Every large family has a story that’s vibrant, lively, and all its own. Finding the just right way to reflect those personalities in a photo can feel daunting, but it’s also so rewarding!
I absolutely love seeing big families discover their sparkle during a creative session.
Hue Crew
Color is your secret weapon for visual unity!
Try picking two or three shades the whole family can echo—big families look even more connected in soft blues, gentle pastels, or warm neutrals. It’s like poetry in clothes, and you’ll love the harmony on your wall.
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Prop Pop!
Want your next family portrait to burst with personality? Add quirky, colorful props that reflect your family’s interests, from party hats to playful instruments. Let your images be as unique as your crew!
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How Do You Capture the Fun?
Life is always moving—especially when you have a big family! My favorite way to document true connection is to let everyone loose: laughter bubbling, sneakers flying, energy bursting off the frame. When those genuine moments unfold, the result is a gallery that feels as dynamic as your family truly is.
Want action-packed photos that brim with authenticity? Try these tips:
- Choose a wide-open outdoor space where kids and adults can safely run, chase, or dance.
- Set your camera to burst mode to catch every joyful leap and wild expression.
- Encourage everyone to repeat the action—sometimes the third or fourth take is the most magical!
I’ve worked with the Deans, a family of seven who adore backyard games. We set up a friendly relay race, and before long, I was capturing midair jumps and delighted giggles. Their favorite shot? Grandma and the youngest grandchild, hand in hand, racing toward the camera.
Let your family’s love for movement shine—you’re making memories, not just photos.
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Stepping Back in Style: Vintage Vibes for Timeless Family Photos that Tell a Story
There’s an undeniable charm to stepping back in time—if only for a photo.
Vintage family photo sessions are more than just themed costumes; they’re a celebration of stories, nostalgia, and the spirit of a bygone era. Whether you love the glam of the 1960s, the classic lines of the 1950s, or even touches of the roaring twenties, vintage photos offer a slice of history wrapped in warmth and whimsy.
Curious how to pull it off? Start by choosing a decade that speaks to your family’s personality. Then, layer in props, clothing, and even little rituals of the past to make your shoot one-of-a-kind. Here’s what I always suggest to families wanting that perfect throwback ambiance:
- Curate retro-inspired outfits for every family member—think suspenders for the kids, polka dots for mom, or a dapper bowtie for dad.
- Use props like classic suitcases, an old typewriter, or even a vintage camera for added flair.
- Scout a setting that echoes the era, such as a charming front porch, an antique car, or a local park with old-timey benches.
- Layer on accessories—hats, scarves, and costume jewelry—to tie the whole look together.
When I worked with the Harrisons, they wanted their annual family portrait to reflect their love for all things retro. Together, we sourced velvet jackets, pillbox hats, and even borrowed a cherry-red convertible for a little extra drama. The result? Photos that looked straight out of a family album from the golden age—complete with kids pretending they were movie stars at a drive-in.
Remember: Vintage photos aren’t just about the clothes. They’re about crafting a little escape—a visual time capsule the whole family can step into, again and again.
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Why So Serious? Embracing the Beauty of Candid Poses
The best photos are rarely the ones where everyone’s holding their breath and counting down a timer. Instead, real memories come alive in the in-between moments—when everyone’s relaxed, a little silly, and just being themselves.
Let’s be honest: When the Garcias asked for a session that felt like their raucous Sunday afternoons, we ditched the chairs and formal posing. We went for a picnic at a local park, spread out a big blanket, and simply let the laughter, tickling, and rolling around happen. The images? Filled with energy, movement, and genuine smiles.
Ready to create your own casual masterpiece? Try a few of these tips:
- Bring favorite toys so the kids can play naturally.
- Scatter snacks or set up a picnic to keep everyone happy and anchored.
- Encourage storytelling or jokes to spark authentic reactions.
- Don’t stress about every hair in place; go for real joy over perfection!
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Urban Adventure
Take your family photos to the city streets for a modern, urban vibe. The dynamic backdrop of cityscapes can add energy and contrast to your portraits.
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Forest Frolics & Field Fables
Nothing breathes life and personality into a family photo quite like the great outdoors. I’m always amazed at how nature works as an instant mood-lifter—kids loosen up, teens forget about being self-conscious, and adults relive their own childhoods surrounded by trees, grass, and sky.
Capturing a large family in a field or forest is less about stiff, posed perfection and more about those unexpected moments: giggles as little ones chase butterflies, or that quiet, almost magical hush right as the golden hour settles in.
I remember working with the Dewar family—seven siblings, two parents, and a very energetic dog. We set up in a clearing where the sunlight dappled through the leaves. The kids climbed logs, the parents shared quiet glances, and every photo seemed to tell its own story. Outdoor sessions are perfect for bringing out these candid, connected moments.
Here are a few ways to make your own outdoor wonderland session truly shine:
- Scout your location ahead of time to find the best lighting and natural props—think fallen branches, flower patches, or old stone walls.
