You Know the Old Saying

When it comes to boys, there is a common saying: Like father, like son. That may not seem true in many cases since most grown men don't show the characteristics their more energetic male offspring do. However, just speak to a parent, aunt, or old friend, and you'll hear secret things you never knew.

This infant is already showing signs of being exactly like his father and doing it in a family portrait, no less. While dad is distracted and looking at something in wide-eyed wonder, junior is doing exactly like him. Mom, meanwhile, like the boss that she is, is focused on getting the perfect shot.

Nothing Exciting Happening Here

Don't be alarmed by the zen expression and adorable posture... hippos are potentially lethal animals. They are, in fact, so dangerous that they don't even fear the king of the jungle (savannah actually), the lion. One on one, the lion stands absolutely no chance, at least according to the A-Z Animals encyclopedia.

This source claims that a hippo can hold its own against several lions. It even has an advantage since it can live in water, while lions won't touch the stuff. A pity the kid in the picture doesn't know these things. He was probably hoping to see something more exciting, like a lion.

What You Say About My Mama

Girls may be seen as the fairer gender but don't take their toughness level lightly. Especially in modern times when the world is finally taking gender equality, women's rights, and feminism far more seriously, women are getting to be as hard as their male counterparts have gotten to be all along.

This little lady looks to be starting early and already looks like she can lose her cool pretty quickly. She must have little to be angry about. Maybe she heard someone say something about her mother. Whoever it was will probably have a shock when they see a fuming little girl heading their way.

The Boy in Front Is From the Future

Judging by the mother's hairstyle in this photo, this family took this photo in the '80s. As a matter of fact, daddy's hairdo and mustache, little brother's bowl cut, and hell, let's even go back to dad's awesome technicolor shirt. Only two things stand out: the pink shirts on the kids and the big brother's hairstyle.

It is pretty similar to a Caesar haircut from that era, popularised by the likes of George Clooney during his "ER" days. He is just missing a little trim on the side and some of Clooney's debonair charm, but otherwise, he is pulling it off pretty well.

A Family Portrait Where Daddy Wins

While the common consensus is that dad rules the roost, the truth is that mom runs the show. Accept when it comes to family portrait time, that's when dad takes center stage as the household boss. As seen in this family portrait, the father is a pretty popular figure.

Everyone is holding on to him, even the family matriarch. We must give kudos to the child on the right of the floor, who is proving to be the mommy's boy in the family. Although there is no exact timeline for when patriarchy started becoming the norm, some historians believe it began as agriculture and domestication developed.

Party Time! Excellent!

Like Wayne and Garth from the film "Wayne's World," the parents of these two children were probably hoping that these two would be bosom buddies. In the movie, the two characters named are close friends who have their local TV show that broadcasts from Wayne's family's basement.

While the kids in this photo may be sharing a space, at least one of them isn't happy about the situation. Maybe he just in needs a nap to put him in the right mood again. Babies mostly cry when they are hungry, wet, uncomfortable, or need a cuddle. Maybe if his friend gave him one of the latter, he would feel better.

Mall Santas Are No Good

One of the most played-out things at American shopping malls is having a Santa Clause to take photos with. Despite the cliché, kids come in their droves to get a picture with the big guy in red, and some even nag unwilling parents until they are willing to let them do it.

Then there are times when, out of childish nostalgia or because they need to, parents decide to get a photo with Santa as well. In this case, it appears that the parents thought a family portrait was best. Santa didn't seem to mind, although he seemed a little distracted by mommy.

Daddy's Up for This Photo Shoot

Whenever family shoots and portraits come around, there is always one person who is wholly up for the process. In this one, it appears to be dad, who isn't even letting a bad hair day get in the way of his bright smile and enthusiasm for the shot.

The funny thing is, what may have passed for a disheveled look back in the day is a pretty awesome hairdo in the 21st century. While dad is jovial, the son appears to be loathing every moment and would rather be somewhere else by the looks of it. Like we said, not everyone is always happy about portrait day.

What About Daddy Cool

There is nothing a father wants more for his son than to be better than he was. But while they are young, all dads really want is for their son likes all the things they think are cool. They also hope that their son will look up to them.

