17 Family Photoshoot Ideas (Classic & Creative)
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Lina Thorne • Updated · Posted in Photography
Family sessions tend to be both rewarding and demanding. The challenge is multifaceted: you need to cater to wiggly toddlers, engage self-conscious teens, and coordinate multiple generations, all while managing light, location, and technical settings. Your goal is to capture the invisible threads of love, the inside jokes, and the beautiful chaos that binds a family together. It can be quite stressful. And stress often affects inspiration in a negative way.
Luckily for you, this guide features everything you need to prep for a family photoshoot and do your best.
Here, you’ll find a great selection of classic, creative, and unconventional ideas. We’ll also provide tips for choosing outfits, prepping your photos for publishing online, and other things you might need to take into consideration.
Let’s ignite your creative spark!
A Curated List of Family Photoshoot Ideas
Here is a diverse collection of ideas, each with a detailed description to help you plan and execute a memorable session. You can use them as is or adapt them to your style and client.
1. Classic Family Portrait
This is often a photo that ends up framed on the wall or in a Christmas card. It’s a must-have shot, which is also very easy to do. Choose a simple background – a park path, a neutral-colored wall, or the family’s couch. Arrange the group in a soft triangle: taller people in the back, shorter or seated ones in front.
Make sure hands aren’t dangling lifelessly or hidden. Tell everyone to smile in a relaxed way. When it comes to group portraits, it’s better to take multiple shots. This way, you’ll definitely end up with at least one shot where everyone is looking at the camera and no one is blinking.
2. Group Hug
It’s chaotic, imperfect, and cozy. Get in close. Use a wider lens (35mm or 50mm) to capture the entire scene and the emotion on their faces as they hug each other. Use the burst mode and make sure to focus on the faces.
The best shots often happen after the initial squeeze, when they naturally relax into the embrace, often laughing.
3. Serious vs. Silly
Shoot two versions of the same setup – one serious and one fun. First, a “serious” or “fancy” portrait where everyone tries their best not to smile. Then, immediately after, unleash the chaos by telling them to make silly faces or tickle. You can also say: “Parents stay serious while the kids go wild.”
Make sure to shoot in burst mode to capture the transition, which is often the most hilarious part. This works brilliantly for breaking the ice, especially with kids. And it’s a great way to show the family’s serious and playful sides.
4. Studio Family Photoshoot
It’s perfect for families who prefer a clean, polished look or want to experiment with backdrops and outfits. A studio is excellent for creating high-contrast black and white photos and artistic, fine-art portraits.
In a studio, you’ll be able to control the lighting and the setting. Some studios offer large windows, so you’ll be able to make use of good natural light. As an alternative, you can also experiment with artificial lighting – strobes or continuous light.
Note that you’ll probably need a large source of soft light because soft light is flattering for the majority of people, and kids tend to move a lot, so you’ll need a lot of light to freeze the motion.
5. At Home
Your clients will feel more relaxed, and there are plenty of activities that they can do – making pancakes, reading in bed, fighting with pillows, etc.
Your goal is to be a keen observer. Use natural window light as much as possible. Focus on the small, intimate moments: a parent whispering to a child, the way a child’s hand rests in their father’s, flour on noses while baking cookies. Guide your clients gently, if necessary. This works beautifully for families with young children who are most comfortable in their own environment, and it’s equally powerful for multi-generational shoots, capturing grandparents in their element.
Indoor sessions often need wider lenses (24–35mm) because homes tend to be small. Keep aperture around f/2.8–f/4. This way, your subjects will be isolated from the background, yet their faces will be sharp enough.
6. Blanket Fort
A super fun idea, especially for families with young children. Tell the parents and kids to build a beautiful, big blanket fort in the living room or even in a forest clearing. Fill it with pillows, books, and even some non-messy snacks. Decorate it with fairy lights or some fun, colorful flag banners.
The fort is kind of like this magical sanctuary. You can take photos while they are building the fort. Then shoot from outside the fort, framing the family within the structure, and also get inside with them for close-ups of their happy faces.
7. Lifestyle in Nature
Nature gives kids freedom to move and adults space to relax. A meadow, a forest, a beach, or even a waterfall would be perfect. Alternatively, you can go to a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard.