- Pick a simple color scheme that echoes the natural surroundings for a harmonious look.
- Let movement happen! Embrace running, twirling, and playful group shots for energy and authenticity.
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What Does Love Look Like?
Candid connections are the unscripted moments—wrinkled noses, surprise hugs, and that secret joke only your family gets. I always say, the best photos aren’t posed, they’re felt. The giggles, the glances, the gentle chaos—all pure gold.
Let these moments unfold naturally by gently directing, then simply stepping aside. Here are two ways I like to help families find those heartfelt moments:
- Suggesting a favorite game that always leads to laughter.
- Encouraging spontaneous group hugs or dance sessions.
Captured honestly, these images become cherished reminders of what love really looks like.
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Doorways: Where Welcome Meets WOW!
Framing your family in a doorway instantly conjures feelings of warmth, togetherness, and home. Whether it’s all arms entwined or everyone squeezed in cheek to cheek, a doorway shot feels like an invitation to step into your world.
Let your family’s unity shine from the threshold out!
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Generational Harmony: Weaving Legacy, Love, and Laughter
There’s a certain magic that happens when you bring multiple generations together for a photograph. The laughter of grandchildren, the pride in a grandparent’s smile, the gentle touch between parent and child—all these threads weave a tapestry that’s uniquely your family’s own. These portraits aren’t just pictures—they’re time capsules, holding stories and connections to be cherished for decades.
When planning a generational photo, make it a celebration of both heritage and personality. Arrange your family to highlight relationships: grandparents in the center as anchors, little ones clustered nearby, everyone else wrapping around. Practical tips to keep the experience joyful include:
- Set aside plenty of time so no one feels rushed.
- Bring along meaningful props—a quilt passed down, a favorite storybook, or even a beloved pet.
- Choose a setting that means something: the family living room, the backyard swing, or a sunlit porch.
I once worked with the Ferrell family, whose matriarch Maria wanted a portrait surrounded by her children and grandchildren. We chose her favorite garden as the backdrop, draping a cozy knit throw over her lap—her grandkids nestled in, squishing together for the closest embrace. The laughter that day was uncontainable, and every photo radiated pure joy.
Isn’t it something, how a single image can tell generations of stories?
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Black and White Elegance
Some moments deserve to be timeless. When you see your family in black and white, the color melts away—leaving only expressions, emotion, and the intimate bonds that connect you all.
Why not let your next family photo session whisper in grayscale? It’s a classic look that never goes out of style.
Sometimes, the absence of color is what makes an image truly unforgettable.
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Beachside Bliss: Snap Smiles by the Sea
Few settings evoke peace and playfulness like the meeting place of sand and surf. If you can gather your family at the shore—even just once—let the ocean be your backdrop for genuinely radiant portraits. There’s something about a gentle breeze, bare toes in the sand, and the sun sparkling on the water that makes everyone relax and glow.
Families often ask me: ‘How can we make our beach photos stand out?’ Here are four ideas to inspire your next coastal shoot:
- Try a sunrise huddle shot as the golden light wakes up the waves.
- Play a game of leapfrog near the tideline for candid, energetic moments.
- Frame your group in a heart or spiral drawn in the wet sand.
- Capture spontaneous laughter during a seashell hunt—true joy, unscripted.
Every beach shoot is special, but one of my favorites was with the Palomo family—three generations, towel baskets, and plenty of salty giggles. As the sun set, I remembered the words of poet E.E. Cummings: “For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always ourselves we find in the sea.” Their photo, framed by soft waves and glowing faces, became a family treasure.
Go ahead—kick off your sandals and make memories as sun-kissed and carefree as the tide.
Let the sea set you free.
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Silhouette Spectacle at Sundown
Sometimes, you don’t need every detail to tell a beautiful story.
A family silhouette captures the essence of connection—hands linked, playful gestures, and distinct outlines—set against the glowing drama of a sunset sky.
To create this effect, gather your loved ones just as the sun dips low.
Have them stand between you and the fading light, then snap away as their forms become poetry in shadow.
The result is both artistic and timeless, transforming ordinary poses into visual storytelling. For families who cherish a sense of mystery or a whisper of nostalgia, these images always become favorites.
Radiant memory..
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Minimalist Magic
There’s a special radiance in simplicity. When it comes to family portraits, sometimes the quietest approach lets your family’s love and laughter take center stage.
Strip away distractions—think soft backdrops, crisp neutral tones, and easy, carefree poses. Outfits in shades of ivory, sand, or slate make everyone’s personality—and those cherished connections—shine brighter.
Let your story unfold in the gentle hush of minimalist magic.
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Hobby Highlights
Every family has its quirks and passions—why not let them shine?
Last spring, I photographed the Wangs, whose weekends revolved around painting and gardening. Instead of posing stiffly, we captured them mid-brushstroke and among their homegrown sunflowers. The kids had soil-smudged cheeks and hands full of color, and the sheer joy in those images? Priceless. These hobby-centered photos said more than any stiff portrait ever could.
