50 Family Photos People Would Love To Forget But Sadly They Went Viral (New Pics)

Life was much different before the digital age. We didn’t have instant access to information orthe mundanityin the lives of ourfamilies, friends, and acquaintances. Photos were primarily private unless you showed people physical copies.But as they say, everything on the internet is permanent and public property. Once yourawkward family photosgo online, they are available for the world to see. If you’re that unlucky, they will be featured onan Instagram pagewith over a million followers.We’ve lifted some of those pictures from the Awkard Family Photos account. Hopefully, you won’t see your face there, but if you do, don’t worry. It’s all in good fun.This post may includeaffiliate links.RELATED:Familial relationships are complex, to say the least. We’ve all had our fair share ofdramaand unresolved issues, which, according to Knox College psychology professorDr. Frank McAndrew, could be why many family photos turn out awkward.“You bring in all of these people together with their grudges and their histories on the very day where you want everything to be perfect,”he explained. “We all have to appear to be civil here, so you soldier on in some awkward way.“But awkwardness is still a theme in manyfamily photos, even if there aren’t lingering tensions. According to Dr. McAndrew, this is likely because of the generally unique family dynamics that are different from other relationships we develop throughout life.“Because we share genes with these people, we care about them in a way that we don’t care about anyone else.”Many people experience anxiety, which is why they inadvertently look awkward in photos. Fortunately, there are solutions to this. Veteran wedding photographerLaura Oswaldsuggests focusing on the photos' outcome.“When your focus is on how you appear in pictures, you are going to miss out on the experience and not really let yourself be natural,” she wrote in ablog postfor her website.PhotographerAimee Lizshares a similar sentiment on the mindset shift. She suggests pretending you’re in a movie to allow the emotions to shine through.“Laughter is just as beautiful as romance, so either way, pretending you’re in a movie about your family’s love is a win-win,” she wrote ina postfor her personal blog.People often say, “When you look good, you feel good.” Your appearance influences your emotions, which is why Seattle-based photographerNeyssa Leesuggests wearing something comfortable if you’re having a photoshoot.“If you aren’t a short dress girl, or showing off your arms makes you cringe, avoid those things altogether,”she wroteon her website.We’d like to hear your thoughts, too. Do you have a lot of awkward photos with your family? How do they make you feel? Comment below, and perhaps share some of those snapshots, too!See Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaModal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

But as they say, everything on the internet is permanent and public property. Once yourawkward family photosgo online, they are available for the world to see. If you’re that unlucky, they will be featured onan Instagram pagewith over a million followers.

We’ve lifted some of those pictures from the Awkard Family Photos account. Hopefully, you won’t see your face there, but if you do, don’t worry. It’s all in good fun.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

RELATED:Familial relationships are complex, to say the least. We’ve all had our fair share ofdramaand unresolved issues, which, according to Knox College psychology professorDr. Frank McAndrew, could be why many family photos turn out awkward.“You bring in all of these people together with their grudges and their histories on the very day where you want everything to be perfect,”he explained. “We all have to appear to be civil here, so you soldier on in some awkward way.“But awkwardness is still a theme in manyfamily photos, even if there aren’t lingering tensions. According to Dr. McAndrew, this is likely because of the generally unique family dynamics that are different from other relationships we develop throughout life.“Because we share genes with these people, we care about them in a way that we don’t care about anyone else.”Many people experience anxiety, which is why they inadvertently look awkward in photos. Fortunately, there are solutions to this. Veteran wedding photographerLaura Oswaldsuggests focusing on the photos' outcome.“When your focus is on how you appear in pictures, you are going to miss out on the experience and not really let yourself be natural,” she wrote in ablog postfor her website.PhotographerAimee Lizshares a similar sentiment on the mindset shift. She suggests pretending you’re in a movie to allow the emotions to shine through.“Laughter is just as beautiful as romance, so either way, pretending you’re in a movie about your family’s love is a win-win,” she wrote ina postfor her personal blog.People often say, “When you look good, you feel good.” Your appearance influences your emotions, which is why Seattle-based photographerNeyssa Leesuggests wearing something comfortable if you’re having a photoshoot.“If you aren’t a short dress girl, or showing off your arms makes you cringe, avoid those things altogether,”she wroteon her website.We’d like to hear your thoughts, too. Do you have a lot of awkward photos with your family? How do they make you feel? Comment below, and perhaps share some of those snapshots, too!See Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored Panda

Baby in a pink dress faceplants in front of a white bench and “ONE” sign, creating a viral family photo moment.

Elderly woman with red headband feeds baby with bottle, showcasing an awkward family photo moment.

Four children in colorful outfits looking at another child who has fallen off a chair, creating an awkward family photo moment.

Familial relationships are complex, to say the least. We’ve all had our fair share ofdramaand unresolved issues, which, according to Knox College psychology professorDr. Frank McAndrew, could be why many family photos turn out awkward.“You bring in all of these people together with their grudges and their histories on the very day where you want everything to be perfect,”he explained. “We all have to appear to be civil here, so you soldier on in some awkward way.”

“You bring in all of these people together with their grudges and their histories on the very day where you want everything to be perfect,”he explained. “We all have to appear to be civil here, so you soldier on in some awkward way.”

