7 Photography Ideas for Families
In the vibrant world of family photography, the photographer’s lens captures more than just smiles and
poses—it also frames the unique stories and intimate moments that each family shares. Whether you’re
working out of a photo studio Los Angeles or taking pictures of families in the most intimate parts of
their London home, your task as a photographer is to delve into what makes each family unique. This
commitment to authenticity is what will enable you to produce images that are both visually stunning
and deeply resonant with your subjects’ lives.
Of course, learning how to direct posed photos for formal pictures is important. However, it’s the
different moments and connections shared among family members that truly make beautiful pictures.
Here are some photography ideas that you may want to explore as a professional family photographer:
Playful Interactions
If you want your photos to elicit smiles and laughter, then capture playful interactions among the family.
A mom and daughter having a tickle fight in the living room, a son dotting sauce on his father’s nose
during a backyard barbecue, or kids playing frisbee with their pet dog in the park—these are just some
of the lighthearted moments that you can take photos of during your sessions.
Parent-Child Bond
No matter the size or the dynamics of a family, a beautiful thing to capture in photos is the bond
between parents and children. You can do this in larger groups or in pairs, too. For example, you can
take a photo of a family of six cuddling under a huge blanket. For new parents, you can take pictures of
the couple cradling their baby close to their chests.
These pictures can also take a more energetic or fun turn, like a father playfully tossing a toddler into
the air or a mother giving her young son a piggyback ride. The resulting images are a showcase of the
parents’ role as both a caregiver and a source of fun and affection.
Group and Solo Shots
If you’re photographing a large or extended family, you might focus on the clan’s history or on the deep
bonds that stretch across multiple generations. One effective approach is to capture the dynamics
between different members: the adoration in a grandchild’s eyes, the proud smile of a grandparent, or
playful banter among cousins.
While big group shots are always a good idea, don’t overlook the power of smaller interactions within
the larger group. Moments like shared laughter between an aunt and niece or tender exchanges
between a grandparent and grandchild can be profoundly moving. Whether you’re shooting at a large
family gathering at home or a celebratory event, each setting offers you the chance to capture the
collective story of the family.
Interactions With Pets
When shooting families with pets, remember that these animals are much more than just companions;
their owners are likely to regard them as members of the family, too. Hence, you should be working to
capture the unique bond between the family and their furry, feathered, or scaled companions.
Action shots can be particularly expressive, like a family playing fetch with their dog in the park or a child
gently stroking their cat while sitting on the sofa. Keep an eye out for striking interactions and emotions
as well, such as a look of affection or a laugh as the pet does something amusing. Pets often bring out
people’s spontaneous reactions, and these are the moments that truly capture the essence of a family’s
relationship with their animal companion.
Life Milestones
If you want to be a little creative, and if the family is willing, you can suggest reenactments of life
milestones. For instance, a high school graduation is an important achievement. You can have the child
wear a costume toga and toss their cap into the air while the parents clap happily in the background.
There are also some quieter but still impactful life events that you can recreate, like the finalisation of
adoption papers.
Cultural Elements
Photographing multicultural families offers an opportunity to celebrate and showcase a rich array of
traditions and backgrounds. To highlight these to the fullest, engage your subjects with respect and
curiosity before you start shooting. Ask them about the practices and norms they’d like you to highlight
in your photographs. If they allow you to, you can incorporate elements like traditional clothing,
artefacts, or even settings that are important to their cultural heritage.
Love Between a Couple
An increasing number of couples today are choosing to remain child-free. Effective family photography
in this case should celebrate your subjects’ lifestyle and the strong bond they share. A great approach is
to capture them engaging in activities that they love, such as exploring their neighbourhood or indulging
in a common hobby. You might also consider creating portraits that reflect the couple’s distinct
personalities and relationship dynamics. This could involve intimate, romantic shots in their home or a
creative outdoor session that captures the couple in a setting that has significant meaning to their
relationship.
Family photography is a specialisation that allows you to get up close and personal. It’s thus crucial for
you to remember that working with your subjects involves more than simply capturing aesthetically
pleasing images—in essence, you’re preserving a chapter in each family’s personal story. Ultimately,
success hinges upon your ability to bring out and celebrate the uniqueness of every family you shoot.
