Connected Family Portraits — It’s All About the Hands


They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but when it comes to family portraits in Santa Barbara, I disagree — it’s all about the hands. At the beginning of my family sessions, I mention to my families “Always have your hand on someone else.” Whether it’s on someone else’s hand, shoulder, waist, or cheek. I want my clients to be doing something with their hands that connects them to their family.


When clients do this, everything else — posing, interactions, expressions, laughter — just seems to fall into place easily. It may seem obvious, but unless you’re a professional model, you may not know what to do with your hands during a portrait session. And how awkward would you feel standing in front of a camera with your hands by your sides? Or just in your pockets? The solution — just touch your family, whether it be a hug, tickle, or squeeze.


Below are some examples of photos where the hands really show the family’s connection. As you look at these, imagine if the families were instead posed “traditionally” with their hands by their sides. See what a difference the hands make.

Peaceful moment between parent and sleeping baby in orange clothing.
Intimate family moment captured outdoors against green rolling hills.
A young child wearing a mustard yellow knit sweater plays outdoors in nature.
Multi-generational family gathering outdoors under a tree on a sunny day.
Child being held on beach with blue sky and ocean in background.
Two children in denim jackets playing together on beach at sunset.
A couple embraces outdoors while another stands in background among autumn trees.
Intimate family moment with sibling meeting newborn baby.
Newborn baby lying on white carpet with arms outstretched and adult hand visible.
Family sitting together on a colorful striped blanket outdoors.
Aerial view of hands holding young child wearing orange sweater outdoors.
Sweet playful moment between two people in a garden with Spanish mission architecture.
Family relaxing together on a picnic blanket in warm sunlight.
A tender outdoor portrait of parent and child in warm sunlit setting.
Family sharing an intimate moment outdoors with pregnant mother in brown dress.