Family photos are often those glorious time capsules where fashion crimes, forced smiles, and pure chaos collide. Whether it’s dad rocking a mullet, mom matching the curtains, the kids’ questionable outfits, or someone’s pet stealing the spotlight, every snapshot tells a story no one quite remembers agreeing to. And that’s exactly what makes them so wonderful: the imperfect, unfiltered moments that make us laugh, cringe, and reminisce years later.
That’s exactly why the Bored Panda team has put together this collection. From matching outfits and awkward poses to expressions that scream “family drama,” these hilariously awkward family photos prove one thing: perfection is boring. Get ready for a gallery that’s part comedy, part chaos, and 100% heartwarming nostalgia.
#1 Scooby Doo Halloween Family
Image credits: noahbodty
#2 The Family That Wins Halloween 2017 Goes To
Image credits: imgur.com
#3 We Don't Have Camera Timer, But You Have To Be In The Family Photo!
Image credits: tonterias
Ah, family photos, that one day when every uncle, aunt, cousin, grandma, and grandpa miraculously gathers under one roof. There’s always someone fussing about where to stand, another person running late, and at least one family member who swears they “don’t photograph well.” It’s pure chaos wrapped in smiles. But that’s what makes these photos so special; they’re less about the picture-perfect moment and more about capturing the beautiful mess that is family life.
Of course, not all families plan formal shoots. Some prefer those candid moments, a random picture snapped while decorating the Christmas tree or a blurry shot of everyone laughing around the dinner table. These spontaneous photos often end up being the real treasures because they capture the laughter, the love, and even the occasional sibling side-eye that makes your family truly yours.
#4 Check This Out
Image credits: Sir_Charge
#5 Exactly 27 Years Ago, My Mom Took The Perfect Picture Of Me And My Sister. Some Things Never Change
Image credits: JK_not_really
#6 I Really Didn't Want To Hold Them
Image credits: Mareeswan
Then there are those who believe weddings are the perfect opportunity for family portraits, and honestly, they might be onto something. Everyone’s already dressed to the nines, emotions are high, and the whole extended clan is conveniently in one place. Between the teary hugs and awkward dance floor moves, there’s always that one family photo that becomes a classic, the kind that resurfaces at every future wedding or family reunion.
#7 Spanish Flu, 1918. Family Portrait
Image credits: reddit.com
#8 My Dad Would Always Gripe That He Didn't Have Any Family Photos Of Me And My Brother. A Few Christmas Ago We Had This Made. He Hasn't Said A Word About Family Photos Since
Image credits: Jew_Gravy
#9 Just Your Typical Family Photo
Image credits: wife2ezmoney
To dive deeper into what makes a truly great family photo, we spoke with Priyanka, a talented photographer from Shaadi Yaadgar, a photography studio that specializes in capturing life’s most cherished moments. Priyanka has been behind the lens for over two decades, photographing everything from dreamy weddings to chaotic family portraits, and she’s seen it all: the toddlers who refuse to smile, the grandparents who blink in every shot, and the occasional family pet that steals the spotlight.
When asked for her best tips, Priyanka starts with something simple but often overlooked: planning your outfits ahead of time. “Coordinating doesn’t mean matching head-to-toe,” she explains with a laugh. “Think about colors that complement each other and suit the season. During fall, warm tones like rust, mustard, and olive look fantastic. In summer, light pastels or whites can make your photos pop without looking too staged.”
#10 Our Baby Announcement Photo
My wife looked so obnoxiously thin 24 hours after delivery that I joked I looked like the one who had just delivered. So we decided to swap for a funny photo.
Image credits: tyleryoungblood
#11 So My Sis Wanted A Silly Family Photo
Image credits: imgur.com
#12 Best Family Photo Ever
Image credits: Greypo
Her next piece of advice might sound small but makes a big difference: empty your pockets! “Phones, keys, wallets, hair clips—you’d be surprised how often these things show up in photos,” Priyanka says. “You don’t want a rectangular phone outline ruining that perfect family shot!” It’s a gentle reminder that even the tiniest details can make or break a picture.
#13 The Chances Of Being Ended By A Baby Are Low, But Not Zero
Image credits: pumpingas
#14 My Roommates And I Decided To Do A Family Photo To Put On The Wall Above Our TV
Image credits: yeaweckin
#15 Family Photos Can Be Lots Of Fun, But For Evan They Were A Bit Of A Drag
Image credits: reddit.com
And don’t forget about footwear. Yes, seriously. “People often focus so much on outfits that they forget shoes matter too,” Priyanka adds. “If it’s a full-length picture, mismatched footwear can really stand out. You don’t want dad in sneakers while everyone else is in formal shoes, or someone teetering in heels they can’t walk in. Comfort and coordination go hand in hand!”
#16 Every Family Has A Black Sheep
Image credits: Blodjemeister
#17 Our Latest Family Photo
Image credits: villainess
#18 As We Wrapped Up My Family's Christmas Eve Party, We Wanted To Get A Group Photo
I thought a 3 second delay was enough time to run into position, so I hit the button, ran (carelessly), and well...this is how it came out... FYI: I own a pair of florescent yellow Nike shoes.
