The Awkward, The Awesome, and The Unforgettable Posing Prompts: Why My Sessions Are Full of Laughter

Let’s be real for a second — getting your photos taken can feel SUPER awkward. Like… what do I do with my hands? awkward. I get it. Whether it’s a family session, engagement session, senior photos, or even just an individual portrait, stepping in front of the camera often comes with a side of I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing vibes. But guess what?

That’s exactly where I come in!

As your photographer, my number one job is to capture YOU as you are — full of personality, joy, love, and all those perfectly imperfect moments that make you, you. My second job? Make sure you have a dang good time doing it. And that’s where my ridiculous, hilarious, sometimes cheesy posing phrases come into play.

Oh — and BONUS — we get to do all of this magic in some of the most gorgeous locations in and around Spokane, Washington! Whether we’re capturing your love at Manito Park, laughing it out at Bear Lake, or hitting the scenic trails at Centennial Trail, I promise — awkwardness turns into genuine, unforgettable fun. (And if you're booking one of my mini sessions in Mead, you'll still get all the same awesome energy — just at half the price!)

“Now Laugh It Out!”

Ahhh yes, my classic go-to prompt. I say this ALL the time during my sessions. Why? Because nothing captures joy better than an authentic belly laugh — the kind that makes your cheeks hurt and your eyes squint. But here’s the thing… most people don’t just laugh on cue (unless you’re a professional comedian). So, when I tell you to “laugh it out,” I’m really saying:

➡️ Fake it ‘til you make it.

Yep. I want you to literally force a laugh — and I mean like the most ridiculous fake laugh you can muster. Something like:

“HA. HA. HA. HA. HA!!”

And guess what happens?

You end up actually laughing! Because it’s so ridiculous that you can’t help but crack up. Suddenly, you’re no longer thinking about how awkward your hand placement is — you’re just having fun.

And those photos? GOLD. Pure gold.

“Look at the Ground and Laugh”

Now, I know what you’re thinking… Why in the world would I look at the ground and laugh?

Simple — it creates the most natural, candid, joy-filled shot ever. Something about avoiding eye contact with the camera while forcing a laugh just unlocks this carefree, adorable energy. Plus, it’s perfect for those solo senior portraits or engagement sessions where I want to pull out genuine happiness.

I’ll usually say something like:

“Okay, now glance down and just laugh like you heard the funniest joke ever.”

It’s silly. It’s awkward.
And yet… it always works.

Bonus tip: If we’re shooting somewhere like Bear Lake or in a wide open field near Green Bluff, this pose makes the scenery POP — especially with fall leaves or golden hour sunsets.

“Touch Noses” (Yes, I Really Say This)

Okayyyyyy, now this one is my signature line during couples or engagement sessions.

I’ll be all like:

“Okay guys, now just touch noses… like get super awkwardly close.”

And let me tell you — I can actually see the hesitation in people’s faces like, “Uh… did she just say touch noses?” 😂 YES. YES, I DID. Because here’s what happens next:

➡️ You both start giggling.
➡️ Your eyes squint.
➡️ You get all snuggly and lovey-dovey.
➡️ BOOM. Magic photo moment.

It’s awkward for like 2 seconds… and then it turns into one of the most authentic, romantic, and playful shots of the entire session.

And if you’ve booked me for an engagement session at Manito Park or somewhere cozy like your own backyard, these are the shots you’ll hang on your wall forever.

“Now Give Love in Slow Motion!”

Okay… THIS prompt is my absolute favorite. Whether it’s a family session, couples session, or even a parent & child moment, I’ll suddenly yell out:

“Alright, now give love — BUT DO IT IN SLOW MOTION!!”

And let me tell you… the results are absolute gold.

What happens is this:

• Couples go in for the slowest, most dramatic hug ever.

• Kids run toward Mom or Dad in exaggerated, slow-motion giggles.

• Families wrap each other up in super awkward, hilarious, slow-motion love.

And the thing is — it works EVERY time. Everyone ends up laughing hysterically halfway through and BOOM — I capture the most genuine snuggles, belly laughs, and playful love moments ever.

(Pro tip: This pose looks even cooler when we’re out at Bear Lake during sunset, or during one of my mini sessions in Mead.)

Awkward? Maybe. But Unforgettable? ALWAYS.

Look, I know stepping in front of the camera isn’t something most people do every day. It can feel weird, awkward, and like you have no idea what to do with yourself. But here’s my promise to you:

If you book a session with me, I will make sure it is FUN.

I’m not here to force stiff, posed, awkward-smiling photos that don’t feel like you. Nope. I’m here to pull out the belly laughs, the sweet snuggles, the playful chaos, and the deep love that makes your family, your relationship, or your senior year so uniquely YOU.

So yes — I will 100% say things like:

• “Now laugh it out!”

• “Look at the ground and laugh.”

• “Touch noses!”

• “Okay now, GIVE LOVE IN SLOW MOTION!!”

And yes — you’ll probably feel awkward for the first two minutes. But then? You’ll start laughing, hugging, playing, and being 100% yourselves. And THAT is where the magic happens.

So if you’re ready for a photo session that’s less awkward and boring and more fun, engaging, and unforgettable, I’m your girl. Let’s create memories, make some weird laughing noises, and capture photos that make you say:

“Dang, that was way more fun than I thought.” 💛

👉 Locations I LOVE to shoot at:

• 🌲 Manito Park for dreamy floral backdrops.

• 🌊 Bear Lake for wide open nature shots.

• 🏙 Downtown Spokane for those cool urban vibes.

• 🏞 Centennial Trail for scenic outdoor beauty.

• 📍 Mini Sessions in Mead for quick, affordable photo magic.

👉 Ready to book your session? Send me a message to get started!
👉 Want a fun, stress-free photo session filled with laughs, snuggles, and unforgettable moments? I’m your girl! 🥰