For most of us, flicking through old family photos is a slightly awkward yet generally amusing and enjoyable thing to do. The photo album often appears when a new boyfriend or girlfriend first comes to stay, or when reminiscing during family gatherings, and we might get slightly embarrassed by the occasional dodgy outfit or haircut. These family photos, however, are on another level, and it's easy to see why those who feature in them can't bare to look at them even to this day!
Stop Clowning Around, Darling
Sure, four people are in this photo, but it feels like mom, dad, and the baby are doing their best to pretend that it's just the three of them. The parents of the little girl dressed as a clown clearly aren't impressed with their daughter's outfit, making it all feel a bit awkward in the best way possible. The little clown girl looks like she has shuffled into the picture without anyone even realizing it.
In defense of the parents, a family photo is far cuter when the kids aren't dressed in disguise, especially one that makes the image look like a still from a horror movie! But in defense of the kid, she made this picture one they'll never forget, and we're grateful for her.
Ho, Ho, Ho, See You Later!
Any parent who has taken their kids to see Santa Claus will likely be familiar with some children's initial apprehension toward the big man in red. After all, Santa is a stranger in some ways, and his beard and outfit can be a little intimidating. Therefore, it's probably not the best idea to place your children next to him and flee the scene! We guess this mom was a first-timer trying her best.
Mom was clearly trying to get a photo of the kids alone with Santa, but things didn't quite work out as she had hoped. Instead, they got this masterpiece of a picture.
Have Four Daughters, They Said, It'll Be Easy, They Said
Never before has a photo shown the challenge of raising four kids more clearly! These parents have their work cut out, but at least they seem to be taking it in stride — or at least finding the whole thing amusing. It would appear that there's a battle royale happening between the girls, with even the baby joining in. A family of mixed martial arts stars in the making, perhaps?
While the mom's reaction is entirely understandable, we can't get enough of the hilarious bird flip by the dad. He's evidently feeling the challenges that come with raising a big family.
Barbie Showing Some Brotherly Love
This photo has presumably become legendary within this family, with the brother no doubt dubbed as a 'player' from a young age. While this little girl was posing for a wholesome photo with her younger brother and her beloved life-sized Barbie doll, her sibling had other ideas. The funniest thing about it? She doesn't even realize what's going on! The Scandal! That Barbie doll was probably never looked at the same.
This is a good example of why life-sized dolls might not always be the best idea. We're not entirely sure whether this little lad understands that Barbie isn't, in fact, a real girl.
Rice To Speak To You, Grandma
Without any context, this is a pretty awkward photo. Usually, grandparents like to have their picture taken, sitting proudly with a grandson or a granddaughter, or even some kind of award. Not in this case. Here, grandma looks immensely pleased to be photographed with a tub of rice. However, this is not just any rice; it's a special tub of rice for the rare occasion that someone has dropped their phone in water and needs it dried out.
You may think that keeping a dedicated tub of rice for this particular scenario is kind of niche. Well, we completely agree. That being said, you have to give grandma credit for being prepared!
Separate Rooms Is Probably A Good Idea
We're sure her intentions are sweet, but this little girl sure looks menacing. Seemingly oblivious to it all, dad thinks he's posing for a cute pic of his two beautiful children, while it would appear that his daughter has an ulterior motive. Let's just hope this family didn't let big sister have too much alone time with the baby! The creepy stare down the lens is like something out of a horror movie.
We're sure that these siblings grew up to be best of friends, so photos like this can be looked back at with amusement. If we were the baby sibling, we'd definitely frame this one.
Hey Dad, How About An Arm Wrestle?
It's a well-known fact that timing is often the key to a great family photo. In this case, the timing couldn't have been better — or worse, for this dad! Upon closer inspection, it's pretty clear this baby doesn't have one enormous hand, and their dad doesn't have a baby's arm, but it takes a while to realize what's going on. Perhaps this was taken in the pre-digital camera age? Let's go with that.
While this pure luck of timing has produced a pretty embarrassing photo, we'd like to think that the dad — and his now grown-up child — both see the funny side of it.