But most importantly, they just want to create memories together, like the one in this picture, which will most likely cause many laughs as the child ages and may even be the source of a wedding speech. But when someone took this picture, it was merely a father and a son dressing up.

A Neat and Tidy Picture for Grandma

For children, grandma is one person that is always well-loved. There is a valid reason for that, of course. She isn't as strict as mom and dad, and when she is around, the parents can't really be as hard as they would like to be. She is literally like a get-out-of-jail-free card.

That is, of course, as long as you always look neat and presentable. Add yes; it even counts for portrait day, where it's essential to have your shirt tucked in, and your shorts pulled up to your belly. While you're at it, like these kids, make sure you wear your designated name T-Shirt and call her Super Grandma.

Not What We Meant When We Said 'Say Cheese'

Some people just don't get it. When the photographer told you to say cheese, he didn't mean to break out your cheesiest smile. We're just supposed to say the word cheese. That has become the go-to cliché when taking photos, although there is a functional reason for this request.

Asking people to say cheese exaggeratedly means that the mouth will always be shaped in a natural smile for a portion of saying the word. The person with the camera just needs to time the shot right. This one must have been off with his timing, or dad just brought all the cheese he had in that smile.

What Are We Going To Do With You Man

Boy Bands... just when you think they have died out, another one pops up and revitalizes the genre. They usually consist of five members, and lo and behold; these are five young boys too. Of course, there is always the one who plays the fool and ends up getting hurt.

There have been four major boy band booms in recent history. In the '60s with the Jackson 5 and the Osmonds, in the '90s and '00s with Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. There was another in the 2010s with the rise of K-Pop and bands like BTS. These guys are sporting a distinctly '80s band New Kids On The Block vibe.

How's It Hanging Dude?

Infant slings like this one saved many parents' days, especially dads doing chores around the house after promising to watch the baby. This contraption also brought hours of fun to oblivious babies. Don't worry. They don't feel like they are hung up on a tree.

Instead, it's a feeling of being suspended in mid-air with a much higher view of their surroundings as they bounce up and down all day long. This was the perfect way to keep infants constantly occupied while their parents always knew where they were. They're also still around and are suitable for babies three months and older.

A Very Tight-Knit Family

Whoever said that the family who eats together stays together didn't know about the one who does pile-ups. This family seems like the tightest of Knits you could ever come across, and their photo proves that in all of its cheesy family pile-up glory.

We should give more kudos for the way everyone managed to match not only their colors but also all of them wore jeans and a shirt. Even mom, who could have worn a blue gown but instead matched the rest of her family. A billowy outfit might have been awkward for this shot anyway. We also hope dad came out okay after being at the bottom.

This May Be a Little Over the Top

It's common for families to match colors or clothing items. Some even do both, but the color scheme here is a little much. We're not sure what this family thought when they chose these colors or why the photographer couldn't advise them on a better choice, but it is a bit over the top.

Perhaps this was fashionable during that era. It could be the '80s or early '90s when bright and multicolor were a thing. So it probably was okay at the time, although we're sure the children in this photo look back at this shot and cringe at their style choices.

Never Mind Rosemary's Baby

The movie "Rosemary's Baby" is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. The eerie setting, satanic theme, issues like paranoia, women's liberation, Christianity (Catholicism), and the occult. But ultimately, it is about a woman who inadvertently births the devil's spawn.

Between the redeye and toothy grin, we could easily mistake this little guy for the child in the film. Especially since once the kid is born, Rosemary is particularly concerned about its eyes. Not to fret, though. Redeye in photos is just the result of someone looking directly at the camera flash. We're not so sure about that grin, though.

Stuck in the Middle With You

Oh no. It appears that someone has outgrown getting kisses from mom and dad. This kid does not look happy, and it's either because of the kisses or because he really didn't feel like doing a family portrait on this day. In the case of the former, of course, there are no set rules or an age limit that kids shouldn't get kisses.

There is, however, a big deal made about kissing kids on the lips. It has been under scrutiny, with some considering it an ordinary act of affection important to the child's development. Others think it inappropriate to do this since it may confuse young children.

Wrong Cake or Wrong Party?