Tell your clients to do something: throw snow, or leaves, splash through puddles, blow dandelions, or run through tall grass. Let them explore and interact with the environment while you quietly follow and document. If possible, schedule for golden hour for soft, dreamy light; remember to bring a reflector.
8. Generational Portrait
This idea is perfect for a photoshoot where three generations are involved – kids, parents, and grandparents. Your goal is to capture the bond between generations.
Tell the whole family to line up and look at the camera or into the distance. As an option, seat older family members, so they won’t get tired. You can take a few posed shots, then ask them to interact with each other: put hands on shoulders, or turn and look at each other for one of the shots.
Use a medium telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) to compress the scene and keep everyone in sharp focus. Pay attention to the background; a simple, uncluttered one works best.
9. Re-create a Favorite Scene
This idea requires collaboration and preparation. Discuss the idea with the family beforehand and pick a movie that resonates with them and that they all love. It can be The Incredibles, Little Women, The Goonies, Home Alone, etc.
You can recreate a specific scene or the overall look of the film. Study the lighting, composition, and costuming from the chosen movie. For example, to emulate a Wes Anderson film, you’d use symmetrical compositions and a pastel color palette. This creative approach makes the family active participants in crafting a unique piece of art.
10. Urban Vibes
Families are often photographed in nature. Why don’t you do something different? Swap nature for the gritty, textured backdrop of a city. Think brick walls, colorful murals, alleyways, steel staircases, and bustling sidewalks. This will surely make photos edgier and more dynamic.
The urban environment provides endless compositional opportunities. Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye. Frame the family within architectural elements. Incorporate movement by having them cross the street (safely!), or use reflections in puddles or building windows. This is ideal for families with older kids or teens who might find a field session “boring.” It gives them something to interact with and feels more like an adventure.
11. Rainy Day
Is it raining? Don’t reschedule. Embrace it! A drizzly, overcast day can help you create dramatic and fun portraits. Equip the family with stylish transparent umbrellas, colorful raincoats, and Wellington boots.
Young kids will have lots of fun while splashing in the puddles. The overcast sky acts as a giant softbox, providing beautifully even lighting. Meanwhile, if there’s wet payment, you can use it for some nice reflection shots. You can tell the family to huddle under an umbrella – it’ll look super cozy!
12. Favorite Activity
Build the photoshoot around what the family loves to do together. Are they a family of avid readers? Shoot them in a library or a cozy bookstore. Do they love Saturday morning pancakes? Document the entire process in their kitchen. Do they hike every weekend? Take the session to their favorite trail.
Capture the details: the bowl filled with batter, the worn-out hiking boots, the pages of a favorite book. Take photos of the genuine joy that comes from doing a beloved activity. This works for every family type, as it’s tailored to their specific passions.
13. Holiday Photoshoot
A family photoshoot can also be built around holidays like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. And you can do a holiday photoshoot outdoors, at your clients’ home, or in studio.
For Christmas, capture the family decorating the tree, wearing matching pajamas, or reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by the fireplace. For Halloween, do a costume shoot in a pumpkin patch or while the family is carving pumpkins. For Easter, you can do an egg hunt in the garden.
These sessions are about celebration and tradition, so your focus should be on the fun and the festive spirit.
14. Seasonal Inspiration
Each season offers a unique color palette, texture, and activity that can define the photoshoot’s mood and aesthetic:
- Spring: Pastel colors, blooming flowers, fields of bluebells. Capture the family walking through a park, with kids smelling the blossoms.
- Summer: Lush green forests, golden hour at the beach, wildflower meadows. Kids enjoying their ice cream. Go for a vibrant, sun-drenched look.
- Fall: Use pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and piles of colorful leaves as your setting. The warm, rich colors are incredibly flattering. Here are more ideas for a fall photoshoot.
- Winter: A fresh blanket of snow creates a stunning, minimalist backdrop. Capture a snowball fight, making snow angels, or a cozy session with warm blankets and hot chocolate.
15. Recreate Old Family Photos
his fun idea is filled with nostalgia. Ask your clients to find an old family picture that they like. Then you’ll need to recreate it with the same poses, clothing, hairdos, and expressions. Match framing, composition, setting, and lighting as closely as possible.
