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Writer's pictureAshley Chapman

Beyond Smiles: Capturing Authentic Moments with Your Family During a Photoshoot

Family photos are more than just smiles—they’re a way to capture the love, connection, and everyday joy that make your family unique. In today’s fast-paced world, having these beautiful moments frozen in time is priceless. At Ashley Chapman Photography, a Cape Town family photographer, I love creating spaces where families feel comfortable, allowing true personalities to shine through. Here’s how you can embrace authenticity during your next family photography session and create memories you’ll cherish forever.



1. Let Kids Be Themselves


Children have a special way of bringing spontaneity and joy to family photos. Their laughter, curiosity, and even shyness add a layer of authenticity that can’t be replicated. Rather than having kids pose, I encourage them to play, explore, and be themselves. If they want to run through a field or bring along a favourite toy, I’m all for it! This approach often leads to beautiful, candid moments that showcase each child’s personality and give families a glimpse of everyday life frozen in time.


Tip: Bring a few favourite toys or activities that your kids enjoy. This helps them feel comfortable and adds a personal touch to the photos, whether it’s building sandcastles on the beach or having a tea party with their stuffed animals. As a family photographer, I know these little details make a big difference in creating memorable Cape Town family photography sessions.



2. Choose a Familiar Setting


The location of your family photography shoot can make all the difference. Familiar settings, like your home or a favourite outdoor spot, help everyone relax and allow your family’s personality to come forward. When you’re in a place that feels comfortable, it’s easier to be yourself and enjoy the experience without feeling “posed.” This also allows us to capture moments that reflect your everyday life.


Tip: Think about places that hold meaning for your family. It could be your living room, a favourite local park, or even your backyard. These familiar spaces create a sense of comfort, and having memories set in a well-loved place makes the photos even more special, especially when working with a Cape Town family photographer who understands the best locations for bringing out your unique vibe.


3. Make it a Family Activity


One of the best ways to capture genuine moments in family photography is to plan the shoot around a family activity you already enjoy. This could mean cooking together in the kitchen, playing a card game by the fireplace, or even a backyard picnic with your pets. These activities create opportunities for natural interaction, giving me the chance to capture authentic smiles, laughter, and tender moments that show your unique family bond.


Tip: Choose an activity everyone loves, whether it’s baking cookies together or playing a favourite game. Activities keep everyone engaged and shift the focus away from the camera, allowing real emotions to flow, which is ideal for a Cape Town family photography session.


4. Pets Are Part of the Family, Too!


Including pets in your family photos is a wonderful way to capture the full picture of your family’s love. Pets bring warmth and playfulness to shoots, and involving them can also help family members relax and feel more comfortable. I find that pets add an element of fun and surprise that leads to beautifully candid photos. Plus, for many families, pets are truly part of the family story.


Tip: If you’d like to include pets, plan for a location where they can be at ease, like your backyard or a pet-friendly park. Bring treats and toys, and don’t stress if they’re not perfectly posed—some of the best moments are the ones where pets are being their joyful, energetic selves. As a family photographer, capturing these real moments between your loved ones (including furry family members) is what makes each session special.




5. Embrace Imperfections and Go with the Flow


Not every moment will be perfectly posed, and that’s where the magic happens. Real moments often come out of the unexpected—a burst of laughter, a hug between siblings, or a quiet moment shared between parents. By letting go of the need for “perfect” poses, families can experience the beauty of being in the moment and the joy of just being together.

As a Cape Town family photographer, I focus on creating a relaxed environment and gently guiding families toward interactions, rather than stiff poses, to let each personality shine. This approach allows everyone to be natural, creating images that feel truly genuine.


Tip: Embrace the quirks and unexpected moments. If the kids start dancing in the middle of the shoot or someone cracks a joke that makes everyone laugh, go with it! These unplanned moments often lead to the most cherished photos.


6. Remember, It’s About Connection, Not Perfection


Ultimately, family photography is about capturing connection. Each family has its own unique way of expressing love, and those special bonds are what make your photos truly special. Instead of focusing on achieving a picture-perfect moment, focus on the people around you and the love you share. These emotions will come through beautifully in your photos, making them a true reflection of your family’s love story.


By embracing these tips, your family photoshoot will go beyond simple smiles to capture the genuine essence of your family. At Ashley Chapman Photography, I’m here to help guide you through the experience and create photos that reflect your family’s love and unique bond. So whether you’re cooking together in the kitchen, playing with your pets, or enjoying a quiet moment in a favourite spot, I’ll be there to capture each laugh, hug, and look of love. After all, it’s these authentic moments that make family photography so incredibly meaningful.


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