Candid Family Photos on the Princeton University Campus

Today we’re giving you a peek into the candid family photos we took with David & Hayoon on the Princeton University Campus. This shoot was special because the family wanted photos taken as a keepsake, since they had some big life changes happening in the coming months, and wanted a way to remember what life is like for them right now. We love that their family photos are natural, unposed and relaxed, and we’ve included some of our favorite shots from the day here.

Feel free to Pin your favorites, save them for later, or use them as inspiration for your own upcoming family shoot. (And don’t forget to read to the end for our #1 tip on how to take relaxed, candid family photos!)

Candid Princeton Family Photos by Kyo Morishima Photography

Family Photos for Life’s Big Moments

David and Hayoon reached out to us to capture an important moment in their family’s life. With an international move coming up and a sweet baby girl who just turned 1, they knew that they’d always want to be able to look back at this time of life when it was just the three of them living in New Jersey. Family photos were the perfect way to capture what life looks like for them right now.

The Princeton University Campus in May was the perfect place for David & Hayoon’s family photos. David is a professor, so the location has special meaning to him. And, the blooming flowers delighted baby H, who curiously explored and wanted to touch them all.

Keeping It Moving & Having Fun Together

One of our favorite ways to shoot family photos is in motion. Instead of standing still and striking a pose that may or may not truly “feel” like your family, we always encourage our families to get moving! Run, play, tell jokes, laugh… just do whatever makes you feel most like you.

David & Hayoon told us in advance that they have a very happy and active little girl, so our “get moving” trick worked beautifully for their family photos. Baby H is always running around, dancing, exploring her world, and waving “hello!” to everyone she sees on the street. Plus, she had just learned to walk, so got to show off for the camera.

We couldn’t get enough of Baby H’s joyful, curious energy, or the way Mom and Dad knew exactly when to stand back and let her explore on her own.

Natural, Relaxed and Unposed Family Portraits

David & Hayoon’s photos are striking because of their simplicity. They capture the sweet, tender, normal moments of everyday family life. The Princeton University backdrop is perfect because it holds meaning to the family, and gave them the space to run, play and laugh together. The result is family photos that are natural, unposed, and real. Our hope is that when David & Hayoon look back on this phase in their life, beyond how they looked, they’ll remember how they felt.

We wish you all the best in your new adventure overseas!

Here are more family portraits!

Our #1 Family Photography Session Tip:

For the best candid family photos, our most important tip is: get moving. Don’t stay still and pose.

Walk around, jump, smell the flowers, tell jokes together, climb a tree, run around, play tag, pet the dog, explore. Do whatever you need to do as a family to feel like you. You will be thrilled with the result!