ADVERTISEMENT

Out of everything we pass down to our descendants, photographs are among the most sought-after artifacts. They capture the clothes we wore, the homes we lived in, and the moments we shared, some of which can be quite... iconic.

The blog Awkward Family Photos has been collecting cringey yet heartwarming snapshots since 2009. If there's one thing that unites us all, it's nostalgia. And if you want to understand the dynamics behind those family portraits, this is a good place to start.

(By the way, in case you didn’t know, we teamed up with one of the co-founders of Awkward Family Photos, Mike Bender, and released a picture book titled Bored Panda! To learn more about how that happened, check out this article.)

More info: awkwardfamilyphotos.com | Facebook | Instagram

#1

Woman holding a large fish with two young boys making awkward faces in a sweet family photo moment.

awkwardfamilyphotos Report

sbj
Community Member
Premium
1 year ago

Kids are hoping that's not dinner she's holding up

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    Child posing through a cutout in a pumpkin, capturing an awkward family photo that feels surprisingly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "Can you be a happy pumpkin?"

    View more comments
    #3

    Child hugging a goat at a petting zoo surrounded by deer and other animals in an awkward family photo setting.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The goat that is be held is thinking "Let me go there is food over there."

    View more comments
    #4

    Group of children posing for an awkward family photo with one child crying on a carousel horse, capturing sweet moments.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    You know a fraction of a second later and that duck was flying

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Three family members in matching pink fabric smiles awkwardly in a sweet and awkward family photo portrait.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I feel sorry for the kid in the middle, they've got their eyes closed hoping that when they open them this is all just a dream/nightmare

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Family portrait with awkward expressions and mismatched outfits capturing a sweet and memorable family moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Expression in the face of the Girl on the left sums up my feelings about this photo

    View more comments
    #7

    Family photo with 1980s hairstyles, featuring parents and baby, capturing awkward yet sweet family memories.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Laura Spring
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Oh, the 80s hair. Never was more hair spray used.

    View more comments
    #8

    Man holding a newborn baby with a smiling young child beside him in an awkward family photo setting

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Let's see if the head comes off if I turn it like a screw...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Woman with glasses holding two upset children in an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet and emotional.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The good old days, when you couldn't check and take some more pics...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Two men in casual summer clothes sitting awkwardly outside, sharing a relaxed moment in an awkward family photo.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "I thought there'd be more women at your topless superbowl party, Frank...."

    View more comments
    #11

    Two young siblings in an awkward family photo, one in a sailor outfit looking sad, the other smiling warmly nearby.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    One very sad little sailor

    View more comments
    #12

    Child making a funny face at the table with a Mr. Potato Head toy, capturing an awkward family photo moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Joan Jett, 1962, age 4

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Young boy asleep with face on plate at family dinner, capturing an awkward family moment that also feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Winning

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Young girl in a Hello Kitty shirt holding an ultrasound photo, an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I wanted a pony!!

    View more comments
    #15

    Four kids posing awkwardly around a birthday cake in a vintage family photo that feels both awkward and sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Subaru645
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Is that blood on Billy’s shirt?

    View more comments

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Child with a vintage bowl haircut smiling in an awkward family photo that feels both funny and sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    GalPalAl
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    why? As a kid I always wanted a Dorothy Hamill style haircut, but this looks more inspired by mushrooms from Super Mario.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Young girl with pigtails posing for an awkward family photo with a double image effect, capturing a sweet and nostalgic moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Giulia Fortunati
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    "Don't make a wierd face"... Nailed it!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    Young girl clinging to woman’s dress in awkward family photo capturing a sweet, candid moment at a gathering.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The phrase is nip it in the bud.

    View more comments
    #19

    Muscular man flexing while holding a baby in a vintage awkward family photo with a dark background.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Sweet is not a word I would use..?

    View more comments
    #20

    Young boy making a funny face in an awkward family photo with a blurry gray backdrop and casual clothing.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I still do this. Divorce court judge was not impressed.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    Family shares awkward family photo with kids dressed in vintage outdoorsy costumes and a mother reading a book nearby.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Johnson Family. Abducted by aliens, 1972. Last known photo. No one cares.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #22

    Child leaning out of vintage car window as two bears approach on roadside, an awkward family photo moment captured.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    featherytoad
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I wonder if that kid became the snack.

    View more comments
    #23

    Vintage awkward family photo featuring parents and three children with retro hairstyles and glasses, evoking sweet nostalgia.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Mavis
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Mum obviously in charge of the home haircuts.

    View more comments
    #24

    Family posing with vintage computers in awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet and nostalgic.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Kinda ahead of their time, welcoming the computer as the family member around which their lives are centered.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    A quirky family dressed in mismatched costumes posing awkwardly for a sweet family photo outside their home.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Spelunking Football Baby Has My Vote

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Child wearing a large globe costume in a school setting, one of the awkward family photos that also feel incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    "Everything's spinning-I'm going to be sick"

    View more comments
    #27

    Family portrait with a man, woman, child, and ventriloquist dummy capturing an awkward family moment feeling sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    ???