This One Might Not Make The Frame
Family photoshoots tend to follow a certain formula. Matching outfits are coordinated, a beautiful location is chosen, and wholesome poses are perfected. Easy, right? Well, sometimes things can go wrong. Very wrong, in this case. This hilariously awkward shot captures the exact moment when mom drops her infant son, sending him crashing down onto the beach for a faceful of ocean water and sand. Her pained expression says it all.
It would appear that the eldest boy has come crashing into the mom from behind, knocking her over and making her drop her son. The funniest part? The middle brother seems to find it all hilarious.
Instagram Versus Reality
While this isn't exactly a picture-perfect Christmas card, it is at least an accurate representation of how we experience the holiday season; kids on the floor crying, toys scattered everywhere, and a general feeling of exhaustion. In all seriousness, this is clearly not the photo this family wanted to end up with when they set out to the photography studio that day, so we're curious to know how it got to this point.
The moral of the story here is that young kids and animals — the stuffed toy version or otherwise — are surely the most difficult creatures to photograph!
Time To Ramp This Photoshoot Up
Sure, this photo is slightly bizarre, but it's also pretty cool that this kid's mom is willing to go the extra mile and become a human ramp, all for the perfect shot! At least she's agreed to this while her son is still relatively small and light — it could definitely end in tears otherwise. Then again, that bike falling on her would be painful, no matter the size of her son. That's another level of motherly dedication.
Let's be honest; if this kid grew up to be a professional BMX rider or a star of extreme sports, this would instantly become an iconic photo. Good on you, mom!
Can You Just Grab Mom For Me?
This hilarious photo looks like it's straight out of a 90s holiday comedy movie, and we absolutely love it! Dad and his elder daughter clearly got the memo, looking straight down the lens at the photographer with suitable festive glee. Meanwhile, Mom is looking desperately to her husband for help as she is attacked by her naughty baby, her pearl necklace in danger of being ripped right off.
What's remarkable about this awkward family portrait is that even amid the chaos, the mom still looks incredibly glamorous. We're sure the eventual photo they took was the perfect family portrait — perhaps they eventually let the baby wear the necklace? Problem solved.
So Brainy
Would you question it if someone told you this was a picture of the smartest baby ever born? Neither would we. This little chap gave the camera an extremely grown-up pose that gives the impression that he's wise beyond his years. We think it looks like he's overseeing a debate between his parents and ready to step in at any moment to correct them on their use of grammar.
The truth is, most people have slightly embarrassing baby photos or stories. But even the embarrassing ones are cute, like this little smarty pants-looking baby.
Let's Get This Party Started
Let's be honest, the best part of a wedding day is the party afterward, so this bride clearly has the right idea of cracking open a bottle of champagne on her way to the reception. We can't get enough of her newly-wedded husband's reaction, whose side eye suggests he's less than impressed with his bride's behavior! Still, we're sure he's used to it and joined in the minute they arrived at the party.
While this picture might be somewhat awkward, this couple's future kids will absolutely love it. After all, imagine your mom being this rock 'n' roll on her wedding day. We salute you and your champagne-downing antics!
She Was Roarsome At Ballet
If you picture a little girl doing ballet, words that spring to mind are "graceful" and "cute." Not so much in this case, as this little lady wasn't playing along during her ballet photoshoot. Perhaps it would've been easier for the photographer to take shots while she was actually dancing rather than asking a toddler to pose! Oh well, at least the family has some hilarious pics, even if the result is not what they expected.
In fairness to the person taking the photos, children and pets are notoriously difficult to photograph as they don't necessarily respond to taking directions. Try again in 5 years, we say.
A Quick Nap Before The Nuptials
Everybody loves children participating in wedding ceremonies. It brings a cuteness overload to an already lovely occasion, and a star appearance from a flower girl or boy can often be the highlight of the day. Sometimes, however, a kid's cameo doesn't always go to plan. In this case, the flower girl clearly decided it was time for a nap before her crucial role of walking down the aisle. Oops!
We can't get enough of the congregation's reaction, who are in absolute hysterics at the sight of the little lady being wheeled into the ceremony on a wagon. One for the family photo album!
We Said Exercise Not Exorcist!
