Time has this funny way of slipping through our fingers. One minute you’re cradling a newborn, and the next, you’re sending them off to school with a lunchbox and a kiss. That’s why family photoshoots are so important – they act like little time capsules, freezing a moment so you can revisit it whenever you want.
If you’re thinking 2024 is the year to update your family album, you’re in the right place! Here’s a collection of ideas to take your family photoshoot beyond the standard posed group shot.
Family Photoshoot ideas: Indoor Fun
Some of the most beautiful family photos aren’t the staged ones, but the ones that capture the in-between moments.
- Shared activities: Think baking cookies, having a water balloon fight, or reading stories together. Let the camera roll while you all just enjoy each other’s company.
- Celebrate the milestones: Don’t just focus on the big birthdays; document that first lost tooth, the wobbly bike ride, or mastering a new skill.
- Spontaneous silliness: Remember how belly laughs were easier to come by when you were a kid? Let those giggles loose during your family photoshoot – those are going to be the photos you’ll treasure the most years from now.
Family Photoshoot outdoor Ideas
Nature provides a stunning and ever-changing backdrop for your family photos.
- Seasonal Adventures: Capture vibrant fall colors, the magic of the first snowfall, a blooming flower field in spring, or lazy summer days at the beach.
- Favorite Locations: Does your family have a beloved hiking trail or a special spot by the lake? Incorporate those locations into your family photos. Not only will the setting be beautiful, but the photos will hold even more meaning.
- Golden Hour Magic: If possible, schedule your outdoor photoshoot during the golden hour – the time just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft and warm.
Family Photoshoot Themes and Creative Fun
Adding a playful theme or concept can make your family photoshoot extra memorable.
- Decade Throwbacks: Dress up in your favorite fashions from past eras (think ’80s neon or ’70s bellbottoms) for a family photoshoot full of laughs.
- Superheroes or Storybook Characters: Let imaginations run wild with a themed family photoshoot where everyone becomes their favorite characters.
- ‘Then and Now’: My family had fun recreating a silly childhood photo when we were all adults. It was a hilarious way to see how much has changed… and how much has stayed the same!
Practical Tips for a Smooth Photoshoot
- Choose a photographer you connect with: A great photographer will put everyone at ease, especially important if you have camera-shy kids (or adults!).
- Coordinate, don’t match: Choose a color palette that complements each other rather than matching outfits exactly.
- Prepare for the unexpected: Snacks, changes of clothes, and a ‘go with the flow’ attitude will save the day.
Beyond the Frame
Once those beautiful family photoshoots are taken, don’t let them sit on a hard drive!
- Display with pride: Create a gallery wall, frame special moments, or make a personalized photo book.
- The gift of memories: Family photos make amazing gifts for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even your future selves.
- Sharing digitally: Create a shared online album where extended family can enjoy your updated family photos.
This year, give your family (and future you!) the gift of captured memories. You won’t regret adding those priceless moments to the family album. And who knows, you may even start a whole new family photoshoot tradition for years to come!
