People Are Sharing The Most Awkward Photos From Their Family Albums (New Pics)
Gathering all family members in one place at the same time for a decent photo while also trying to find the perfect spot and lighting can feel like an Olympic sport or managing a kindergarten full of hyperactive kids. And after many efforts, when everything finally falls into place, ready for the shot, someone’s bound to close their eyes, make a weird face, or drain all emotion from their expression.
The families we gathered in the list below definitely know the struggle, as none of them seem to have achieved the cozy and idyllic family photos everyone strives for. All they’ve managed to capture are very awkward and cringy pictures that somehow got exposed online for our entertainment. Scroll down to find them below, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that probably should’ve stayed in the dusty albums in Grandma’s attic.
While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with luxury family vacation photographer Kirstie McConnell, owner and lead photographer at Christopher Todd Studios, Christopher Griffiths, and wedding and family photographer Kelly Williams, who kindly agreed to share their best tips on how to avoid awkward family photos.
#1
This Picture Was Taken At My Daughter’s Preschool Photo Day. I Think The Photographer Thought Having Her Hold A Flower Would Make For A Really Cute And Innocent Picture
My Family Took This Photo For Our Baptist Church Directory In The Late 90s. It Was A Bit Of A Scandal But In Our Defense, Men In Black Had Just Come Out
awkwardfamilyphotos,erintarverReport
During Our ‘Perfect’ Beach Photo Shoot, My Oldest Son Jumped On My Back, Propelling My Infant Son Out Of My Arms (As My Middle Son Looked On In Amusement)
My infant son was not harmed, just wet and scared but mommy is forever traumatized.
“An awkward family photo is the opposite of what a professional photographer creates! It’s the kind of photo where everyone looks stiff, the smiles feel forced, and even the viewer can sense the discomfort,” luxury family vacation photographer Kirstie McConnell tells.
“The key difference? A great photographer knows how to bring out natural moments—where families look at ease, genuinely happy, and connected.”
#4
This Was Supposed To Be A Cute Photo Of Me And My Newborn Son
awkwardfamilyphotos,natashagrimaldiReport
When I Was A Kid My Family Decided To Take A Vacation To Blackpool, England. This Picture Is Perhaps The Only Family Portrait I Have From My Youth. I Treasure It!
#6
My Dad Liked To Balance Me On One Hand And Sometimes He Used Props
For wedding and family photographer Kelly Williams, an awkward family photo is one where attire, posing, smiles, and hairstyles are all wrong in the best way possible. “Normally, these photos are made better by a decade or so of time between when the photo was taken and the present day,” she says.
#7
I Played Keyboard In Elementary School Band And School Photos Were Sometimes Full Of The Rock And Roll That Comes With The Territory
#8
Yes, This Is My Family Photo
#9
This Family Photo Hung In My Pop And Gram’s House For Years. To Say They Didn’t Like My Aunt’s Ex-Husband May Have Been An Understatement
As for owner and lead photographer at Christopher Todd Studios, Christopher Griffiths, an awkward family photo is all about the oozing stress you can feel immortalized in the picture. “An awkward family photo usually tells a story and not the one you want to remember! You can almost feel the stress. Parents are tense, kids are mid-meltdown (or just recovering from one), and Dad looks like he’d rather be anywhere else,” he says.
“Add in mismatched outfits or ones that don’t follow the recommended style guide, and the whole photo can feel disjointed. Often, no one is genuinely smiling. There are either fake grins or no smiles at all, and it just doesn’t capture that natural, happy family vibe.”
#10
In Hindsight, My Freddy Krueger Shirt Probably Wasn’t Appropriate Attire For My Cousin’s Holy Communion
#11
This Is A Picture Of My Grandpa, Aunt, And Uncle On Christmas Morning. You Can See They Are Full Of Cheer And Excitement For The Holiday
My Sister Wanted To Make Sure Her Eyes Stayed Open For The Picture
awkwardfamilyphotos,slebakReport
The family picture might turn out awkward if people feel rushed, uncomfortable, or badly posed, explains McConnell. “It’s easy to tell when a group has been plonked together without thought! The secret to natural family photos is considering dynamics—who should stand next to whom, how to layer different heights, and what will make everyone feel most like themselves.
