Looking for new family photoshoot ideas can be frustrating because every list has the same old ideas. You want to find photoshoot ideas that are fun and exciting because when everyone is having a great time, the photos will come out even better!
To help you set up the ultimate family photo, we’ve created a list of the most interesting photoshoot ideas below. From mesmerizing underwater photos to amazing overhead shots using a drone, there’s something creative for every family.
1. From a Different Decade
Call it retro or vintage, old school fashion always seems to come back in style, so why not use it for a creative photo shoot?
Take a look at your old family photos to get inspiration for how to dress, then head to a thrift store to see what you can find. If dressing up in the 1960s style is too much, you can always opt for something a little more recent like the 80s, 90s, or even the 2000s.
You might not even need to buy anything new if you’ve still got a box of old clothing from your sweet teen years.
2. In the Kitchen
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, which is why it’s a beautiful place to snap a few family photos. This idea is particularly special if food is one of the main activities in your home, one that brings everyone together.
You could set up the photoshoot with a few staged objects around the dinner table, or you could capture a few candid photos as you prepare your favorite family meal. The kitchen might be the last place you think of for a photoshoot, but it’s one that will truly capture the essence of everyday life.
3. Underwater
For a family photo idea that will truly wow people, try out an underwater photoshoot. It’s perfect if you have a pool at home, or else you can try it out at a local swimming pool.
Your family will have an enormous amount of fun diving in the pool and striking poses underwater. An ideal camera in this situation is a small GoPro with a waterproof case, but you can also buy waterproof cases for point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones too.
If you’re going to give it a go, make sure to read our essential underwater photography tips.
4. From Above
An easy way to change up your family picture ideas is to take a photo from high above the location. For a cute family photo, you can try setting up a picnic in the backyard and then bring in a ladder to get a picture from up above.
If you want to get even more creative you can capture the photo using a drone. A professional photographer may already have one as part of their kit, or else ask around your extended family to see if anyone has picked up this popular hobby. Check out these resources for drone photography.
5. Let the Kids Take the Photo
If you are truly after a unique family portrait idea then hand over the camera to the youngest member of the family. Children and teenagers are often masters of thinking up wild and creative ideas, perfect for a family photo that’s a little bit different. The results may be unpredictable, but they will produce photos that you might never have thought of.
6. Silhouettes
For outdoor family photoshoot ideas, don’t forget to add sunset silhouettes to the list. Especially if you already plan to take some family photos on the beach, waiting just before the daylight disappears means you can capture a great silhouette, showing just the dark shape of each person.
Because you won’t see too many details within the shape, focus on creating funny outlines. Jump, bend, and stretch to create interesting shapes. Pair this with a fast shutter speed to capture crisp photos with no blur, and you will have a memorable family photo for years to come.
7. Pillow Fight
You don’t always have to dress up in your Sunday best for your family photo. Instead, you can wear your pajamas and get ready for a good old pillow fight.
Setting up the camera at a low angle pointing up towards the bed gives the photo a unique perspective. Bonus points if you can get the feathers to start flying. This creative photoshoot idea will no doubt produce the biggest grins and plenty of laughter that will make your photos shine.
8. Turn the Picture Into Art
Another interesting family photo idea is to convert a photo into art. This is a nice way to put a spin on a more traditional family photo by stylizing it with photo editing effects.
In the image above, we used Adobe Illustrator to convert the image into stylized art. If you don’t have photo editing software, there are still plenty of free apps to turn photos into art and paintings.
9. Re-Live Your Wedding With Your Family
If you still have your old wedding clothes you can pull them out for a fun photoshoot with the family. This idea also doubles as a great excuse to celebrate your wedding, but this time your kids can attend.
Mix it up by swapping dresses and suits, and letting your younger family members wear the wedding attire. Once the photos are printed and framed, sit them next to your original wedding photos to see how your family has grown since then.
10. Use Artificial Light at Night
Family photos almost always go for a light and breezy tone, but don’t forget there is a lot you can do at night too. A glowing Christmas tree is one example of how LED lights are a fantastic prop.
Another idea you can try is holding torches in the dark or drawing shapes with sparklers. For the latter, set your camera to a long exposure time to capture beautiful illuminations. By keeping your face very still while holding a sparkler, you can even capture good portraits.
No More Boring Family Photos
Creative, unique, and most of all, guaranteed to be a lot of fun to take! These fabulous photoshoot ideas are well worth trying the next time you want to capture your family together. Unlike how family photos are usually taken, these photo ideas are far more interesting to do and will be a joy to look at for many years to come.