    View more comments
    #28

    Two children wearing oversized coats posing awkwardly in front of an ice sculpture in an awkward family photo.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    kzys59pcrp
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    When mom buys you a coat to grow into

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    Young girl in a blue dress holding a baby, capturing an awkward family photo that also feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    How much longer do I have to hold it? Are we going to keep it? I am really not wanting to keep it.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    Teen girl with spiked hair posing for an awkward family photo that also feels incredibly sweet and nostalgic.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    kzys59pcrp
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Sophie the hedgehog

    View more comments
    #31

    Family lying on the floor with a large snake draped around their necks in an awkward but sweet family photo moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Snake thoughts, “How did I wind up with these losers?”

    View more comments
    #32

    Man in casual clothes holding a garden hose next to a woman in a formal dress, an awkward family photo with sweet vibes.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Would you be in the picture? I'm watering the lawn.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    Child in colorful costume posing in awkward family photos that simultaneously feel incredibly sweet and nostalgic.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Ahnjunwan
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Aww, this is cute 🥰

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Young girl and doll dressed alike in a vintage style photo, capturing an awkward family moment that feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Don't stab the doll with a knitting needle. You won't like her when she's angry.

    View more comments
    #35

    Young girl in Minnesota sweatshirt sitting next to a person in a dinosaur costume in an awkward family photo.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Fishheads? 🎵

    View more comments
    #36

    Table with red checkered cloth, a bread loaf, plates of food, and a flower pot with a face cutout, an awkward family photo moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Spring Fisk
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Wonderful costume idea

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    A family with two children and a mother posing awkwardly around a newborn baby in a clear hospital bassinet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Papa
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I somehow have a feeling the boy in front was not impressed by the new family member.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    Children and adults posing with a clown in an awkward family photo that somehow feels incredibly sweet and nostalgic.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Kabuki Kitsune
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Ronald had a hard time in the 70's after he tested positive for coke.

    View more comments
    #39

    Vintage awkward family photo with serious expressions, capturing an uneasy yet sweet family moment in dim lighting.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Spacey Stacey
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    They don't look like their having a lot of fun.

    View more comments
    #40

    Child looking uneasy next to a girl and a person dressed as Santa Claus in an awkward family photo moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I'm worried by Santas nose

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    Four women in an awkward family photo, showing a mix of serious and playful expressions that feel incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #42

    Awkward family photo showing a shirtless man with three boys, one dressed in a tuxedo, capturing a sweet moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The suit is enough clothes for all of us.

    View more comments
    #43

    Family photo with six people dressed similarly, posing awkwardly but capturing a sweet family moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Ben Stubbs
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    JD Vance before he started wearing guy-liner

    View more comments
    #44

    A family walking outside with a mother in a floral dress and a smiling child in a white dress, capturing awkward family photos.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    First communion?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    Girl with large glasses and voluminous hairstyle smiling in an awkward family photo with a pink sweater.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    karen snyder
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Ya know that every girl in her sixth grade class was jealous, even though that haircut was meant for a standard poodle.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #46

    Vintage awkward family photo collage showing a shirtless man smiling and a child in an outdoor wooden structure.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    AP
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    outhouse or she-shed, I can't decide

    View more comments
    #47

    Baby making awkward crying faces in multiple family photo proofs with different colored backgrounds, capturing an awkward yet sweet moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    AP
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Ah yes, we have several of these kinds of pics and they are our favorites

    View more comments
    #48

    Baby held by a person in a spotted dog costume sitting next to a real Dalmatian in an awkward family photo.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That IS sweet.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #49

    Pregnant woman and goat wearing flower crowns and white outfits in an awkward family photo with a sweet vibe.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Giulia Fortunati
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I have some questions... but I'm afraid to ask...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #50

    Children and adults wearing party hats and blowing up balloons in an awkward family photo with a sweet atmosphere.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    1980s, I guess

    View more comments
    #51

    Two boys in matching American flag jackets and white shorts posing for an awkward family photo with sweet smiles.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Ahnjunwan
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Those jackets look like you get electrocuted if you touch them ⚡

    View more comments
    #52

    Vintage awkward family photo with seven members standing around an old TV, capturing a sweet and nostalgic moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "The most loved one goes in the middle!"

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #53

    Child with a vintage awkward family photo hairstyle, wearing a patterned shirt, smiling sweetly for the camera.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Was the bowl chipped?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #54

    Man dressed in an elephant costume holding a child, sharing an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet and nostalgic.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Spacey Stacey
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I didn't know that the elephant man had children.

    View more comments
    #55

    Awkward family photo of parents and children sitting and posing outside, capturing a sweet and candid moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    BSellen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Dad looks wasted.

