Geelong Family Photographer
Wait… We’re the Awkward Ones?
Let’s be honest. If you’ve ever seen a photo of yourself mid-blink, hair doing its own weird thing, while negotiating with a toddler about why pants are in fact necessary, you’ve probably had that squiggly, uncomfortable cringe. And if the thought of “posing” for a family photo makes you cringe even harder, while your partner mutters something under their breath about how much they hate photos, well — you’re definitely not alone.
One of my families recently started their session by warning me that Mum doesn’t like being in front of a camera and Dad outright hates posed photos. They’d had a rough experience before: the photographer had over-edited their images so much that their skin tones looked completely wrong, and then directed them into stiff, awkward poses that felt nothing like who they really are. But by the end of our time together? Dad was laughing and saying, “That was way more fun than I expected,” the kids had broken into a full dance party, and Mum sent me a text when she received her gallery, in all caps with about seventeen emojis: “HOW DID YOU DO THIS?! These photos are MAGIC.”
So what changed?
Let me tell you.
The Myth of “Not Photogenic”
Here’s the thing: being in front of a camera can sometimes feel like being shoved onstage without a script, with no idea where to look or what to do with your hands, and all the while you’re trying to make sure your kid’s snack trail isn’t caught in the frame. And when you’ve spent years (decades?) being told “Smile for the camera!” only to end up hating the result, of course the idea of photos feels uncomfortable.
I get it. Honestly, I’m awkward in front of a camera too. Which is exactly why I do everything I can to make sure my sessions never feel like a performance or a test you have to pass.
Instead, I bring just enough structure through play, connection, and gentle direction to help you feel like yourselves — your real, messy, wonderful, authentic selves. It’s not about looking perfect, it’s about being.
Real Talk: How I Help You Feel Not-Awkward in Your Photos
1. We Focus on Presence, Not Performance
Before we even meet, we’ve already had a chat about what feels good for you and your family. You’re not just showing up to some random park wondering what on earth is going to happen — instead, we’ve picked a location or idea that feels true to your life, not someone else’s Pinterest-perfect dream.
During the session itself, my whole job is to redirect the focus back to play, presence, and the people you love. No stiff, forced poses, no fake smiles. Just deep breaths, real laughter, and genuine connection.
And because everyone’s a bit jittery at the start, I usually kick things off with a loose family portrait. Giving a bit of direction right away tends to calm nerves, and then once that’s done, we loosen up, follow the kids’ lead, and let things unfold in that natural, easy way.
2. Small Activities = Big Wins
When your hands are busy, your heart is usually more relaxed, which is why I often build in small, everyday activities to ground the session. That might look like setting up an art project at the kitchen table, letting the dog join the chaos in the backyard, cranking a record and turning the living room into a dance floor, or doing a little kids acro-play on the bed (which is always, always a crowd-pleaser for dads).
Before you know it, you’re not even thinking about the fact that there’s a camera around — you’re just living your life while I quietly document it with care.
In one recent session, the kids were leaping off the couch like superheroes while their parents watched on, laughing from the sidelines. Those quiet, joy-filled glances between them in that moment? That’s gold.
3. Grown-Up Confidence Boosters
Now, let’s talk about the grown-ups. So often it’s mums making the session happen — you’re the one organising schedules and outfits and snacks, making sure everyone’s hair is brushed — and then when the session actually starts, it can be hard to shift gears and remember that you deserve to be in the photos too.
That’s why toward the end, I always make space for some one-on-one photos of you with each child. Nothing fancy or staged — maybe just your usual hug, or a soft little moment of eye contact. I’ll give you gentle direction, but it’s still you, in your way. And often these photos are on film, captured in that beautiful light that makes everything feel a little bit like magic.
And right before I click, I’ll ask you to take a long, slow breath. That pause creates space. And instead of thinking, “Do I look good right now?” you’re just there, soaking in the moment and feeling, “This matters.”
Because it really, really does.
4. If You’re Still Nervous, I’ll Be Your Daggy Friend with the Camera
Look, if your hands feel like awkward seaweed, I’ll absolutely tell you what to do with them. If your partner is worried I’m going to make them wear khakis and pose up a tree, I’ll put that to rest straight away. If your kid suddenly wants to show me their gymnastics routine in the lounge room, that’s perfect — we’ll go with it. And if your house is a bit messy, don’t stress — that’s real life, and real life photographs beautifully.
And here’s the thing to hold onto: your kids won’t look back and remember if your hair was freshly washed, or if there were toys on the floor, or if the couch cushions didn’t match. What they’ll remember is that you were there, with them, laughing and playing and being exactly who they needed.
Magic Happens When You Stop Trying to Look Perfect
Let’s normalise the awkward, the snack stains, the real clothes, the nervous partners, the messy homes — because those are the ingredients of real family life. And when we photograph them with care, those very same things become treasures.
You don’t need to be camera-ready.
You just need to show up.
I’ll take it from there.
Ready to See Your Family (Really See Them)?
If you’ve been putting off booking a session because you’re worried you’ll look stiff or uncomfortable, I hope this helps you breathe a little easier. You can have natural, artful family photos that capture the heart of your family life as it is right now — superhero couch dives, snack time chaos, belly laughs and all.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to book, this is your sign — let’s plan a relaxed, joy-filled family photography session together. You’ll walk away with beautiful, natural family photography in Geelong that feels like your story.
We’ll ditch the cheese. Keep the laughter. And create photographs that truly feel like home.
FAQs About Natural Family Photography in Geelong
What should we wear for natural family photography in Geelong?
Keep it simple and comfortable — choose clothes you feel good in and that let you move, hug, and play. Bold blocks of primary colours always look amazing on film, but the most important thing is that you feel like you.
Where do sessions usually take place?
I photograph families at home, in favourite local neighbourhood spots around Geelong, or anywhere that feels meaningful to you. A lot of my clients live in Geelong West, Newtown and Belmont and sometimes a walk down Pakington Street or to the Barwon River, even a visit to the Geelong Botanic Gardens or Balyang Sanctuary is meaningful for photos. The goal is to choose a location that reflects your life, is already a firm favourite for your kids, and not a cookie-cutter backdrop.
How do you keep kids engaged during the session?
Kids aren’t meant to sit still and smile on command — that’s why I build play, movement, and small activities into every session. It keeps things fun and natural, so their personalities shine through. I’m basically a big kid inside a grown-up’s body. I like being really silly with kids. Also, being a teacher for 15 years helps a TON with reading the room and keeping everyone engaged.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
That’s completely normal (most families tell me the same thing). My sessions focus on presence, not performance, and I’ll gently guide you so you never feel left hanging. Most parents are surprised at how relaxed and enjoyable it ends up feeling.
Kristen is the photographer behind Bobby Dazzler Photography, a 35mm and medium format analogue film photographer who regularly photographs artistic, fun, down-to-earth families in Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast, who are both homebodies and super outdoorsy adventurous types.
They’d never be caught dead wearing matching beige and holding hands in a field at sunset.
