Family portrait photography shouldn’t be a process where you feel like everyone is forced to be taking photos. Fake smiles and awkward poses is not something you want to end up looking at as your photo memories.
Mixing in some creative ideas and thinking outside of the box can make it a fun experience for all family members. By finding out who you are as a family and your preferences, photographers can often guide you toward choosing the right type of photography location at the given season.
The use of seasonal themes in family and children photography is an endless topic for imagination. Each season has its unique specifics. You will be advised to choose suitable outfits depending on the photoshoot location. It is important to consider weather conditions – if the family photoshoot takes place outdoors.
This article will discuss the pros and cons of photographing at different seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter. We will talk about various family pictures ideas and poses so you can be ready and excited about your upcoming family photoshoot!
This post may include affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. [009]
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/250s, ISO 400 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
The spring theme is an excellent idea for a family portrait photoshoot. It is the time of year when everything is coming back to life, and we are starting to see beautiful fresh colors after a long winter. Spring is ideal if you are looking to get soft and airy backdrops for your family pictures.
However, depending on where you live, there might be some waiting involved for the good weather to start. Right timing would be after the buds on the trees have already begun to blossom, and the air warms up a bit. It’s crucial for the weather to be warm if you have small children in your family.
In Sacramento, California, where Bidun Photography is based, the trees begin to blossom and grow new leaves at the beginning of February. It might differ significantly in other cities or states, so you should plan according to your specific weather conditions.
- orchards
- creek or river
- city park
- in the forest
- hills, ravines
- plain – green meadow will be a gorgeous backdrop for family shoots.
IDEAS FOR FAMILY PICTURES IN THE ORCHARDS
Have you ever come across family or children pictures with gorgeous blossoming trees in the background? Blossoming orchards are the top picked photoshoot location for outdoor family portraits. Often, families book their photo sessions well ahead of time since the blossoming period is not very long.
Since the background will be very soft and airy – so do your outfits have to be. Pick outfit tones and textures that will complement the surroundings, with pale and even-toned colors. You wouldn’t want to wear very formal clothing, but rather a little more casual and comfortable for picture taking poses.
Often, outdoor family portraits don’t require any props since you are already at a location where you can use surrounding nature as an ideal backdrop. However, if you want to add a personal touch to your photos, you can bring a light blanket to sit on or a chair/bench. A professional portrait photographer will have ideas to take creative family pictures at this location even without props.
FAMILY PHOTOS BY THE CREEK OR RIVER
Spring is the time when creeks are full from the rainfall, and the banks have plenty of fresh greenery growth. Why not use this opportunity to create family memories with your loved ones? If you live in the warm states, you even might be able to walk in the shallow waters for more variety of images.
For outdoor spring family photoshoots, we suggest choosing outfits in neutral tones, nothing too colorful or bright, and most importantly wear comfortable shoes. Some of the best natural poses for families are walking, running, or interacting with each other naturally. And for this, you have to wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable and suited to the location. If the photoshoot location requires a lot of walking, it might be a great idea to bring an extra pair of comfortable walking shoes.
When photo shooting by a creek or a river, families can implement different photoshoot themes. Some of the ideas include a fisherman’s theme, a princess-style theme for children, or family pictures with a dog.
IDEAS FOR FAMILY PHOTOS AT A PARK
Park is one of the most popular family photoshoot locations at any time of the year. Depending on the season, you will be greeted with a different type of unique backdrop.
In the springtime, you will find lots of greenery and trees that are beginning to grow new leaves. This type of scenery is great for capturing family memories. The best thing about local parks is that children will have more freedom to run around and enjoy the surroundings.
It’s important not to force kids to do complicated ideas or poses, making the photoshoot worse. Find out more tips and suggestions on how to get better kids portraits from our detailed guide, Kids Photography Tips.
FAMILY PICTURES ON A HILLTOP
If you want to have your family pictures taken at an unusual and scenic location, you might like the idea of a beautiful hilltop. It’s best to go for such a photoshoot location at sunset time. The soft golden light will highlight you in a very flattering way, providing more creative portraits.