In every clan, one aunt or uncle always lacks the filter required to remain appropriate. But what happens when that relative brings a cake to a kid's birthday. How inappropriate is this cake really? All things considered, this little girl probably owns a Barbie doll. She also probably saw "The Little Mermaid" and watched a virtually half-bare Ariel swimming around.

That said, whoever baked this cake should have known better than incorporating adult humor into the finished confection. There were obviously better places to put those candles, or this dessert could have gone to a very different kind of party instead.

That Kind of Dad

It's standard to want to look our best and get the most incredible picture possible when taking a family portrait, but if there is one thing that's always worth keeping in mind, it's that the photo is never about us alone. We wish this dad would have remembered this before coming out in his underwear.

Sure, he has an impressive physique and is quite an exceptional bodybuilder, but he should have saved that for his competitions. Instead, this will forever remain etched into the memory of his wife and child. The latter already looks resentful in the shot. At least his friends will have something to laugh about later.

Just Keep Them Apart!

The problem with having animals in photo shoots is that they're difficult to control. Dogs don't always listen and struggle to maintain concentration, meaning you can never plan around them. Of course, this is even worse when there are two dogs in a shot.

Dogs struggle to get along most of the time, so you're courting some serious conflict with this situation. The funny thing is, it's unclear who these two pups are going for: Is it for each other? Or are they going for the guy in the middle, who is doing well to maintain his composure? Hopefully, they didn't get loose and cause havoc on the shoot.

The Dark Side of Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry exists. Whether it's about mom and dad's attention or personal competitions between them, siblings have a history of not getting along. It's not a given, though, and sometimes some siblings have a beautiful relationship. But whether good or bad, it's all left behind on portrait day.

But not in this family. Here the kids use the opportunity to take one another heads off, like the boy in the back, who is literally holding that bat at his brother's head. He couldn't have chosen a better moment either, right as the photographer took the picture, catching him in the act... he's going to jail.

Need Some Hair There Buddy?

The '70s was an era of multicolors and big hairdos; even the dogs had to have the latter, as seen in this picture. Moreover, the guys sported longer tresses too, and anyone who was balding made the best of what they still had, like the guy in this portrait.

Despite his hair fading in the front, he still went big in the back. Some studies have proven that inflamed wisdom teeth can cause hair loss, especially if the tooth infection is left untreated for a long time. However, this kind of loss happens in patches and is not uniform like the guy in the picture.

Is This the Village of the Damned?

One of the eeriest horror novels ever written was "The Midwich Cuckoos." The novel was written in 1957 and was adapted into two feature films, one made in 1960 and another in 1995 and starring Christopher Reeve. Both films were called "The Village of the Damned" and are considered horror classics.

This picture pretty much looks like a scene from that film. Hell, it could even be the promo shot for it. Ironically, this was the last movie to star Reeve, who suffered paralysis after an equestrian accident in 1995. In 2006 a re-cut version of "Superman II" called "The Richard Donner Cut" was released.

Check Out Slim Shady

We think the older man seated up front figured he would turn his family portrait into a hip-hop album cover. That is pretty cool and something that Snoop Dogg would be proud of any day. But it straddles the taste divide, and there are bound to be those offended by the T-Shirts they're all wearing.

The funny thing is until one reads the older guy's T-shirt, it's easy to think this is a Christmas-themed photo. But that is probably the moment the image becomes offensive. Let's just hope this was only meant to be a comical family portrait that somehow made it online.

Pumpkin Patch

We've all heard of Jack-o'-lantern, but this picture showcases even more ways to get crafty with pumpkins. Although it may seem inappropriate, it is also decidedly creative. That isn't easy to achieve either, and whoever created these outfits must be a design genius for getting the measurements spot on.

It is especially true for the bottoms worn by daddy and daughter. The crafty creator also tactfully created a pumpkin playsuit that covers the little girl's body. Mom is also properly taken care of with a little pumpkin bra. We'd love to know where these massive pumpkins came from and if the family actually grew their own.

Oh No, He's Actually Taking It!

Adults typically know how to strike and hold a pose. But family portraits often don't turn out as we hope, and the reason for that is usually either the four-legged household members or kids. In this case, it was the youngest clan member who chose to grimace for the shot.

