“I don’t know how to pose.” After more than seven years as a family photographer in Barcelona and hundreds of Christmas sessions, this is the phrase I hear most often. And my response is always the same: “Perfect, because we’re not going to pose.” The idea that a perfect family photo requires forced smiles and stiff postures is a myth that causes unnecessary anxiety. The best poses for christmas photos aren’t poses at all—they’re moments of connection, unplanned laughter, and gestures of affection that can’t be faked.
My work, my passion, isn’t about arranging families in front of the tree like statues. It’s about creating a safe, fun space where you can be yourselves.
— Tami (Wonderstory)
Many parents arrive nervous, whispering to me “my partner really doesn’t like photos,” and my goal is that by the end of the session they realize that more than posing, they came to play. If the words “photo session” make you a bit anxious, this article is for you. It’s not a list of instructions—it’s an invitation to reimagine what a family photo can be. I’m going to share 7 of my “secrets” for turning tension into authentic memories.
1. The Opening Hug: The \”Warm-Up\” That Changes Everything
When a family walks into my studio, the energy can be a mix of excitement and nerves. That’s why we never start with the main photo. We start with something much simpler and comforting: sitting together on the sofa, snuggling up, and giving each other a big group hug. Sometimes I ask them to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths. It’s a reset.
Why it works: This first physical contact breaks the tension immediately. There are no expectations, just the warmth of being together. I call these \”grandma photos\”—those classic, affectionate images that should always be in the album. It’s a safe starting point that lets the connection flow without pressure. I see shoulders relax, smiles stop being forced. It’s the moment when parents settle in and I start to see the real family dynamic—who’s the joker, who’s the protector.
2. The Treasure Hunt: The Game That Brings Out Real Smiles
Kids arrive with their own inner world. Forcing a smile is a losing battle that only creates frustration. So instead of the dreaded “say cheese,” I suggest a game: “I’ve hidden a little chocolate in one of the tree ornaments—can you help me find it?” Or sometimes, “Who can find the bell first?”
Why it works: Shyness turns into curiosity, boredom into a mission. Their faces light up with focus, and when they find the “treasure,” the burst of joy is completely genuine. There’s no acting. It’s in that instant of searching and discovering—without even realizing it—that the purest smiles and the most spontaneous family christmas poses appear. It’s the most reliable way to get kids to, as their parents say, “cooperate and have fun.”
3. Dad-Airplane: A Superpower Against Awkwardness
Often, dads are the ones who feel most observed and out of place. I understand perfectly—it’s not an everyday situation. So instead of asking for a static pose, I give them a clear, fun mission, a superhero role: lift their child up in the air like an airplane and listen to the laughter that bursts out immediately.
Why it works: Physical action replaces self-conscious thinking. They’re not posing—they’re playing, they’re being dads. The tension disappears completely because their focus is on their child’s laughter, not the camera. The result is an image that captures a pure connection, ideal if you also want to include your family pet in the photo, as I explain in my guide to a Christmas photo session with your dog. It’s one of the most effective poses for christmas photos for natural, joyful results.
4. Tangled in Lights: The Magic of Interacting with Your Surroundings
The Christmas props in the studio aren’t just a pretty backdrop—they’re tools to create action and interaction. Instead of simply holding a string of lights, I suggest we get tangled up in it, pass it to each other like a playful snake, or light up our faces to tell a secret.
Why it works: Giving an object a purpose makes it part of the story. Hands stay busy, bodies move, and eyes focus on the action. These small games turn a static prop into the center of a shared moment, creating dynamic, warm images. This is where clothing choices matter—coordinating colors create a much more harmonious final image, a topic I cover in detail in the style guide on what to wear for the session.
5. The Whispered Secret: Capturing Closeness in a Moment
One of my favorite dynamics for capturing intimacy, whether with couples or between parents and kids, is asking them to whisper a secret to each other. It can be something funny (\”tell mom what your favorite dessert is\”), a special memory (\”tell dad about your biggest mischief\”), or just something silly to get a reaction.
Why it works: The reaction to that whisper is unpredictable and always authentic. It might be a knowing smile, a silent laugh, a look of surprise or tenderness. This small trick creates a bubble of intimacy in the middle of the session and gives us images that tell a personal, unique story—a micro-moment that belongs only to the family and that the camera has the privilege of witnessing.
6. The Gift Tower: A Building (and Destroying) Game
The decorative gifts in the studio aren’t just for looking at. We use them as giant building blocks. The challenge is simple: build the tallest tower we can together. This task requires teamwork, concentration, and of course, lots of laughter when the tower wobbles. And once it’s built, the best part comes: on the count of three, we knock it down!
Why it works: This team game creates a full cycle of excitement: the focus of building and the thrill of toppling. It creates a moment of controlled chaos and shared fun, capturing the family in their most playful state. It’s one of those moments where parents tell me at the end, looking at the photos, “we haven’t laughed together like this in a while,” and that’s the real beauty of it.
7. The Spontaneous Dance: Letting Go to Your Family Song
Every family has a soundtrack. Before the session, I always ask what song makes everyone happy. At the right moment, when I feel the energy calls for it, I play that song and suggest a little improvised dance. It’s not about having rhythm or dancing well—it’s about moving together, laughing at yourselves, and letting go to the music you love.
Why it works: Music has the power to transport us and loosen us up. It’s the fastest, most effective way for everyone—adults and kids—to completely forget there’s a camera. Those moments of free movement are pure gold and reflect the true essence and joy of each family. They’re the ultimate proof that the best family christmas photo poses aren’t thought out—they’re felt.
If you want to create an authentic, stress-free family memory this year, I invite you to explore our Christmas photo session at my Barcelona studio. We’ll make sure you only have to worry about one thing: enjoying the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you get kids to smile naturally?
Forget “say cheese” completely. It’s much more effective to suggest a quick, fun challenge like: “let’s see who can find the reindeer decoration first” or “who can make the silliest face?” Real laughter always comes right after the game. Think of it as creating a little story, not just a photo
Is it better to look at the camera or not?
Both options are valuable and tell different parts of the story. A complete family gallery should be like a small documentary of that day. That’s why a good session combines the spontaneity of interactions where you’re not looking at the lens, with a couple of more classic, calm portraits looking at the camera. This way we achieve a perfect balance between authentic and traditional.
The real question isn’t how to pose, but what we want to keep from this Christmas: a polished image or a memory that brings back the exact feeling of that day?
— Tami (Wonderstory)
In the end, after hundreds of sessions, I’ve learned that the real question isn’t how to pose, but what we want to keep from this Christmas. A polished, stiff image or a memory that, when you look at it in ten years, brings back the exact feeling of that day? The photos we value most over time aren’t the ones with aligned smiles, but the ones that transport us back to the moment when we laughed, hugged, and shared something as simple as being together.
If you want to create an authentic, stress-free family memory this year, I invite you to check out our Christmas photo session at my studio in Barcelona. We’ll make sure you only have to worry about one thing: enjoying the moment.
