. Have members of your wedding party write out “BRIDESMAID,” or “BEST MAN,” have family members write their relation, or simply have guests write out their own personal messages of “LOVE.” You could even pre-set each bar with your wedding date to make things more streamlined. Any way you go, these little letters pack a big dose of fun in an elevated and classic way. (Plus their neutral color and font won’t clash with your decor!)

2. Chalk boards

Want to give your guests more space to share? Using a few personal chalkboards is a great way to make wedding photo props personal. Encourage your guests to share memories, well wishes to the happy couple, quotes, or even doodles of inside jokes. Chalkboard messages in Polaroids could even turn your guestbook into a guest photo album for a fun, elegant and interactive station at your cocktail hour or reception.

3. Sunglasses

I’m not talking about printed paper glasses on a stick. I’m talking about as many dollar store shades as you can manage. Keep things classic with solid black, or add some fun pops of neon with a variety of colors to choose from. Using real (cheap) shades as wedding photo props adds an easy touch of attitude without feeling too much like a novelty or gimmick. 

4. Sentimental Photos

If you’re in need of wedding photo props for bridal party portraits, have some sentimental photo prints handy. There’s a reason they’re standing by your side on your big day, and photos of the special moments in your friendship are the perfect addition to your images. Recreate the poses in each snap, or laugh at the days gone by for joy-filled candids. This idea works for family pictures, bride and groom portraits, too!

5. Empty Photo Frames

Let your guests structure their own images by holding up empty frames. I’m talking real, glassless frames—not the big poster board ones. Keep it chic with black and white options, rustic and natural with woodgrains, modern with metallics, or fun with bright colors. Whatever your theme, be sure to grab a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Love the look? Hang the frames in your home as a gallery wall to enjoy each one long after you say “I do.”

Wedding photo props are a great way to show a unique side to your style, theme, or love story. They can show off more personality than the simpler images you’ll undoubtedly take. And can even serve as decor for aesthetic purposes when not in use. I’ve been photographing weddings since 2013, and over the years, I genuinely find such beauty in human connection. Check out some more of my work here, and be sure to visit my Wedding Experience page. Props or no props, let’s turn once-in-a-lifetime moments into timeless images.