We're not sure why she has that expression because we're confident her parents told her they're doing a family portrait. Maybe she thought they were saying it to scare her and didn't expect them to go through with it. Perhaps she was so excited that she couldn't believe the day was finally here and this was happening.

Blending In

America is renowned for its love of its army veterans. That is why they have days like veteran's day and why veterans get special benefits from the government, stores, and service providers. Another thing the country is famous for is the large percentage of gun lovers among the populace.

That is perhaps why at first glance, it's easy to mistake this family portrait for sporting a military theme. An understandable impression, given the amount of camo print fabric they're all wearing. But the choice of a misty sunlit meadow in the background contradicts any potential militant theme here. All in all, this one left us with more questions than answers.

Why So Serious?

Do you know who stands out in this massively busy picture? The dad who's just standing there. We wonder why he is so somber, though. Did someone in the group perhaps get under his skin? Maybe he just wanted something better to do with his time.

Or maybe he's super smart and decided that this expression would make him the star of the shot. It's been proven that individuals who go against the grain of what everyone is doing quite often stand out. Although in this instance, someone is more likely to look at this photo and wonder, " who got on his wrong side."

Now  That's Something Memorable

One of the most common themes we've encountered in these family portraits is people trying to do something memorable for the shot. But most of them have come across as weak or just fallen flat on their faces. We really hope this boy didn't fall flat on his face, though, because his attempt is so cool.

He must have caught everyone off guard because while the rest of his family sat poised and smiling for the camera, they seemed oblivious to his actions in the background. This will no doubt be memorable, and this kid can grow up knowing this photo has a back story.

Camera Giggles

While this mother and daughter share a clear resemblance, there's something incredibly endearing about this little girl's awkward smile. It's as if she is trying to look at the photographer but feels too shy to crack her best smile. That is common during professional shoots involving kids since they're in a new environment with new people.

While some children are naturally confident and can be themselves around strangers, the same isn't the case for all of them. This girl probably thought she was giving her most adorable smile. But she'll probably have plenty of "what the hell" moments with this snap when she gets older.

Sticking It to the Man

Some people like to make a statement, and this family seems to be making a big one with a rebellious edginess that resembles icons like James Dean or Che Guevara. Everyone here appears to be on the same wavelength, except the boy, who doesn't seem to know the full extent of what's happening.

It's a good thing, too, because for now, at least he can't read and say the word on the T-shirt. He will probably think it's super cool when he is older and looks back at the photo. He'll also be grateful to his parents for instilling a bit of rebelliousness into him early in life.

Different Levels of Fun

Different folks react in different ways to certain situations. Like the classic fear response, where people either fight, take flight or freeze because of fright. This photo is a fine example of the different reactions people have to the same situation. Two people are calm, one is excited, and another is... well, a little nervous, it seems.

While it may be a strange photo, this is also a unique way to get a memorable picture for a family photo. All we need is to ensure that all of the family members we want in the shot get on the theme park ride at the same time.

The One That Got Away

We've seen a great many people looking mighty disgruntled about doing a portrait. But very few have actually tried to run away from the shot. Sure, we've seen people looking glum, one kid trying to hit his brother with a baseball bat and another where a kid does a WWE-style elbow drop.

But the kid in this picture actually did the one thing all of those others wanted to do. He actually planned a great escape and nearly got away with it. Unfortunately for him, his dad has reflexes like a cat and managed to get him before he got away. At least this photo acts as evidence.

Who You Gonna Call

"The Ghostbusters" is an iconic franchise that started with film in the '80s and expanded into action figures and even an animated series. People are also pretty obsessive about it, especially how it mixed science and the supernatural to create a sound and entertaining concept.

One of the standout characters that make the show successful is Slimer, a ghost originally featured in the films but later becoming an integral part of the team in the animated series. This is why, if you're going to have a "Ghostbusters" themed family portrait, you need to have Slimer in the shot, like the lady in the picture is doing.

Hey! Don't Drink That!

Having a child is one of the most important things in a couple's life. Many mothers want to have the best birthing experience possible, both for themselves and the infant. Some choose natural birth; others may prefer a C-section upon their doctor's recommendation.

Then, of course, there is water birth, which can be arranged at home with a nominal fee and can include a nurse and midwife. Hubby can join too, and if doing it at home, the bathtub is one of the best places for it. Just remind any other young family members present not to drink the water.