You can also take a photo of your clients holding the original photo in their hands. It’s super funny and personal – perfect for social media and family gifts.
16. Include a Pet
A family isn’t complete without its furry (or feathery, or scaly) members. Patience is your greatest tool. Plan for a longer session to accommodate the pet’s needs. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze movement. Avoid loud and bright flashes.
Instead of forcing the pet to pose, capture the natural interactions: the child hugging the dog, the cat peeking out from behind a parent, the family walking the dog together. Have treats and toys on hand, and be ready to embrace the beautiful chaos they bring.
17. Focus on the Details
Details convey the essence of a family’s bond. They’re what families remember when kids grow up. Always be on the lookout for these moments and take close-up shots. It could be the tiny hand of a child wrapped around a parent’s finger, the mud on their little rain boots, the way a daughter’s hand rests on her mother’s arm, or the wedding rings on a parent’s hand as they hold their child. Shoot with a macro lens or a fast prime.
What to wear
- Color coordinating. Advise families to avoid identical outfits. Instead, suggest they choose a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors (e.g., navy, cream, rust, and grey) and mix patterns and solids. Adobe’s Color Wheel can help with choosing a palette. Avoid logos and large prints – they won’t look good no matter what idea you’ll go with.
- Comfort matters. If people are uncomfortable, it will be noticeable. Your clients should wear clothing they can move in. An uncomfortable child in a stiff dress will not be a happy subject. Shoes matter for outdoor shoots. Recommend sensible footwear, so everyone is comfortable.
- Consider the Location. Suggest outfits that fit the vibe of the location. Flowy dresses and bare feet for a beach, and layered knits and boots for a forest. If you’re shooting in a studio, you can opt for fancy or casual outfits, or both.
- Parents & grandparents: Suggest layers (cardigans, scarves, jackets). They photograph well, and it’s easy to take them off if needed.
- Older kids / teens: Let them pick one “cool” piece (a leather jacket, hat, or statement sneakers) so they feel heard.
Other Crucial Considerations
- Safety. Avoid props with loose small parts around toddlers (beads, tiny decorations). Also, if you’re planning to incorporate flowers into your shoot, ask your clients whether they have hay fever.
- Consultation. Have a pre-shoot consultation (phone or video) to discuss the family’s vision, understand their dynamics, and plan the session flow.
- Guidance. Give the family activities and prompts instead of rigid poses. “Whisper a secret to your son,” “See if you can make your mom laugh,” “Walk towards that tree and tell me about your favorite vacation.” This will lead to genuine interactions.
- Pacing. Start with the more formal, grouped shots while everyone is fresh. Then, move into the playful, interactive prompts to loosen them up. End with quiet, intimate moments.
Prep Your Family Photos for Sharing
It’s vital to get your images ready for sharing your website or social media. By preparing them properly, you’ll make sure that your photography works will look professional and load quickly.
- Protect your work. Before posting, add a subtle watermark to your images. It prevents your work from being reused without giving you credit and also helps with promoting your brand.
- Optimize for the web. Resize and compress your images, so they load fast and look sharp. This small step can make a big difference for both SEO and user experience.
- Respect privacy. If your photos include bystanders, children, or private property, take a moment to blur faces, license plates, or any sensitive details before sharing.
- Get rid of distractions. Consider cropping your images to emphasize storytelling elements – like the way a child’s hand fits into their parent’s, or the joy of a shared laugh. This will make your images more impactful.
- Add text. Overlaying a short caption can give an image more meaning. For instance, you can write the season, occasion, or a small note about what made the moment special.
Final Thoughts
A family photoshoot is all about collaboration, planning, and improvisation. By offering both classic and creative, personalized ideas, you’ll provide immense value to your clients. You’ll give them an experience to remember and, more importantly, a visual record of their love – a series of images that will be passed down for generations.
As a family photographer, your greatest asset is your ability to see, to connect, and to make your subjects feel safe enough to be their true selves. Remember, each idea from this guide is a doorway to a different kind of story. They are a starting point from which authentic moments can bloom under your guidance.
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