Clicking a family picture can feel like a full-on mission: getting everyone to dress up, stand still, smile on cue, and somehow look normal at the same time. But honestly, it’s all worth it when the photo turns out perfect… or perfectly hilarious.
Today, we dived into the Instagram page Awkward Portrait Studio, a goldmine of delightfully chaotic family photos. We’ve gathered some of their funniest gems for you to enjoy. Keep scrolling, who knows, you might even get some inspiration for your next family portrait.
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It’s always a great idea to take family pictures, whether it’s the classic holiday portrait or a simple graduation moment with everyone squeezed together in frame. These photos are tiny time capsules you can look back on years later. But here’s the thing: family photos don’t need to be stiff, serious, or overly posed.
They can be silly, creative, and full of personality if you let them. Sure, we love the traditional shots too, but sometimes it’s fun to break the rules a little. A small twist can make a huge difference. So here are a few ideas to help you elevate your next family photo shoot and make it unforgettable. You might even spark a new tradition.
"I said wear the d**n pyjamas!" "You know I don't play by the rules!"
And if she turns around she'll see them again.
Load More Replies..."Four adults posing in an awkward studio pic, with one person horizontally held by three others laughing and smiling". Aren't their joyous expressions uplifting? Such happiness radiating from them all.
I have questions but I don't think 🤔 I'm strong enough to hear the answers.
It looks like they're playing "make a wish" with their conjoined siblings...
What the ever-loving fruit bat? Why would you want this nightmare in your house???
Try weaving in hobbies or unique interests that define your family as a group. Maybe you’re all obsessed with a particular sports team and already have matching jerseys lying around. Or perhaps you bond through cooking, reading, gardening, or weekend hikes. Incorporating these personal touches turns the photo into a story instead of a simple pose. Bring props, wear outfits that match the hobby, or choose a location that reflects it. These small details make the photo feel genuinely “you.”
I think the cameraman tried "flash" photography to get this reaction.
That's how the two kids she has were conceived...
Load More Replies...This guy is wearing the exact same sweater as the guy in the family pic(guy holding a phone to his ear) just above this, currently #6.
Well, similar sweater. the pink and blue are reversed on his.
Load More Replies...This is a recreation I want to see the original to see if they nailed it.
Interesting architecture can transform even the simplest family portrait into something striking. Think colorful murals that pop, rustic barn doors, charming brick walls, or futuristic buildings with bold lines. These backdrops add instant character without stealing the spotlight.
You don’t need anything fancy, sometimes a painted fence or an old fire escape is all it takes. Architecture also helps create contrast and texture, which makes group photos visually richer. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your neighborhood or a meaningful place. And who doesn’t love a backdrop that does half the work for you?
I get making an awkward photo for fun like the couple with the dog in the corner, but this is way to far to get on this list.
You see, dear Unicorn, when two moose love each other very much...
Load More Replies...Is this the cover for a physiological thriller movie? No, wait. That'd be too obvious. They definitely did it.
So many questions. It looks like the child has passed away? Is it the same person young and old? Look at the hairline of the older person. Is that hair a wig?
I'd say that it's the same person (plus the cheap wig) trying to prove that they 'haven't aged a day'.
Load More Replies...A fun and nostalgic option is recreating a childhood photo in the present day. Dig up an old family picture, maybe a chaotic birthday scene, a goofy pose, or a beloved vacation memory. Now remake it with everyone in the exact same positions, facial expressions, and props. The results are almost always hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. It’s a sweet way to honor your family history while creating new memories.These “then vs. now” photos often become instant classics. And they look amazing side by side.
Did the doll insist on coming along for the 'family' photo? Do they take it everywhere? Does it get its own booster seat at restaurants? Does it invade their dreams every night? Does it have plans to m****r them?
The kissing penguin socks! Edit: Zooming in it seems the birds are actually puffins...equally fantastic socks.
Consider choosing a fun, unexpected theme to give your photo shoot a playful twist. Go full retro with 80s workout outfits, or maybe you want to channel your favorite movie characters for a day. You can also pick a bold color palette, neutrals, pastels, neon, and coordinate outfits for a clean and stylish look. Themes instantly give structure and excitement to the shoot. Plus, they get everyone involved from kids to grandparents. It turns the shoot into a mini event instead of a chore. And the end result will definitely stand out from every other family photo on the fridge.
He's looking hopeful with his proposal and she just looks like she wants to say "no".
Try incorporating motion instead of sticking to stiff poses. Run toward the camera together, jump in the air, spin the kids around, or toss confetti for a burst of color. Movement makes the energy feel real and gives you natural smiles instead of forced ones. These action shots also capture personality in a way traditional poses sometimes can’t. They work especially well for families with little kids who don’t love sitting still. Plus, motion creates beautiful, candid chaos that feels alive. And honestly, these are usually the photos people end up loving the most.