Family and children portraits taken with natural light will look the most natural and serene. The golden hour – as photographers call the time around sunset when the light is the softest and warm – is the best time for outdoor photo sessions. You can find out a lot more tips for family photoshoots in our Natural Light Photography post.
I wouldn’t suggest families with young children to take photos on a hilltop for a few reasons. First of all, it’s harder to get to the photoshoot spot with young kids, and you might not be able to bring the stroller along. The second reason is that it’s more challenging to watch the little kids and provide them safety. It’s much easier to walk up the hill with older kids, who won’t quickly get tired from walking.
It is important to note that spring is always unpredictable. Therefore, it’s necessary to prepare well for the family portrait session (don’t forget to bring warm clothes and an umbrella with you, in addition to some snacks for the kids).
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/2.0, 1/320s, ISO 100 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
SUMMER PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Summertime is often the most favored season for families to take portraits. The days are long and warm, with the exceptional weather conditions. Unless you live in an area where it gets too hot during summer evenings, this season might be your top choice.
In the summer, you can implement almost any idea for a family photoshoot with children. There are many thematic scenarios for creative photos. For instance:
- having a picnic together as a family
- on the beach – parents and children can spend time in the water
- riding bikes together
- doing a favorite family activity or playing a game
- lifestyle photoshoot at home
In the summer, you can significantly diversify the props. For example, use a ball, frisbee, or water pistols, if you are aiming for super fun action shots.
If you are looking for a bit more formal summer family pictures, choose a location that would complement your family’s personality. Whether it’s a local park, urban scene, or a quiet corner at a beach – pick a place where you feel it matches you as a family. Remember that these pictures will give you lifetime memories as they will be displayed on the walls of your home.
Always keep in mind that shooting under the midday sun will have the appearance of sharp shadows. It is crucial to consider this point in the process of photo shoot planning. As parents ourselves, we understand that it can get tricky to schedule your family portrait photography around kids’ nap schedules. Discuss all these details with your photographer, as he/she can suggest the ideal timing for the session.
We recommend reading our article Natural Light Photography for tips on how to choose the right time of day for outdoor portraits.
PICNIC-STYLE FAMILY PICTURES IDEAS
Have you ever considered doing a picnic-style family photoshoot? This photo session idea may seem more fitting for couples and engagement shoots, but it can also be super fun to implement during a family photoshoot.
You don’t have to go overboard with picnic props, so don’t get stressed out over this aspect. A good size blanket and a basket of family’s favorite snacks and drinks – is all you will need. It’s best to get snacks that are not messy for kids, as you are still getting your pictures taken. We suggest getting some dried fruits, crackers or cookies, and maybe some fresh fruits as well.
Some of the best locations for having a picnic-style photo session are in a forest or an area in the park with some trees in the background. After taking enough family pictures in a picnic setting, don’t forget to snap photos of your family on the blanket but without the snacks.
FAMILY PICTURES AT THE BEACH
The beach can be an excellent photoshoot location choice for families who prefer to take pictures by the water. If you live close to the ocean, it’s considerably easy to schedule your photoshoot at the beach. Those of you who live further but love visiting the beach during your summer family vacation – why not have your pictures taken during the vacation time?
The vacation is a time of relaxing and spending time with your family members. One of the best ways to celebrate that time is by getting professional family portraits. You will have to research local photographers ahead of time, as summertime might be very busy and booked up time for them.
You can find a lot more ideas for family pictures at the beach from our other article. This is where we discuss which outfits work best for family pictures at the beach and tips on how to choose the ideal location and theme for your photos.
RIDING BIKES TOGETHER AS A FAMILY
Is there a particular sport or activity you like to do as a family, such as riding bikes? It may be a great idea to incorporate that into the photo session. Think about all the memories these pictures will bring to you down the road.
When choosing a unique photoshoot theme such as this, you will need to plan out the location, outfits, and other session details. You can decide to go to your favorite trail and ride along that trail. It will be a great way to remember your hobbies from this particular time of your life.
IDEAS FOR FAMILY PICTURES AT A LAVENDER FIELD
Many families love taking photos in beautiful flower fields. As you know, various flower fields bloom at different times of the year. In late spring and early summertime, you can find different wildflower fields. These fields make perfect photoshoot location spots for families.
