Once you understand the importance of capturing family memories through photos, there’s no way back. You become more conscious of the little moments that make up your family’s story, and you start to see every occasion as an opportunity for a new photo.
But to make your family portraits truly special, it’s important to plan ahead. Whether you want to create conceptual family snaps or capture sweet moments, these 15 family photo ideas are sure to provide some inspiration. Stay tuned for the creative advice, brought to you family images by Depositphotos!
- Take a family photo in matching outfits
Arranging a family photoshoot in matching outfits is a photography classic that never goes out of style. Therefore, you should give this idea a shot. Just remember to choose 2-4 colors that complement each other and avoid anything too distracting. Also, consider the season and location when picking clothes. Here are some family photo outfit ideas that you can try.
Family photo outfit ideas
- Flowy or embroidered dresses, patterned shirts, and linen pants;
- Leather jackets, graphic tees, and jeans;
- Rustic plaid shirts, jeans, cowboy boots, and hats;
- Outfits in earth tones, including brown, olive, or mustard-colored clothing;
- Vintage-inspired outfits with retro dresses, tweed jackets, and suspenders.
- Capture sweet moments
Another simple yet good idea is to photograph sweet moments. You can fill your family photo album with images of children gifting flowers to their mom on Mother’s Day or a husband cooking a romantic dinner for his wife on Valentine’s Day. These candid shots will be a wonderful reminder of the love that lives in your family.
- Shoot a busy family scene
If you’re looking for family Christmas photo shoot ideas, capture a busy family scene in the midst of holiday preparations. It can be anything from decorating the Christmas tree together to baking holiday cookies. Although it may sound strange to photograph holiday hustle and bustle, these candid moments often make for the most memorable images.
- Take a cue from one hue
Colors can give photographs emotions and convey a certain mood. So, if you choose a dominating hue or color scheme for your images, they can tell a compelling visual story. To make it happen, every element in the frame must be of the same color or shade (background, props, and outfits). In addition, a photographer can enhance color photography in post-production.
- Make the most of your home
If you aim for natural, relaxed, and cozy photographs, home is the best place to do a photoshoot. It can offer many cozy scenes, from cooking a meal together to playing board games to reading books in bed. On top of that, you can choose cozy family photo outfits, such as matching pajamas or chunky knit sweaters.
- Include pets in photographs
Once a family adopts a pet, they become a family member too. Therefore, it would be a great idea to include your pets in the frame. They are often able to bring out genuine smiles in family photos. In addition, animals are very photogenic and will make the pictures look more lively.
- Show multiple generations
A multi-generational photoshoot can consist of simple family photographs together with children, their parents, and grandparents in the frame. This will help you create a powerful and wholesome visual narrative. You can also pick a unique characteristic that’s shared and develop the story around it to make the photo session more conceptual.
- Snap a family doing sports
Another great idea for a family stock photo is to capture everyone playing sports or doing any other physical activity. For example, playing soccer in the park, taking a dance class, or riding bikes with the whole family. It will create dynamic shots full of movement, happiness, and laughter.
- Implement kid’s family photo ideas
It often happens that family photo ideas are in fact parents’ photo ideas. However, involving kids in the planning process can bring many fresh ideas to the table. In addition, it will give the children the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
So, ask your kids for a theme or idea for a family photoshoot. It can be a superhero-themed shoot, adult-child role reversal, or a silly dress-up session. Most importantly, don’t stop their creative flow and let them take the lead with picture ideas.
- Share each other’s passion
If one of your family members lives and breathes art, sports, or crafts, create a photoshoot around their passion. Each family member can share their passion with the rest of the family, or one person can choose a passion that the whole family participates in. It’s a great way to bond while creating memories in the form of photographs.
- Enjoy nature together
If you want to create family images that are both good-looking and easy on your wallet, arrange a photoshoot in nature. First, nature provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos with lush greenery and colorful flowers. Second, you can get the most flattering natural light during golden hour. In addition, outdoor photoshoots are among the best fall family photo ideas when the leaves are changing colors.
- Capture a family doing something new together
What has the power to evoke the strongest emotions in people? That’s right, a new activity! Experiencing something unfamiliar as a family, like pottery or paddleboarding, can make for the best shots. Your loved ones will show their true emotions, which are priceless for any family photoshoot.
- Embrace creative poses
When it comes to family photo poses, nothing beats a mix of creativity and cooperation. Don’t be afraid to try something new and push the boundaries of traditional posing. Experiment with different angles, expressions, and human combinations to make your photos truly unique. Try forming a human pyramid, jumping into the air, doing cartwheels and handstands, or striking a silly pose.
- Make it conceptual
To add zest to a family photoshoot, make it conceptual. Recreate a famous painting, movie scene, historical event, or childhood memory with special meaning. Give each family member a task, such as makeup, hair, props, and costumes to make it even more fun.
- Show a family vacation
You can also capture candid pictures on a family vacation, whether it’s at the beach, in the mountains, or while exploring a new city. A new location will present you with authentic backgrounds and the opportunity to photograph many unscripted moments. In addition, it will be easier to capture genuine emotions from your loved ones.
Closing notes
Whenever you’re planning a photo session with loved ones, now you have 15 more family photo ideas to try. Just be sure to add your personal touch and make the photos unique to your family’s style. Over time, you’ll be able to appreciate the value each of these photographs holds.