For example, if grandma is in the photo, she should be seated comfortably. A teenager will look more natural leaning casually against a wall rather than standing stiffly in a row. Young kids? They won’t sit still for long—so let’s get them moving, whether it’s bouncing on dad’s shoulders or playing a little game to bring out their real smiles.”
#13
My Aunt’s Wedding Pictures With Her Bridesmaids And Flower Girl
awkwardfamilyphotos,boujieangelinaReport
#14
This Is A Photo Of Me Faceplanting Into The Ground After What Looks Like My Sister Pushed Me Off The Top
I Was The Punk Rock / Artist Of The Family
Griffiths adds that not everyone is comfortable being in front of the camera, which can greatly add to a photo’s awkwardness level.
“It’s not exactly a natural situation! Unless you’re a model, it’s normal not to know how to stand, where to put your hands, or how to give a relaxed, genuine smile. On top of that, parents are often worried about how their kids are behaving or if they’re making silly faces,” he says.
“Another big factor? The photographer. If the photographer isn’t experienced with families, it can be tough to guide everyone into natural poses and bring out those real smiles. A great family photographer does more than snap pictures, they help everyone feel comfortable, have fun, and enjoy the experience. That connection makes all the difference when trying to avoid photos from looking awkward.”
#16
This Is A Family Photo From The 90s. We Had Coordinated Halloween Costumes And Yes, We Watched A Lot Of Star Trek
#17
The Last (And Arguably The Greatest) Professional Portrait Studio Photo Of My Husband And His Family
#18
My Brother, Chris’s 1998 Senior Picture. He Really Loved Batman
awkwardfamilyphotos,casmith417Report
Most people would like to avoid awkward moments in their photos unless they’re participating in a recent trend and trying to recreate cringy family pictures. For the former, photographers have a few tips on how to make any photoshoot less awkward. The first one is seeking out a professional photographer.
“To me, a photo is always a reflection back on the person taking the photo. Do people look stiff and scared in the photo? Well, that’s probably how the photographer made the people feel on the other end of the camera,” says Williams.
“Are the family members all over the place and not in sync with one another? Do they look like they aren’t having fun? Again, that’s probably the fault of the photographer. Think of a good photographer as a guide who brings out the best in your family and then captures those happy memories for you to share with your loved ones.”
#19
This Was Taken In 1976 On Our Country’s Bicentennial. I’m The Little Guy That Resembles A Puppet
awkwardfamilyphotos,randyfieldReport
#20
Me, My Husband And Our 2 Children – It’s Our 2021 Holiday Photo And No Matter How We Tried To Entertain Our Son, He Wasn’t Having It
awkwardfamilyphotos,rcaro24Report
#22
This Pic Is My Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister And Her Husband, Me And My Demonic-Looking Son. This Family Portrait Was Taken In The 80s… We Were Really A Scary Crew
This Is A Picture From My Sister’s Wedding. My Daughter Is The Flower Girl And My Son Is The Linebacker. Please Laugh And Enjoy. We Did!
#23
This Is My Parents On Their Wedding Day In 1975. She Was Always On His Mind Then And She Still Is Today
I Think The Stuffed Animal Possessed My Older Brother When He Was 7 Months Old In 1973
awkwardfamilyphotos,guidob__Report
#25
The Church Directory Photographer Created This Of Me And My Mom And My Parents Bought A 5×7. I Always Hated It
awkwardfamilyphotos,kriscrouse13Report
#26
We Just Wanted One Picture With All The Cousins
awkwardfamilyphotos,cdf228Report
#27
My Daughter Was Super Sad Because She Couldn’t Eat Any Cookies Yet. Oy Indeed.
awkwardfamilyphotos,boonesfarmblondeReport
My Swiss-American Great-Grandparents On Their 40th Wedding Anniversary Sometime In The 40’s. So Happy Together
Australia, 1979 Mother’s Day. We Fought And We Needed To Take Photos To Remember
