Bored Panda
50 Wholesomely Hilarious Family Pictures That Are Just So Awkward (New Pics)
FunnyOCT 31, 2023

50 Wholesomely Hilarious Family Pictures That Are Just So Awkward (New Pics)

221
8
Let’s talk about photos! Nowadays, people capture every moment, whether big or small, in their lives. It begins with the special occasions they share with family, moments they want to remember when they look at these photographs in the future. Some photos are posed, while others are taken spontaneously. Then, there are all those snapshots taken for various reasons that often end up unused but consume a significant portion of our smartphone storage.
Today, we'd like to focus on a category of photos that encompass a wide range of moments - both staged and candid, taken without warning, resulting in humorous images. Awkward Family Photos is dedicated to curating the best images where the photographer has managed to capture hilarious family portraits. Some of these shots haven't aged well and look cringe-worthy today. On the other hand, others freeze time in the most awkward of moments, earning their place in the selection of images we've prepared for you today.
For more insights into family photos, we reached out to Ian Weldon, a British photographer who specializes in documenting weddings in a very original way. To learn more, scroll down and read our interview.

#1 Our Deaf Cattle Dog Has No Idea He Farts All The Time And Here's Our Daughter Reacting To His Latest Burst Of Gas

Our Deaf Cattle Dog Has No Idea He Farts All The Time And Here's Our Daughter Reacting To His Latest Burst Of Gas
308points

#2 This Picture Was Taken At My Daughter’s Preschool. I Think The Photographer Thought Having Her Hold A Flower Would Make For A Really Cute And Innocent Picture

This Picture Was Taken At My Daughter’s Preschool. I Think The Photographer Thought Having Her Hold A Flower Would Make For A Really Cute And Innocent Picture
288points

#3 Hi, I’m Jenn And I Sold My First House At Only 3 Years Old

Hi, I’m Jenn And I Sold My First House At Only 3 Years Old
286points

Bored Panda got in touch with Ian Weldon to discuss his perspective on awkward photographs. If you're not familiar with his work, this UK-based photographer has a distinct approach to capturing wedding moments. In an age where many tend to create a somewhat artificial reality in their photos, often staging shots, overlooking details, and eliminating flaws, more people are realizing that these images may lack authenticity.

Through candid shots, Ian Weldon captures the most natural moments of the events he documents. If you're curious about how Weldon's photos differ from the majority of other wedding photographers, be sure to check out some of the Bored Panda posts where we've previously featured his work.

#4 My Two-Year-Old Daughter Drew A Pillow With Chalk, Then Laid Down For A Nap

My Two-Year-Old Daughter Drew A Pillow With Chalk, Then Laid Down For A Nap
271points

#5 Fun For All The Family

Fun For All The Family
Report
267points

#6 My Mom And Dad In Dc In The Late 80s

My Mom And Dad In Dc In The Late 80s
265points

The Awkward Family Photos page on Instagram frequently showcases photos that resonate with nostalgia and relatability. We asked Ian if the candid wedding photos can also evoke these emotions. Weldon told us: “Yes, definitely. Candid photography can certainly have unexpected elements that evoke nostalgia. I think we are so used to seeing perfectly crafted photographs - especially from weddings - that when we come across one that isn’t perfect it stands out, it can be reminiscent of a family snapshot or amateur holiday photograph.”

#7 Our Parents Used To Tell My Only Brother And Me That We Used To Have Another Brother Who Turned Into A Mushroom From Not Taking A Bath. Even Added Him To The Family Albums

Our Parents Used To Tell My Only Brother And Me That We Used To Have Another Brother Who Turned Into A Mushroom From Not Taking A Bath. Even Added Him To The Family Albums
265points

#8 My Great-Grandmother After Wrapping Her Skoda Around A Tree

My Great-Grandmother After Wrapping Her Skoda Around A Tree
258points

#9 My Family Went On A Trip To Maine During The Summer And Decided To Take Family Photos. Maybe It Was Very Windy But Everyone Looks Catalog Perfect And Then…there’s Me

My Family Went On A Trip To Maine During The Summer And Decided To Take Family Photos. Maybe It Was Very Windy But Everyone Looks Catalog Perfect And Then…there’s Me
256points

We were wondering how the photographer from the UK interprets the term "awkward" within the context of candid wedding photos. Ian shared with us: “Awkward can come in many forms, from a look to a gesture to an uncomfortable situation, but it's mostly down to our own perception. I have many seemingly ‘awkward’ wedding photographs but in reality, they are from very normal situations. A moment caught by the camera that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. I just happen to enjoy finding those moments, those unexpected elements that can elevate the photograph to something else and ultimately make you laugh.”

#10 These Are My Dad’s Baby Pictures. He Was Born An Old Man

These Are My Dad’s Baby Pictures. He Was Born An Old Man
252points

#11 My Husband’s High School Goth/Emo/Photoshop Phase Is An Untapped Goldmine

My Husband’s High School Goth/Emo/Photoshop Phase Is An Untapped Goldmine
247points

#12 My Sister On Her Wedding Day

My Sister On Her Wedding Day
245points

Awkward Family Photos often highlight humorous and unscripted moments. We wanted to know if Weldon could describe a candid moment from a wedding he’s photographed that he found particularly funny or endearing. We found out that: “I have a couple of favorite photographs that, often because of the situation, seem even more awkward. Funny faces being pulled during speeches can always make you wonder what had been said or stern looks during the ceremony can make you question whether everyone is actually that happy about the union.

When lots of people drink lots of alcohol silly things tend to happen, but it's just people being people. It's just life, and that's awkward enough.”

#13 Junior High Is Hard Enough Without Your Mother Buying You A Bright Red Monogrammed Sweater With Your Initials

Junior High Is Hard Enough Without Your Mother Buying You A Bright Red Monogrammed Sweater With Your Initials
244points

#14 I Show My Boyfriend One Picture From My Childhood And Suddenly Reproducing With Me Is Off The Table

I Show My Boyfriend One Picture From My Childhood And Suddenly Reproducing With Me Is Off The Table
241points

#15 My Mall Glamour Shots From 1997 Where I Look Like A Woman Who Just Cashed Her Husband’s Life Insurance Check

My Mall Glamour Shots From 1997 Where I Look Like A Woman Who Just Cashed Her Husband’s Life Insurance Check
235points

#16 My Dad And I Getting Ready For A Road Trip In The Summer Of ’86.

My Dad And I Getting Ready For A Road Trip In The Summer Of ’86.
233points

#17 My Daughter Was Having A Tantrum, And Hid Her Face Under A Pillow. The Results Were Divine!

My Daughter Was Having A Tantrum, And Hid Her Face Under A Pillow. The Results Were Divine!
227points

#18 My Sisters And I Were Professionally Photographed With Identical Dolls In Matching Prairie Dresses

My Sisters And I Were Professionally Photographed With Identical Dolls In Matching Prairie Dresses
226points

#19 My Uncle And My Dad Posing On A Nissan 300 Zx, Late 80s

My Uncle And My Dad Posing On A Nissan 300 Zx, Late 80s
221points

#20 I Told My Dad I Wanted To Be An Ear For Halloween. He Really Came Through

I Told My Dad I Wanted To Be An Ear For Halloween. He Really Came Through
218points
221
8