Poised for Peace

The general consensus is that peace is a world without war. But peace is actually perceived differently by different people. But to this guy named James Johnson, peace would simply be having the women in his life not being able to say a word to him.

This photo was actually posted on Facebook by photographer Hannah Hawkes, and she received quite a bit of backlash. Some people saw the humorous side too and created similar posts to a different theme in jest. The photographer says that the idea came from the family, although she found a reference for the shot on Pinterest.

She Knows How To Do This

If there is one person who knows exactly how one should take a portrait, it's a photographer. That's why this photo is so great because mommy happens to be a professional and knows what it really takes to get a truly great shot. Only that bit is a lie because they could have done this much better.

Plus, dad isn't exactly getting the vibe with his half-baked approach to posing. We think that perhaps mom was really just trying to make a joke about over-posed photographs or something. At least the older child gets what mommy is trying to do. Also, what's up with the dad's pants?

Our Love of Fur Babies

Just because people don't procreate or adopt doesn't mean they are not fulfilled in the baby department. Look at this couple and their two massive and adorable fur babies. Even though they have a human baby on the way, they still decide to do a family portrait with the cats just to do them justice.

They may have to create some rules for their cats once the baby comes, though. Experts suggest keeping cats out of the rooms where babies sleep since they could decide to nap near a baby's face, which could hamper the child's breathing, and that's really not safe.

Multitasking Isn't Always a Good Idea

One of the most telling things women can do is men can't multitask. At least, that was the belief for many years. The common consensus was that women could do up to three things concurrently, although some researchers have begun challenging that notion lately. Some studies even reveal evidence to the contrary.

One study even proved that women were, in fact, no better at multitasking than men are. The mother in this photo was probably relying on her multitasking skills to hold her infant while swinging the older child with the father. But it failed her, and she ended up dropping the kid.

The Empty Nest Syndrome

As the years go by, households change, and so do family dynamics. We've already seen a couple who took a family pic with their cats before the life-changing occurrence of having a child. But this couple has been through life and had their children and may even be suffering from empty nest syndrome.

Empty nest syndrome is something that parents suffer from when all of their children have finally left the house. This leaves a hole in their lives, with many almost feeling a little depressed because of it. Then some get pets to replace the kids and take a family portrait to cement their new dynamic.

Gone With the Wind

Photo shoots can be a little dreary. That is why not everyone is really into the process of doing one, and it always helps to add some fun to it. This is like the WWE elbow drop kid, posing mom and daughter and baseball bat brother (just kidding).

Here's a group that decided to have a little fun with a tree, pretending to be struggling against the wind in this field. The only problem is that nothing else looks like the wind was blowing. Maybe someone who knows photo editing could cut them out and put them on a sky background to make it look more authentic.

The Most Excited Dad in the World

Minor Objection

While growing up, many of us thought kissing and being romantic was gross. Children clearly don't understand, but the result is reactions like the two girls in this photo, who are taken aback by their parents kissing in the background. They should know this is perfectly normal, though, and they will find out in a few more years.

They don't look too far from their pre-teens when they start noticing boys and being noticed by them. It is perfectly normal to be anti-kissing at their age, though; we're sure their parents are glad they are not interested in those kinds of things just yet.

Disco Boogie in the '70s

Family portraits had been a thing since before the cameras were invented, and artists had to paint them. Even amateur photography has been a thing since the late 19th century. But it really became popular in the '70s, especially with polaroid cameras making becoming prominent and making photography more accessible.

While we're not sure if they took this photo with a polaroid, it dates from the '70s. That much is evident based on the image's sepia tones, mom's eyewear, dad's open chest shirt, and oversized collar. The only odd thing out here is the boy's hairstyle, which shows no traces of the '70s at all.

Season's Greetings

The one thing about taking pictures with animals is that you have no way of controlling what they are going to do. But they are part of the family, so they need to be included in the family portrait. But this dog feels that this is his best way of getting involved in the picture.

He is humping his owner's leg, which is not an uncommon practice by dogs. Animal experts believe this is a mechanism dogs use to release pent-up excitement. He was clearly excited about picture day, although he could have had a less awkward time releasing all that excitement.