Pretty blue eyed girl having blueberry and strawberry breakfast and a playful expression of joy - Mariano Alvarez event photography, OC, CA

The (Don't) Pose Guide

I often hear "But, I'm awkward in front of the camera!" Please let this be the first thing you forget. My approach has nothing to do with stiff, awkward posing. Instead, we focus on connection, movement, and the beautiful, unscripted moments in between. My job is to make you feel so comfortable that you forget the camera is even there. This guide explains how we do it together.

How we capture natural, connected, and heartfelt moments.

It's All About Connection

You won't hear me say "everyone look here and say cheese!" Instead, I'll gently guide you into moments that feel real. I'll give you simple prompts and actions—things like, "everyone get as close as you can for a group hug," "whisper what you love most about Mom into her ear," or "let's see who can make the baby giggle first." These small interactions are what allow your genuine personalities and connections to shine.



Let Go of "Perfect"

Please, let go of the idea that your family needs to be perfectly behaved or posed. If your toddler wants to run, we'll run! If your baby only wants to be held, we'll cuddle! The messy, the playful, the loud, and the quiet—it's all part of your story. The most cherished images are rarely the ones where everyone is sitting perfectly still. They're the ones that capture the beautiful, chaotic, love-filled reality of your life right now.



A Few Simple Tips


Get Close

Don't be afraid to touch! Hold hands, wrap your arms around each other, rest your head on a shoulder. Physical closeness is the easiest way to show emotional connection in a photograph.


Keep Moving

Movement brings life to photos. We'll do a lot of walking, swaying, lifting the kids, and playing. Constant motion feels more natural and results in more authentic images than standing still.


Focus on Each Other

Try to forget I'm there. Look at your partner, laugh with your kids, and soak in the moment. The more you focus on each other, the more your love will be the focus of the photos.



Your only job is to be you.

Trust me to find the best light and the most flattering angles. Your job is simply to show up, love on your family, and let me capture the magic.


For YOu


Other Session Guides


Below are a few helpful articles to help you prepare. Think of these as friendly suggestions, not strict rules!