Awkward family photo of a child smiling next to a red vacuum cleaner, wearing a white shirt and blue shorts.

Three siblings pose in front of a Christmas tree in a vintage family photo.

Retro family photo with a young person sporting a large, voluminous hairstyle in a patterned jacket, embodying awkward nostalgia.

But awkwardness is still a theme in manyfamily photos, even if there aren’t lingering tensions. According to Dr. McAndrew, this is likely because of the generally unique family dynamics that are different from other relationships we develop throughout life.“Because we share genes with these people, we care about them in a way that we don’t care about anyone else.”

“Because we share genes with these people, we care about them in a way that we don’t care about anyone else.”

Elderly women at a party table, looking surprised. Family photo went viral with unexpected reactions.

Man in kitchen holding spatula, surrounded by a dog and two cats, looking up confused; a family photo gone viral.

Child’s drawing of dad running with toilet paper, part of viral family photos people want to forget.

Many people experience anxiety, which is why they inadvertently look awkward in photos. Fortunately, there are solutions to this. Veteran wedding photographerLaura Oswaldsuggests focusing on the photos' outcome.“When your focus is on how you appear in pictures, you are going to miss out on the experience and not really let yourself be natural,” she wrote in ablog postfor her website.

“When your focus is on how you appear in pictures, you are going to miss out on the experience and not really let yourself be natural,” she wrote in ablog postfor her website.

Woman with curly hair hugging a dog, both smiling against a starry backdrop, representing a funny viral family photo.

Child in vintage attire and pearl necklace, posing for a family photo.

Mother and daughter in matching green outfits and large glasses, posing for a family photo that went viral.

PhotographerAimee Lizshares a similar sentiment on the mindset shift. She suggests pretending you’re in a movie to allow the emotions to shine through.“Laughter is just as beautiful as romance, so either way, pretending you’re in a movie about your family’s love is a win-win,” she wrote ina postfor her personal blog.

PhotographerAimee Lizshares a similar sentiment on the mindset shift. She suggests pretending you’re in a movie to allow the emotions to shine through.

“Laughter is just as beautiful as romance, so either way, pretending you’re in a movie about your family’s love is a win-win,” she wrote ina postfor her personal blog.

Woman in blue dress riding a red moped on a grassy slope, part of viral family photos collection.

Child on a blue couch with a pillow covering their head, blending with pillow art for a humorous family photo gone viral.

Awkward family photo of a child with head in toilet and a seated woman looking at the camera.

People often say, “When you look good, you feel good.” Your appearance influences your emotions, which is why Seattle-based photographerNeyssa Leesuggests wearing something comfortable if you’re having a photoshoot.“If you aren’t a short dress girl, or showing off your arms makes you cringe, avoid those things altogether,”she wroteon her website.

“If you aren’t a short dress girl, or showing off your arms makes you cringe, avoid those things altogether,”she wroteon her website.

Two women in matching pink dresses with curly hair and pearl necklaces, posing for an awkward family photo.

Awkward family photo of a woman in a hat posing with a crying girl holding a plate outdoors.

Person with angel wings posing dramatically, holding a glowing light in hands; viral family photo moment.

We’d like to hear your thoughts, too. Do you have a lot of awkward photos with your family? How do they make you feel? Comment below, and perhaps share some of those snapshots, too!

A family posing for a photo in quirky expressions, wearing formal attire.

A toddler in pajamas holds a large Doritos bag inside a tent, creating a funny viral family photo moment.

Family rafting adventure gone awry, with two members hilariously off-balance, creating a viral photo moment.

Man with messy hair standing in a cluttered kitchen with wood cabinets and kitchenware, capturing a memorable family photo.

Child wearing oversized red pants standing on a lawn, smiling awkwardly; a viral family photo moment.

Awkward family photo of four children with matching dolls in floral dresses, capturing a humorous and memorable moment.

Child with a unique mullet hairstyle wearing a striped shirt, smiling.

Man in swimsuit photobombs family at wedding by the sea; a viral family photo moment.

Vintage family photo of a couple on a brown bed with floral wallpaper background.

Child laughing on beach while someone holds a set of dentures covered in sand; a viral family photo memory.

Family photo gone wrong at the beach, with kids and mom in matching blue outfits, capturing a funny moment in the water.

Person with curly hair wearing unique black sunglasses, capturing a humorous family photo moment.

Awkward family photo of a smiling group outdoors, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Awkward family photo featuring a woman smiling with curly hair holding a surprised cat against a soft background.

Awkward family photo of a young boy with a forced smile, wearing a plaid shirt, against a mottled blue background.

Family photo of three people dressed as lobsters with a baby on a beach.

Vintage awkward family photo of a child with curly hair, wearing a colorful shirt with printed images.

Woman smiling with a cat, surrounded by soft white feathers, capturing an awkward family photo moment.

Person in black attire sitting by a gravestone in an awkward family photo setting.

Awkward family photo of a serious couple posing, shirtless man and woman, with a vintage-style backdrop.

Awkward family photo of a young man making a funny face, with text overlay “Selected Facial Region."

Person in beach chair submerged in shallow water, wearing a sun hat.