Are you a parent who loves sharing moments on social media, but prefers to keep your children’s faces offline? Expert family photographer Nina Mucalov shares her favourite ways to capture all the feels, without showing your kids faces in photos.
Love (or hate) social media, and worried about protecting your kids privacy and safety online? You’re not alone. As a professional family photographer in Singapore, I work with many parents who want to celebrate their family stories while maintaining privacy and safety. The good news? You can create emotionally rich, meaningful images, without ever showing a face! Here are five “faceless” photography ideas I use in my sessions, plus real stories, expert tips, and ways to try them at home.
5 ‘faceless photography’ ideas for social media that capture emotion and connection
1. Photograph from behind for quiet connection
Photos taken from behind evoke tenderness and intimacy. One of my favourite sessions was with a mum and her shy 8-year-old daughter, running barefoot on the beach. The sky was grey, but the emotions were vivid, full of connection, trust, and quiet joy.
Expert tip: In Singapore, shoot early (by 7:30am) to avoid the heat and crowds. Look for simple, connected moments — holding hands, walking, hugging — and you’ll capture the emotional essence without revealing faces.
2. Use props to add privacy and personality
Props add whimsy and a privacy layer. A little girl once tucked herself between her dad’s legs and peeked out behind her favourite lion plushie. That moment, spontaneous and safe, became a treasured family photo
Expert tip: Bring a toy, book, or object your child loves (and that you’re happy to see in the photos). These items soothe little ones and bring a personal storytelling element to your shoot.
3. Embrace motion blur for playful, protective images that are great for social media
Motion blur is a creative way to highlight energy while keeping identities private, especially if you want to use the photos on social media. During a brand shoot with Nicola, founder of Teddy Tunes (a children’s music business in Singapore), we captured her three daughters twirling around her. Joyful, blurry, and full of emotion, Nicola remained the clear, central focus.
Expert tip: Use a bright window or soft outdoor shade. Ask your kids to move naturally — run, twirl, or jump — and keep your camera focused on a still subject. It creates an artistic contrast between movement and stillness, privacy and presence.
4. Shoot from a distance for natural storytelling
Pull back your frame to capture candid, documentary-style moments. Walking through Singapore Botanic Gardens, playing at East Coast Park, or wandering down colourful Koon Seng Road. One family I photographed strolled past Peranakan shophouses in Joo Chiat. No posed smiles, just authentic interaction. The result looked like a storybook scene!
Expert tip: Lay out all your outfits on a bed — if something clashes, swap it for a neutral like cream, navy, or denim. Soft colour coordination helps your final gallery feel timeless and cohesive.
5. Focus on connection over eye contact
The best images don’t always include smiles or direct gaze. They capture feeling. One mum and daughter began to twirl during our session, laughing with their hands clasped. Even though the daughter’s face was turned, the moment glowed with joy.
Expert tip: Let go of perfect poses. Tune into gestures, body language, and movement. Let the kids lead. That’s where the real magic is.
Nina’s bonus tips on capturing perfect family photos (on or off social media!)
Favourite Singapore photoshoot locations:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- East Coast Park (early morning)
- Koon Seng Road, Duxton Hill, or Ann Siang Hill for local colour
- Natural light studios (if you prefer aircon comfort!)
Best time of day for a social media photoshoot:
I would say between 7:00am to 8:30am. Soft light, cooler temps, fewer crowds.
Props and prompts:
- If you’re taking photos with the kids, bring a favourite toy, book, or snack
- Try prompts like: “Can you show Mum how you dance?” or “Who can spin the fastest?”
- Don’t get frustrated if the kids don’t pose how you were expecting. The unexpected moments often offer the best shots!
What to wear to a family photoshoot:
Choose soft neutrals or pops of colour you love. Prioritise comfort — especially for little ones. If they can move, they’ll be more natural in front of the camera.
What families are saying about working with Nina
“That was fun! Nina captured the spirit of the moment in her pictures. We did a family session, and every photo authentically tells the story of the kids’ (and our own!) silliness, passion, and energy.” Jo, mum of two
“Nina, I absolutely ADORE all the photos! The images are perfect for my brand and my new website, and the kids had so much fun! Thank you!”Nicola, mum of three
About Nina Mucalov
Nina Mucalov is a family and brand photographer based in Singapore. With a background in storytelling and a deep love for candid, connection-filled imagery, she helps families and businesses create meaningful, emotive portraits – no forced smiles required. Follow her on Instagram!
Guest post by Nina Muclov, edited by Amanda Broad. Enjoy snapping the perfect faceless photo with the kiddos!