One of our clients’ favorite summer photoshoot locations is a lavender field. These flowers usually only bloom for about a month in June. Given that it’s a particular seasonal flower, it’s important to book your photoshoot ahead of time. The photo session spots may also be limited as many people love visiting lavender fields for their enjoyment and to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
If you live in Northern California, you would greatly enjoy visiting the Araceli Farms located in Dixon, CA. Their endless rows of lavender flowers provide unique photo backdrops, and the aroma coming from the flowers themselves is an amazing bonus. If you are looking for a gorgeous and relaxing outdoor location for family pictures, the Araceli Lavender Farms will be your best pick!
DOING A FAVORITE FAMILY ACTIVITY OR A GAME
When you think of a favorite family activity that can be incorporated into your photoshoot, there will be so many things coming to your mind. Maybe you love reading books together, doing arts or crafts as a family, going fishing with the kids, or just playing a board game.
It may seem like a simple activity, but for your family, it will be something very valuable and memorable with each year. The better you plan out and prepare for the photo session, the more personalized your images will be.
If your favorite family activity is best done indoors, we can plan out a cozy lifestyle family session at home. At home photo sessions are more common in wintertime when people spend more time indoors due to weather restrictions. Some of the ideas for at-home family photoshoots include pictures by the Christmas tree, photos of the family members reading books, playing a board game, or doing crafts together.
Fishing-theme family pictures is another one of the awesome ideas for an outdoor summer photoshoot. If you are the type of family who loves and enjoys fishing, this idea is definitely for you. Not only will you have an enjoyable time outdoors, but you can also catch fish for dinner.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Natural Light | f/2.8, 1/320s, ISO 250 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
IDEAS FOR FALL FAMILY PICTURES
Fall is an excellent time for family and children portraits. The sun does not interfere with the photoshoot as compared to a summer session. At the same time, the temperature outside is as comfortable as possible.
It’s always a good idea to include a family pet into your pictures. If you have a family dog who is very special for you and your children, bring it along! Your family pictures will hold a special place in your heart if you include your furry friend in photos as well.
For ideas on how to include pets into pictures, check out our article 7 Best Pet Photography Tips
You can use standard ideas while adding unique props:
- the family dog or cat
- bright fallen leaves from the trees ( you can ask children to play with the leaves, throw them up in the air, or simply hold a pretty colorful leaf in hand, for some personalized photos. )
- umbrellas
If your portrait shoot falls on a rainy day, don’t rush to cancel it or reschedule. As professional photographers, we are trained to shoot in any weather conditon – well, almost any. Using an umbrella during your family pictures, can add a personalized touch and bring a lot of memorable experiences. I bet your children would love to take photos in the rain too!
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/2.0, 1/250s, ISO 50 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
OUTDOOR WINTER FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS
The outside temperature is not a reason to cancel a family photoshoot. Typically, it’s not advised to take outdoor winter photos with infants and very young children. It is quite another matter – if the child is 4-5 years old or more. For the winter photoshoot, you can use the following scenes:
- drawing lying on the snow (“snow angels”)
- playing snowballs and skiing
- building a snowman, snow fortresses, and much more
- riding down in a sled
Warm clothes should always be worn before going outside – this will help prevent colds. Snow boots are especially important ( they will make people feel comfortable throughout the shoot).
Taking family pictures in the snow might be not for everyone, but I suggest trying it! You will be amazed how much fun you can have as a family simply throwing snowballs, building a snowman together, or pulling a sled full of kids.
Your children will remember this experience as a special time that their parents spent with them. And if you can get creative and professional pictures along the way – it’s a win-win for everyone!
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/640s, ISO 50 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
CONCLUSION
Family photos are very important, and to make quality photos that will please you for many years; it’s better to use the services of a professional photographer. When you find a photographer whose style of photography aligns with your vision, it will help you to relax and trust the photographer throughout the session.
Communication with the photographer is crucial during the preparation time. Pay attention to their tips and suggestions, and together you will be able to tailor a personalized family photo shoot.
For a successful family photoshoot, especially with young children, you should plan and prepare in advance. Parents only need to stock up on a good mood – a professional photographer will do everything else.
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE PLEASE SHARE IN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.
Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
