6 Great Family Photoshoot Ideas to Create Lasting Memories

Whether you get family photos taken every year or just when the mood strikes, having the right information at your fingertips can help you navigate the decisions that go with a session.

Between who will wear what and how creative you want to be, planning a photoshoot can be stressful. With a little help, you can smooth out the process and prepare for a great appointment.

Use these family photoshoot ideas to make decisions about  outfits, location, props, and the best photographer to capture your memories and make them last a lifetime.

1. Get Creative with Props

Your photographer may have specific props they want to use for your family photoshoot, including some that were offered when you booked. The venue might have an antique truck that’s perfect for the vintage farmhouse look you love, or if your baby is little enough maybe there’s a basket or a rug that you particularly want to include.

Make sure to let the photographer know if there are any extra props they have that you’ve seen in their portfolio and want to use. You should also feel free to bring your own.

Maybe you have a little announcement of your own to make, like a baby on the way or an engagement. Let the photographer know ahead of time what you’re thinking, and send them some pictures of the props you want to incorporate. They can help you brainstorm ideas, like a little sign with the announcement and your family blurred in the background.

2. Talk to Your Photographer

When you hire a wedding photographer, you ask a ton of questions. Family photos may happen more often, usually once a year, but they are just as important. To get the details right, be sure you mesh well with whoever you hire, and ask the right questions to know if you’re a good fit.

Try these all-important questions: 

• Have you ever shot at this location before?
• How long have you been a photographer?
• What do you like best about photographing families?
• What happens if it rains?
• How long does a shoot last?

Getting an idea of your photographer’s philosophy about preserving memories helps you be sure they’re the right one for the job.

3. Family Photoshoot Ideas: Outfit Coordination

For outdoor family photoshoot outfits, consider NOT matching. While you want to look coordinated and put together, you don’t want to all wear the same thing. 

Go with a color theme that flatters all of you, and then choose classic styles in variations of that color. For example, in a fall shoot, you might choose a maroon and mustard combination, with a mustard dress on one daughter and a floral dress on another. Or go with a maroon checked button-down shirt for your son and a floral dress for yourself.

Other coordinating outfit ideas include a denim family photoshoot, where you all wear jeans and coordinating tops. Try to vary the denim wash or color as much as you can, so you don’t look too uniform. Be sure to dress for the weather, especially if you’re transitioning between seasons.

The only exception might be matching pajamas. Many families like to buy matching Christmas PJs and get photos taken in the studio with their holiday look. If you want to find everyone’s size, you may have to start early, but these are great photos to include with a holiday card.

4. Posing

Your photographer will help you get comfortable in front of the camera. They will ask you to pose a certain way, and they will try to get candid photos as well. It’s pretty effortless on your part.

Yet you may also want to have some idea of how to pose in a way that flatters your body.

If you’re exceptionally tall or short, don’t hunch over. Instead, try to sit when possible. People don’t pay attention to your height as much if you’re sitting. Also, give consideration to what’s behind you; eliminate anything tall and eliminate possible comparisons!

To appear slimmer in photos, pose arms akimbo with your hands at your waist, not on your hips. Hook your thumbs behind, and make sure your fingers are in front. Don’t squeeze your waist, just rest your hands there to accentuate where your body curves in.

If you’re posing with your partner, turn towards him with your bellybutton to his hip bone. This shows your body from the side, a slimmer line. Drop your shoulders and roll them back to elongate your neck.

5. Recreate a Historic Moment

Do you have a favorite family photo that still makes everyone laugh? If that’s a beautiful memory everyone has, then why not make it last a little longer?

During your family studio photoshoot, recreate the old photograph. Pose everyone in the same place with the same facial expressions. While you won’t all look the same, it’s a great way to remind yourselves of how far you’ve come and everything you have to look forward to as you age gracefully together.

6. Use Seasonal Elements

Any photographer knows that natural light is most flattering. Companies like Tammy Cynar Photography will want to photograph you outside if they can, and that means different opportunities for every season. If it’s fall, see if you can incorporate corn fields or a plaid blanket in an apple orchard.

In the spring, try to find a field of wildflowers or an empty stretch of beach. Even a local botanic garden or wildlife preserve would be a great place to find spring flowers and greenery as a photo backdrop.

Even winter photos can be great, especially if you get a fresh coating of snow the night before the photo shoot. Pictures in the unbroken snow can make gorgeous scenes to frame and hang at home.

Candid Shots

Getting the right family photoshoot ideas before you arrive at your appointment is essential. With the tips above, you will be prepared for your session and get some beautiful photos!

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