Image credits: PeroChingon
Another trick of the trade? Grouping people smartly. “Coupling family members together always looks great,” Priyanka shares. “Parents with kids, grandparents surrounded by grandkids, cousins lined up together—these natural groupings create warmth and connection. Plus, it helps organize big families without turning it into a game of musical chairs.”
#19 I Never Truly Understood What It’s Like To Grow Up With Siblings Until I Found This Gem Of A Photo In My Wife’s Family Album
Image credits: Playtonic1
#20 Tried To Take A Family Photo
Image credits: yesiamagirl
#21 Family Photo At The Falls
Image credits: dontfuckthat
Props, too, can add a fun twist. “Don’t shy away from using props,” Priyanka advises. “A simple flower bouquet, a pet, or even a family heirloom can make the photo feel more personal. It gives people something to do with their hands and helps them relax in front of the camera.” Whether it’s holding mugs of hot cocoa or tossing autumn leaves, props can bring out genuine smiles.
#22 A Glorious Family Photo Of My Parents And Me From Around 1974. I Wish You Still Had Those Pants In An Adult Size
Image credits: camdon
#23 A While Back, We Tried To Take Family Photos At The Beach. The Results Were.... Unexpected
Image credits: imgur.com
#24 Just Another Family Photo
Image credits: imgur.com
But perhaps her favorite tip of all is this: embrace the imperfect moments. “While posed pictures are lovely, candids often tell the real story,” Priyanka says. “A shared laugh, a toddler running off, someone fixing their hair—those are the shots that capture personality and emotion. Family photos aren’t meant to be flawless; they’re meant to be real.”
#25 My Friend’s Family Christmas Card
Image credits: Imjusttryingtothink
#26 I Came Across This Photo In A Box In My Parents’ Garage Of My Family And Me. And No, This Wasn’t Halloween. I Just Liked To Dress This Way
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#27 Dad Never Fails To Fart During Family Photos
Image credits: imgur.com
And that’s exactly what makes these quirky, hilarious family photos so special. They remind us that imperfection is part of the charm, that life isn’t meant to be airbrushed or perfectly framed. So as you scroll through these delightfully awkward posts, laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a little nostalgic. Which one made you laugh the hardest? And be honest—do you have a family photo that could give these a run for their money?
#28 We Are Visiting ‘Crocodile City’, And After Seeing The Crocs And Snakes, The Kids Asked To Pet The Roaming Tortoises. We Obliged And Then Turned To See Them Watching A Pretty Racy Show
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#29 The Halloween Costumes Of Neil Patrick Harris And His Family
Image credits: Khaleeasi24
#30 My Brothers And I Back In The Sweet Sweet 90s
Image credits: reddit.com
#31 Bought My Family Customized T-Shirts With My Face On Them. They Loved It
Image credits: imgur.com
#32 This Is The Last Year I'm Ever Going To Be Put In Charge Of Our Family Photo
Image credits: ctron3
#33 Me And My Dad During Potty Training
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#34 Just My Friend's Family Photo
Image credits: brebrefosheezie
#35 Halloween 1989. That's Me On The Right. My Sister Is Behind Me And About To Have A Really Bad Day
Image credits: BryanwithaY
#36 Grandma Made These Wonderful Crochet Vests For Each Of My Husband’s Siblings. He Looks Strangely Happy About It (Far Right)
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#37 Post A More Awkward Family Photo Than This
Image credits: imgur.com
#38 We Had Family Photos And My Wife Doesn't Want This Hanging In Our Entrance
Image credits: imgur.com
#39 Family Photo
Image credits: reddit.com
#40 Just Found This Cute Picture Of Me And My Cousin, And My Psycho Brother In The Background
Image credits: leahkray
#41 We Had A Family Photo Shoot And I Picked The Outfits
Image credits: thynameisunidonk
#42 We Had Just Moved To Arizona And Our Parents Took Us Out To The Desert To Get A Nice Christmas Card Photo With The Family Dog. This Was The Photo The Card Company Printed On 200 Cards
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#43 Circa 2001. My Twin Brother And I Had A Tendency Of Blowing Out Our Older Brothers Birthday Candles, So My Grandparents Came To The Rescue
Image credits: itsbigoleme
#44 My Wife Needed A Nap
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#45 I’m In The Chair, The Dentist Is My Uncle, And For Some Reason My Grandmother Decided This Was A Great Time For A Family Picture
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#46 My Awkward Family Photo Recreation Complete With Handmade Adult Onesie
Image credits: imgur.com
#47 Funny Family Photo
Image credits: imgur.com
#48 My Family Thought They Were So Clever Doing “The Lean” In Pictures
Image credits: sunshinerain1208
#49 My Mother Was Taking The Photo And Told Us To Look At The Light To Avoid Red Eye. And There Are Dolls On My Grandparents' Laps For Some Reason
Image credits: awkwardfamilyphotos
#50 Our Latest Family Portrait
Image credits: villainess
