Ok, so you booked your family portrait session and think it’s best if it’s just the kids this year. You know, because of the COVID 10 pounds. Living in sweatpants has kinda done a number on the scale. We feel you and honestly, you are super wrong.

Here’s the deal, your kids don’t see the extra weight. Only you see it. But we get you might not be feeling your best so here are a few tips to help you look like you lost 10 pounds in your family portraits.

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FIVE TIPS TO LOOK LIKE YOU LOST 10 POUNDS IN FAMILY PORTRAITS:

1. Go to a professional photographer that you trust, they will know all the best angles.

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2. Trust that photographer.

It’s true, trust them when they put you in weird positions or ask you to pose in an awkward way. One of our favorite poses is to twirl in and out of each other’s arms!

3. Use your kids.

I bet you don’t hear that one every day! But we mean, use your kid as a prop.

Give lots and lots of hugs and cuddles.

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Don’t be afraid of a floor pose, it lets kids can sit in your lap (hiding your belly).

4. Let us use you (as a prop).

Is your little one not sitting or standing on their own, yet? Give them a hand so only your legs are showing.

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Sad baby? Hold them over your shoulder. It’s super comforting to them, evoking huge emotions and so we only see the back of your head. It’s a good way to be in the photo without actually having to be 100% camera-ready.

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5. Movement.

Seriously – I know it’s a still image, but movement is always better in photos, it helps you looked more relaxed. Let that baby fly! Doing super baby or airplane will help stretch out your mid-section and eliminate any double chins because you’ll be looking up at that giggling baby. If dads holding baby, mom grabs hold of dad’s shoulder or arm and give a big smile to your little one.

Final thoughts:

Be confident. I know, easier said than done. But don’t try to be perfect. Don’t try for that perfect image. Just be you. Let them be them. Don’t be afraid to let your kids squeeze you tight, they want all the cuddles especially when they’re in a new place with a new person plus you’ll want to get all the hugs before they get too big and cool for school. No amount of coaching or jokes will make you smile like you do when you look at your kids (sometimes… if they are behaving) so take a glance over at them. We always find these images to be most impactful.

At the end of the day, the key to capturing stunning family photos is to be yourselves! Even though having trained professionals does make it MUCH it easier to coach you during the process and capture your unique personalities, hint hint. Regardless, there is no time like the present to have family portraits taken, so channel your inner Beyonce and book that session!