I always encourage families to ask: What do you love to do together? Is it board games, baking, basketball, or building model trains? Your hobbies make your family unique—let them take center stage in your photos.
- Gardening in matching hats and muddy boots.
- An action-packed sports session, from soccer to skating.
- Family painting day, canvases and hands bright with color.
- Cooking a favorite meal together, laughter (and flour dust) everywhere.
Let your passions do the talking, and your family photos will never feel ordinary.
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Why Not Wiggle? Playful Poses for Photo Day
Family photo days don’t have to be stiff. In fact, the more you move, the more you laugh! A tickle fight in the grass, a spontaneous dance party, or a giant group hug—these are not just moments, but memories-in-the-making. If you want photos that shimmer with real energy, let loose and be a little silly.
Because the best smiles are the ones that burst out without warning.
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How Can You Make Every Family Photo Feel Like a Party?
Why not let the rhythm of the holidays inspire your next family photo? Special occasions are bursting with bright colors, laughter, and shared traditions. Try leaning into the mood—deck the halls with ornaments, wrap up in cozy pajamas, or twinkle under the soft glow of string lights.
Every celebration is a chance to freeze-frame joy. When you look back, you’ll remember not just the faces, but all the fun you had together.
Enjoy the moment!
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Home Sweet Home
Nothing brings out the heart of a family quite like the familiar embrace of home. The living room where you share giggles, the kitchen that smells like Sunday mornings, or the hallway walls layered in crayon masterpieces—each corner tells a piece of your story. Capturing your family in this cozy haven doesn’t just produce pictures—it creates heirlooms threaded with meaning.
This is where the real magic happens.
I remember working with the Thompsons on their first family photo session at home. They were blending different style preferences—one loved vintage, the other minimal—and wanted each shot to feel uniquely theirs. We layered the couch with a cozy throw, flanked a window with string lights, and arranged a gallery of mismatched frames in the background. The result? Images alive with laughter, soft sunlight, and those perfectly imperfect moments.
If you’re planning your own at-home shoot, try these gentle touches to make your photos sing:
- Choose outfits that reflect your family’s personality, not just what you’d wear for guests.
- Let little ones bring a favorite toy or book—it creates both comfort and candid smiles.
- Play with natural light: morning or golden hour windows add instant warmth and sparkle.
Home isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in your family’s story. And I promise, your photos will feel like a warm hug every time you see them.
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Picnic Portraits: Playful, Personal, and Perfect for Families
When it comes to capturing the heart of your family, nothing compares to the magic of a picnic photo session. There’s something about sun-dappled grass, woven baskets, and mismatched blankets that coaxes everyone to relax, let their guard down, and just be themselves—no forced smiles required!
Instead of stiff poses, set the scene for candid laughter and heartfelt conversations. Arrange snacks in pretty baskets, gather everyone around a soft, oversized blanket, and encourage your kids to lounge, snack, or even play a little game of tag. These little moments transform into lasting memories on film. Try these simple ideas for a picnic setup that feels both effortless and intentional:
- Mix and match colorful blankets and throws for a cozy, layered look.
- Add a vintage thermos or floral plates for a pop of personality.
- Scatter favorite books, a board game, or a cuddly toy for an authentic, lived-in vibe.
I once helped the Roberts family—four energetic siblings and two playful parents—plan a picnic shoot in their backyard. With a basket of homemade cookies, a faded patchwork quilt, and their beloved dog snuggled in the middle, their photos radiated warmth and genuine connection. (And yes, a cookie or two mysteriously disappeared before we were done. That’s real life!)
Because at the end of the day, the best photos capture not only faces, but feelings.
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Dynamic Designs: The Creative Power of Staircase Arrangements
Using a staircase in your family photo composition is a classic trick with a modern twist. Staircases naturally create visual layers, making it easy to feature everyone from the littlest cousin to the tallest grandparent in a single shot. By staggering heights, you introduce movement and balance—a feast for the eyes!
For a polished and lively photo, keep these steps in mind:
- Arrange by height or age for visual rhythm.
- Try casual poses: some sitting, others leaning, a few perched on steps.
- Use the stair rail or wall for playful interactions.
- Ensure the photographer stands far enough back for a wide angle.
Every time I help families create a staircase portrait, I’m reminded—there’s no formula for fun! Just last month, a family of nine giggled their way through a session, swapping places and making silly faces. The final result? A dynamic, heartfelt image that captured their quirky spirit.
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Capturing the Seasons: Bring Your Family’s Story to Life All Year Round
Why stick to just one look when you can let the seasons shape your family photos? Each time of year brings its own magic—spring wildflowers, autumn’s fiery leaves, or that enchanting hush after fresh snowfall.
Your family’s mood can be reflected in what nature is doing outside, too! Try layers for winter coziness or twirling dresses for a breezy summer mood. The best photos happen when you play with what’s already around you.