This isn't exactly the kind of bedtime reading we'd suggest to any parent, but by the looks of things, this little girl is very much sold on the material. Since she's only two years old, there's no danger of her understanding what the book is about (thank goodness!), but we can't be sure there aren't creepy pictures inside. Hey, it could be worse: the parent could be putting her in front of the movie.
In a way, looking after a toddler can sometimes feel like you're dealing with a demon — the tantrums, the loud screaming, etc. but we're sure this little girl is a sweetie most of the time.
Stanley Kubrick Could Never
We can't confirm whether this is definitely the inspiration for the 1980 horror movie classic, The Shining, but we wouldn't be surprised. One of the most memorable features of the movie is a creepy set of twin girls who appear when something ominous is about to happen. These two look worryingly similar! In their defense, it looks like this picture was taken in 1909 when, frankly, everyone looked a bit weird in photos.
What's never been clear is why subjects of photos from the early 20th Century never seemed to smile or look remotely happy. Well, fortunately for us, it made for extra awkward family photos.
A Model Bride
This groom quite literally has his newly-wed bride in the palm of his hands — married life is off to a good start! Aside from this being a technically impressive photo, it's a little bit too surreal and awkward for our liking. Is there a deeper meaning behind it, or did the photographer simply have a spontaneous idea for an unusual shot? Either way, it's certainly giving slightly sinister vibes.
One thing we have to give credit to is the groom's flared pants. For some, the 70s were a pretty forgettable decade, but it certainly didn't disappoint from a fashion perspective.
A Trashy Photo
Sure, family photos are all about the people in them, but it also doesn't hurt to have them taken against a pleasant backdrop or in attractive surroundings. Dad didn't seem too fussed here, opting for a quick snap with his daughter and son in front of an enormous dumpster. Perhaps 'Donno' is the family business? We sure hope so. Let's hope nothing fell — or jumped — out of the garbage can while the photo was being taken!
The hilarious thing about this photo is that it's probably still cherished by the kids' grandparents. No matter how questionable the photo, the grandkids are being put in a frame regardless.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
Never before have we seen such wildly different reactions to a rollercoaster ride. Dad, who is slouched miserably at the front, looks like he's contemplating a terrible financial decision he made earlier that week. His poor little son, meanwhile, is absolutely terrified and clinging to the log for dear life. Holding onto him is his glamorous-looking mom, who is smiling beautifully at the camera while being sprayed with water.
We're sure this family regularly looks back at this photo with great amusement, although mom surely finds it the least embarrassing. Has anyone ever looked that good midway through a theme park ride?
Not So Lucky With The Font
In theory, this family photo from 1951 is a clever, patriotic nod to a proud ancestry, with four grandchildren each occupying a leaf on the famous Irish four-leaf clover. Sadly, whoever had this image designed didn't take font choice into consideration, turning what is supposed to be an 'L' into a rather unfortunate 'F,' and the rest is self-explanatory! It doesn't get any better, no matter how many times you read it.
If only this image had been made in 2022 rather than 1951, then someone could have made a quick fix with some image-editing software. Oh well, awkwardness it is!
Smile Like You've Never Smiled Before
There's no doubt this mom was rolling her eyes after seeing the silly facial expression her son pulled when he was supposed to be smiling for a cute family portrait. While his sister is doing exactly that, the cheeky lad is making a pretty amusing, space-out kind of face — exactly what you'd expect from a boy his age, to be fair. Let's just hope the photographer got a few options.
What we love about this photo is that regardless of the son pulling the silly face, the family looks so close. There's clearly a lot of love between these three.
They Call It Brotherly Love
The story behind this photo is that these two brothers were wrestling each other when the one posing on the right accidentally punctured the bed-bound one's kidney. Sheesh. The injury resulted in the blonde brother requiring major surgery; hence his reluctantly posing for this photo from his hospital bed. If the perpetrator did feel guilty, his guilt had certainly passed by the time this picture was taken. If anything, he looks proud!
Even though this was undoubtedly a day to forget for the brother who got injured — and certainly his parents — this photo will be the catalyst for many a story in the future.
The Original Bad Santa
Let's be honest, even a regular-looking Santa can be pretty creepy, and the 'Santa's Grotto' experience is kind of intimidating. Kids are told to go and sit on Santa's lap while they're asked — in a deep, loud voice — if they've behaved themselves throughout the year. It's understandable, therefore, why young children might be a little bit freaked out by it all. This photo, however, takes things to another level because Santa looks terrifying!
