Not every family photo shoot needs to be formal, polished or serious.
Recently, we had a brilliant session in the studio with a group of siblings who wanted to create an awkward family photo shoot as a Christmas present for their mum. The idea was simple. Lean into the cheesy poses, the slightly stiff expressions, the old-school family portrait feel, and create something that would be funny, memorable and genuinely worth framing.
It worked out really well.
What made the shoot so enjoyable was how easy it was to put together. There was no complicated setup, no big production, and no pressure to make everything look overly perfect. That is really the point of this kind of session. The fun comes from embracing the awkwardness a little, rather than trying to avoid it.
These kinds of shoots have become a recognisable internet trend over the years because people enjoy photos that feel a bit nostalgic, a bit exaggerated and a bit gloriously uncomfortable in the best possible way. The website Awkward Family Photos launched in 2009 after co-founder Mike Bender was inspired by an awkward family holiday photo hanging in his parents’ house, and the idea quickly grew into a widely known online brand, books and more. The site is built around exactly that shared humour. Family photos that are odd, stiff, over-styled, or unintentionally hilarious, but also strangely charming because they feel real.
That is part of why an awkward family photo shoot works so well as a gift. It is personal, funny and low-pressure. You are not trying to create a luxury fashion campaign. You are creating something your family will laugh about, talk about and probably keep for years.
Why awkward family photo shoots are so much fun
There is something funny about a photo that looks just a little too serious for what it is.
Classic awkward family portraits usually borrow from the look of older studio photography. Slightly formal poses, matching expressions, dated styling, over-earnest smiles, strange spacing between siblings, or that deliberate “what exactly is going on here?” energy. That contrast is what makes the final image work.
It also gives people permission to relax. Ironically, once nobody is trying to be too polished, the shoot often becomes easier. People loosen up, ideas come faster, and the whole thing feels more natural. Even if the finished photos look intentionally awkward, the experience itself is usually full of laughs.
For families, siblings or friendship groups, it can be a great alternative to a standard portrait session. It is playful, quick to organise and does not need a huge amount of preparation.
A simple studio shoot with a lot of personality
This is exactly why we want to offer it as a simple session at Whites Hire Studio.
The setup does not need to be complicated. One backdrop, one photographer, one simple lighting setup, and a bit of willingness to have fun with it. The goal is not to overproduce it. The goal is to create something funny, memorable and giftable.
Our awkward family photo shoot offer is:
Because the session is short and simple, it works well for siblings, small family groups or anyone who wants to create a fun gift without the stress of a larger family photography booking.
Why the studio works well for this kind of shoot
A studio setting is actually ideal for awkward family photos because it gives the whole thing that classic portrait feel.
A clean background, controlled lighting and one simple setup help keep the attention on the expressions, poses and styling choices that make the shoot funny. It also means the session can move quickly, which is perfect for a light-hearted concept like this.
At Whites Hire Studio, the space is already designed for flexible portrait and content sessions, with professional lighting, backdrops and a private indoor setup in Hull. The studio’s photography hire pages highlight its suitability for portraits, headshots, product photography and other creative shoots, with simple hourly hire and included lighting support.
That makes it easy to offer something like this as a fun, straightforward portrait experience rather than a big formal production.
A nice idea for Christmas, birthdays and family gifts
Although the shoot we recently did was intended as a Christmas present, the idea works just as well for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or just as a surprise gift for someone with a good sense of humour.
It is one of those presents that feels more personal than buying something off the shelf. You are giving someone a shared joke, a memory and a set of images they will not be expecting.
And because the setup is so simple, it is a very accessible kind of shoot to book.
What is an awkward family photo shoot?
An awkward family photo shoot is a fun portrait session designed to recreate the feel of deliberately cheesy, old-school or slightly uncomfortable family portraits. The idea is to lean into the humour and create something memorable rather than overly formal.
Why are awkward family photos so popular?
Awkward family photos became widely popular online through the Awkward Family Photos website, which launched in 2009 and invited people to share funny, embarrassing and oddly charming family pictures. The idea took off because people recognised the humour in those imperfect but very relatable moments.
Who is this kind of photo shoot good for?
It works well for siblings, small family groups, friends or anyone who wants a funny photo gift for a parent, partner or relative.
Do we need props or costumes?
Not necessarily. The session can work with everyday clothes and simple posing, but props, matching outfits or slightly retro styling can add even more character if you want to lean into the awkward look.
How long does the session take?
The awkward family photo shoot offer is designed to be simple and quick, with up to 30 minutes in the studio.
What is included in the £90 awkward family photo shoot offer?
The offer includes up to 30 minutes session time, studio hire, photographer, 1 set-up, and 5 edited digital photos for £90.
Is this a good gift idea?
Yes. It works especially well as a Christmas gift, birthday surprise or Mother’s Day present because it is personal, funny and something the recipient probably would not book for themselves.
If you are looking for a fun, simple and slightly different gift idea, our Awkward Family Photo Shoot is a great way to create something memorable. You can find out more about our photography studio hire in Hull or go straight to book your session
Need a studio for your next shoot?
From portrait sessions and product photography to video interviews and content creation, Whites Hire Studio offers an affordable, flexible space in Hull.