    #56

    Black and white photo of a vintage awkward family moment with a man in clown makeup and a boy wearing glasses.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "I watch you when you sleep"

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #57

    Child resting inside a vintage dryer, capturing an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet and nostalgic.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Austzn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Actually kinda dangerous. Kids should never keep their shoes on in the dryer.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #58

    Bride in a white dress and veil posing outdoors in an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet and memorable.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    Potty mouth on the best day of your life?

    #59

    Blue and white vintage birthday cake shaped like a person, capturing an awkward family photo moment with sweet charm.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    I know those are candles but it looks like the hockey player was attacked and killed by archers.

    View more comments
    #60

    Family portrait with awkward poses and mismatched sweaters, capturing a sweet and nostalgic moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    What is going on in the upper right?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #61

    Three siblings in striped shirts and a red dress, posing for an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Isabella K
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That os actually cute. Weird but cute.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #62

    Young girl with a big curly hairstyle wearing a pink sweater in an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "You may be eligible to damages"

    View more comments
    #63

    Awkward family photo from the 70s showing six relatives dressed in vintage clothing with warm smiles and posed indoors.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That blonde hairdo could stop a warhead.

    View more comments
    #64

    Two children sitting with a person dressed as Santa Claus in an awkward family photo that also feels sweet by the Christmas tree.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #65

    Group portrait of a wedding party capturing an awkward family moment that feels incredibly sweet and memorable.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Early fotoshopping?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #66

    Young boy in martial arts uniform posing awkwardly for a family photo with a large ghostly hand in the background, sweetly imperfect.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "I cast mage hand!"

    #67

    Man and woman sitting on a couch holding a chainsaw, an awkward family photo that feels incredibly sweet and genuine.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Well posing with a chainsaw as a gift will always be awkward.

    View more comments
    #68

    Child holding balloons next to a person in oversized sunglasses and red star costume in awkward family photos that feel sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I didn't know Elton John did birthday parties.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #69

    Vintage awkward family photo collage in an oval frame showing a woman in various poses with glasses and curly hair

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #70

    Child sitting on lap of an oversized doll with red yarn hair, capturing an awkward family photo with sweet vibes.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Kayci Styles
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    WTAF?!?!?

    View more comments
    #71

    Man holding video camera, pushing stroller with a child’s legs sticking out, in an awkward family photo outdoors.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Makes me think of the Wicked Witch of the East from the Wizard of Oz, ngl. I've seen people use strollers as suitcase carriers (like in hotels) but never with kids in them

    #72

    Young girl in floral outfit posing awkwardly on a ladder with spilled paint, capturing an awkward family photo with sweet charm.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Maim
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Oh yes, the paint-speckled 80's

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #73

    Toddler smiling on swing with a large clown doll in the background in an awkward family photo sharing a sweet moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Kayci Styles
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Don’t leave that thing around your baby!!!!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #74

    Young girl posing on the ground at a palm print of Minnie Mouse in an awkward family photo moment that feels incredibly sweet

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    AP
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    Dad's had enough

    View more comments
    #75

    Family on a log ride showing mixed emotions, capturing an awkward family photo that also feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    LooseSeal's $10 Banana
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Is that a Baldwin brother?

    View more comments
    #76

    Child smiling while sitting on the lap of a person in an awkward purple dinosaur costume in a family photo setting.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    AP
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Barney from Temu

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #77

    Santa Claus holding a crying baby in a striped outfit, capturing an awkward family photo moment that feels sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Evelyn Fox
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Me, too, kid. Me, too.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #78

    Child in an awkward family photo wearing a pig costume with face paint in a home decorated with flowers and vintage items.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Ha ha porkenstien's Monster?

    #79

    Child looking at adult in a pink bunny costume in a dimly lit room, an awkward family photo with a sweet vibe.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Who doesn't love a 70's-80's easter bunny??

    #80

    Two people with curly hair pose in an awkward but sweet family photo against a dark background.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Looks like a record cover.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #81

    Three children watch as a man changes a car tire on a desert roadside in an awkward family photo moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    FlamingZombies
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Only I didn't say fudge....

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #82

    Three boys gathered around a homemade chocolate cake, sharing an awkward family photo moment that feels incredibly sweet.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The boy on the right: same. No idea wtf this is.

    View more comments
    #83

    Family members in matching denim outfits posing awkwardly but sweetly in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I have a great photo of my, my mom, and my sis, in matching denim outfits from the late 80's with our big hair and everything. LOVE that photo.

    View more comments
    #84

    Two boys in an awkward family photo, one in a hospital bed and the other smiling beside him, evoking a sweet moment.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Kabuki Kitsune
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Remember, it's only fun and games until someone gets hurt, and then it's freaking hilarious.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #85

    Family posing awkwardly with retro clothing and hairstyles in a classic awkward family photo full of sweet charm and nostalgia.

    awkwardfamilyphotos Report

    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Dad wants to strangle somebody

    ADVERTISEMENT