We're sure he's a lovely man, but this Father Christmas is giving holiday horror movie vibes. The worried-looking kid sitting on his knee certainly thinks so, looking desperately for his mom or dad.
What Do You Mean, Health And Safety?
Ah yes, the early 1960s, before seat belts were a legal requirement in vehicles and, clearly, before they were even considered on chairlifts. It's difficult to imagine this scenario these days, as health and safety standards have increased tenfold, so even looking at this photo makes the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. Fatal danger aside, the view in the background in this photo is absolutely stunning.
We're not sure what the number 936 refers to, but we hope it's not the number of people who have plunged to their death from the chairlift!
Big Brother Duties
Clearly, this cheeky little fella was feeling invincible after putting on his Mr. Lucky t-shirt, but his luck soon ran out after being chastised by his older brother for making a silly face during a family photo. Based on the first photo, it looks like big brother was already feeling aggrieved at something, so maybe the face of his little bro just tipped him over the edge. He soon regretted it!
Fair play to whoever tried to gather four brothers together for a successful photo. Anyone who has spent time with boys will know that this is virtually mission impossible.
A Not-So-Wholesome Christmas
Nothing says family Christmas like a copy of Playboy magazine and a cigarette! Well, at least for this dad, it's the case. Perhaps mom could have asked her husband to move out of the shot or at least put the magazine down. That being said, if he had done that, we wouldn't be chuckling about this awkward photo, and instead, there'd be just another regular Christmas tree pose picture in the world.
What makes this scene even funnier is the way dad seems genuinely engrossed in the magazine, like it's a copy of The New Yorker or something. We didn't realize Playboy was known for its editorial content.
When Your Baby Photos Are Hypnotic
Let's be honest: baby pics don't tend to be the most flattering. We're barely formed and have no idea what's going on in the big scary world we've just arrived in, so expecting a cute photoshoot is a pretty unfair ask! That being said, these baby pics are hilarious. It's almost as if the photographer has the little man in a trance, hypnotized by something in the camera lens.
We also can't get enough of the props in the photos. You can just imagine mom or dad behind the scenes, making sure that he gets a macho one with the football, then a cute one with the teddy.
You Could Say They Were A Close Family
First of all, it's worth stating that it's not clear how dressed this family is. Obviously, we're hoping there are some bathing suits underneath the water, but who knows? Which is why this photo is so awkward! The clinking of glasses also gives this snap a slightly weird vibe, something you'd associate with a group of friends rather than a family — especially since there's a young child in the photo.
The candles are also not helping with the weird vibe this photo gives off. Let's just hope the family didn't show it to too many people! And by "it," we're talking about the photo.
The Definition Of A Close-Knit Family
These crochet vests were knitted for the kids in this photo by their grandma, and it's fair to say there are some reactions to them being asked to pose in them. There's a general feeling of awkwardness and discomfort, aside from the three kids in the middle who clearly can't get enough of their new knitwear. Interestingly, it appears that the vests have been coordinated with the shirts and sweaters worn underneath.
Without meaning to sound cruel, we'd imagine these vests took pride of place at the back of a drawer for the remainder of the year. Grandma is hoping we're wrong, of course!
Santa Was Willing To Risk It All
This family was certainly in for a shock when they saw this photo. What should be a wholesome festive portrait is made anything but by a slightly, ahem, distracted Santa. Aside from the inappropriate peeking, Father Christmas's hand position is also incredibly awkward, like he's desperate for mom not to leave. Bad Santa! This is the perfect example of why, sometimes, it's best that just the kids sit for the photo.
Awkwardness aside, we love the summer vibes that the dad in this photo is bringing. You'd think, given that it's the holidays, that it would be cold outside, but he looks ready for the beach!
Don't Forget To Brush Your Teeth
Let's be honest: this photo is pretty funny and also kind of cute. However, it does make us feel slightly gross, knowing that those front teeth were in grandad's mouth just a moment before the picture was taken. Kids obviously don't care too much or understand personal hygiene, so as far as this little girl is concerned, it's just grandpa being silly and taking a selfie to document the moment.