Imagine if you will....you're jogging early morning, these two people pass you and give you this look
Yes, kiddies, this is *almost* what the eighties looked like. What they are missing is hair. A lot of hair, chemically suspended in improbable ways.
Oh wow..I didn't notice that. That's just looks way off, lol.
Load More Replies...Which photography studio had this SAME bookcase? It's in about six photos.
If you want something truly unique, turn everyday life into a dramatic, staged moment. Set up a “family cooking disaster,” a living-room pillow fight, or a backyard camping scene with everyone in character. You can even create a fake argument over board games or pretend to be superheroes in mundane situations. These concept-style photos are fun because they mix real life with playful exaggeration. They feel authentic but cinematic at the same time. And they give your family a chance to show off its quirkiest side.
The shadows seem to say no, unless they are faked somehow.
Load More Replies...Nooo, it's definitely not his own leg... I have so many questions..
Load More Replies...And if you need a little extra inspiration, these photos are pure entertainment. They’re funny, chaotic, and somehow still heartwarming in the best way. Pick your favorite, save it for later, and send it to your family group, you might just inspire your next unforgettable photo shoot.
Jojo Siwa? I-is that you??? I-it’s been so long since I you have b-been like this? Oh my gosh I’ve missed you so much
it's the bee's knee...so agree, it's not quite there
Load More Replies...Carpet in the kitchen? Little girl's reaction must be due to now understanding the meaning of the phrase "fire hazard".
LOL. I had that shirt in 1984...so busy looking at it, missed the "accident." :)
I hung around with a group of people like that in the '90s when I was a newly fledged adult (and failing at it) and they were some of the sweetest people I've ever met.
I didn't know any goths growing up, but every single person I know who did have the pleasure or knowing them at some point did say goths are the absolute sweetest kindest people. I can't think of an instance where anyone I know has badmouthed a goth they actually knew.
Load More Replies..."Keep riding that horse, it's good training for tonight."
This is the third photo in this thread, where someone is wearing this sweater.
Came to comments to see if anyone else felt that. Like 100%.
Load More Replies...I think these studios had props people could use. But why?
Load More Replies...Well this whole site is clogged with sh!t so...
Load More Replies...I don't know that song, could you hum a few bars?
Load More Replies...I like how the parents expressions are "I'm so done with all of this". So that was, what, the twentieth photo taken without any warning so the kids were smiling and not pulling faces?
We Cavalier owners do love our pups. But I'd have taken off his boot before the photo!
Pink on the left side of the sweater is ahead three to one, for those keeping score at home.
Load More Replies...I honestly can't tell what kind of relationship they are in. BF/GF? Brother/sister? Cousins? Not that it matters but I realized I cannot tell from this picture. :P
Is this sweater a thing that no one has told me about? It’s a thing, isn’t it?
They all went to the same studio and got the same sweater to wear...degrees of Kevin Bacon!! They have reunion parties! 😛
Load More Replies...It's a Hobby Horse (horse head on a stick)
Load More Replies...Don't get me wrong, I love the staged awkward photos, but these naturally occurring ones just have a special magic to them. Love it!
What a thoughtful and heartfelt comment! You clearly know these people well to provide such a genuine and thorough description of them.
Load More Replies...i guess looking like you peed your pants in a picture was a thing....????
These look like they were taken by the same 3 or 4 photographers, all of whom were clueless.
The logo said it is the Awkward Family Portrait Studio Who knew it would be a viable business model.
Load More Replies...Can I guess what today's theme is? Denim. Denim, denim and more denim.
Were these all taken in the '80s? I see a lot of acid wash jeans and loud primary colors.
These aren't funny precisely bc they're trying to be funny. The truly funny family photos are the ones where the family was dead serious. And now it's aged 20 years. And no one at the time realized it was awful. These are just lame.
There is some confusion here. All of these photos are from a place that does deliberately awful Christmas pictures. They specialize in in and are booked fully for next November and December. People get on planes to do it. Look up Awkward Family Photos. These aren't even the funniest. Try actually reading the FIRST LINE.
Looks like a lot of these came from the same place. The weirdness capital or something?
These look like they were taken by the same 3 or 4 photographers, all of whom were clueless.
The logo said it is the Awkward Family Portrait Studio Who knew it would be a viable business model.
Load More Replies...Can I guess what today's theme is? Denim. Denim, denim and more denim.
Were these all taken in the '80s? I see a lot of acid wash jeans and loud primary colors.
These aren't funny precisely bc they're trying to be funny. The truly funny family photos are the ones where the family was dead serious. And now it's aged 20 years. And no one at the time realized it was awful. These are just lame.
There is some confusion here. All of these photos are from a place that does deliberately awful Christmas pictures. They specialize in in and are booked fully for next November and December. People get on planes to do it. Look up Awkward Family Photos. These aren't even the funniest. Try actually reading the FIRST LINE.
Looks like a lot of these came from the same place. The weirdness capital or something?