This is definitely the kind of snap that's kept in a family photo album, a nostalgic memory for both granddad and his granddaughter to enjoy.
"I Said Smile, Not Snarl"
This family was preparing to smile for a wholesome, multigenerational photo when all of a sudden, their dogs had other ideas. We're not entirely sure what the dogs are snarling about, but our hunch says they're not happy about being left out of the family portrait! Fortunately, nobody seems fazed by this naughty behavior, and they appear to be waiting patiently for the canine disagreement to come to an end.
What makes this photo even more awkward is the odd positioning of the family, with the grandad appearing to be standing directly in front of his daughter and her partner. Rude!
Jack Nicholson Hated Christmas
We get it; Christmas is more about the kids than the adults. From meeting Santa Claus to the excitement of seeing presents appear under the tree, the festive period is most special during our childhood. That being said, grown-ups are also free to get into the festive spirit. Not this dad. Looking like he's had far less sleep than he would've liked, pops is reluctantly opening a present while puffing away.
Maybe it's just this angle, but we see a resemblance to Jack Nicholson here. Maybe, just like the famous actor, this dad is also in character. The Grinch, perhaps?
The Hounds Of Hell
The timing of this photo is remarkable, as it captures the split-second before these two family dogs try and tear each other to shreds! Okay, let's hope that's not what happened, but it sure looks that way. We feel most sorry for the poor brother stuck in between, seemingly oblivious to the chaos on either side of him. His brother and sister, meanwhile, are finding the whole thing absolutely hilarious.
By the looks of things, this family is more than used to their dogs getting a little bit out of hand. Maybe better not to include them in the photo next time.
Merry Christmas From Transylvania
When you think about Christmas and the holiday season, vampires probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. Especially vampires sat in front of a Christmas tree! In this family, however, there's clearly a strong link between the two; apparently, this photo was used as their festive Christmas card. While this picture is pretty awkward and confusing, we have to give credit where it's due — she's a convincing Dracula!
Perhaps dressing up as something explicitly un-festive could be a fun way to spend Christmas with the family? The theme could change every year, with a prize for the best dressed.
Dad Was Seeing Double
There's an amusing backstory to this bizarre family photo. Apparently, the mom of the rather miserable-looking dad in the photo was so unimpressed with his facial expression that she decided to find a photo of him with a smiling face, cut it out and then stick it on top. The problem is the glue clearly didn't hold, as it ended up floating in the air beside the dad and his son.
We totally understand where grandma was coming from with this since the floating face looks so much happier! Unfortunately, the plan didn't quite work, and they ended up with a piece of surrealist art instead.
You Could Call It A Festive Finger
We have to admit, the audacity of this girl to flip the bird during this Santa's Grotto photoshoot is pretty impressive. Sure, mom won't be pleased, but she'll probably find it pretty amusing in secret. What makes the moment even more amusing is the expression on the naughty sister's face, who is smiling just as eagerly as her siblings, yet knows what mischief she's in the middle of causing.
They do say that middle children are the worst-behaved. Is this because they feel ignored and overlooked by the eldest sibling and the baby of the family? We can't put our finger on it.
Somewhere On Coney Island
Anyone who has kids will be able to relate to the random, chaotic nature of this photo. When a child gets it in their head that they want something, it's almost impossible to convince them otherwise. In this case, this little girl is seemingly so desperate to show solidarity with her pet pooch that she's requested a cone to wear on her neck, just like her beloved doggo.
The parents will no doubt have been hoping their daughter doesn't insist on wearing the cone for the same amount of time as the dog, but who knows with kids?
She Always Got The Hump During The Holidays
Some families can be so awkward it hurts, and this family is certainly giving off those vibes. The enormous elephant in the room, in this case, is a not-so-enormous dog who is, ahem, familiarizing himself with mom's leg, but while most people would acknowledge this naughty behavior, these guys are intent on acting like nothing's happening! Either that, or they genuinely appreciate their pooch's cameo and would rather he be featured in the family portrait regardless.
This is where the photographer needs to intervene, ideally with a couple of dog biscuits to use as a bribe. As if the Christmas Jumper wasn't bad enough.