Strike A Pose: 19 Fun, Fabulous Family Portrait Ideas

“Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.” – Madonna

When Madonna says you have to let your body go with the flow, she’s got a point. This is also a perfect way to approach photoshoots. The following family portrait ideas are a great way to get started with family photography and ensure that you get the perfect shot.

While many photographers have a wonderful ability to make you feel comfortable, it’s also important that everyone in your family has the freedom to express themselves.

All you need is to harness your own imagination! These family portrait ideas will let you decide where and how to take your best shots. 

In the comfort of home

Home photography doesn’t necessarily mean DIY selfies. It means arranging a photoshoot by a professional photographer or competent friend in the comfort of your own home.

While you may feel inclined to choose someone you know to take such intimate shots, you might be surprised at how unobtrusive professional photographers can be even when they’re actively directing a shot.

At home, magic just happens, particularly when young children and babies are involved. That’s the beauty of photographing in such a setting. Here are some fabulous at-home family portrait ideas that you can practice today.

1. Good morning, world

From Peta Mazey

Family Portrait Ideas - Bed

2. Spontaneous

From The Little Umbrella

Family Portrait Ideas - Home

Gather in the great outdoors

If you’re not the outdoors type, that’s great! But keep in mind that you might need to contend with adverse weather conditions. A little bit of snow can be magical, but a lot can be freezing cold and slippery! If it’s the peak of summer, the heat might be brutal. Choose your photo shoot conditions well, and pack for the weather.

To make this work, the whole family has to love the outdoors. If you or your kids are more inclined to get frightened than smile when a bird flies by, it’s not going to work.

But if you love living life outside, the creative possibilities are endless. Check out the shadow play and sunset family portrait ideas below.

Outdoor photoshoots are also a wonderful way to build a collection of photos for canvas collages. You can discover how to make a collage here.

3. Seasonal favourite

From Connection Photography

Family Portrait Ideas - Winter

4. Use props

From The BMC Report

Family Portrait Ideas - Joy

5. Build a collage

From His & Hers photography

Family Portrait Ideas - Collage

6. Shadow play

From Pinterest/Captured By Carrie Photography & Product Shop

Family Portrait Ideas - Shadow

7. Sunset dreams

From Kristen Duke Photography

Family Portrait Ideas - Sunset

Control your environment in a studio

Most professional photographers are increasingly encouraging their clients to step outside the studio to capture amazing family photos. That said, there is still a time and a place for studio controlled portraiture. Keep scrolling for some fantastic family portrait ideas for the studios.

Studio photography doesn’t have to mean ‘boring’ or ‘cold’ or ‘soft lens’. Striking the right pose can achieve as much warmth as any other setting.

The key is to use height or layers, or convey close bonds with plenty of cuddles.

8. Create Layers

Family Portrait Ideas - Layers

9. Lie down

Family Portrait Ideas - Lying Down

Channel that holiday spirit

You don’t need to invite your photographer on holidays with you, but why not try the next best thing? Find a professional photographer willing to meet you in a unique location, like the beach, on a walk in the bush, or even in a cute country town.

Holidays and day trips are the happiest times when the whole family is relaxed and having fun. What better time to capture those moments of joy forever?

And if you’re over photos of your little ones sitting on Santa’s knees, think outside the shopping centre queue. Capture the spirit of Christmas in an inspired place striking a cool pose.

10. The Beach

Family Portrait Ideas - Summer

11. Skiing Day Out

Family Portrait Ideas - Winter

12. Kiss under mistletoe

From Lipgloss and Crayons

Family Portrait Ideas - Mistletoe

Out of this world

When it comes to family portrait photography, the world is your oyster. Find a daring photographer and give them a run for their money.

These ideas below are clever, courageous and crafty. Try to capture a fun action shot that captures the spirit of your family. 

13. Make a splash

From Beach Chic Photography

Family Portrait Ideas - Pool

14. Love spell

From Familyis4ever Portraits

Family Portrait Ideas - Love

15. Comic strip

From Paging Supermom

Family Portrait Ideas - Superheroes

16. Might as well jump

From Aaron Blumenshine Photography

Family Portrait Ideas - Jump

Once you have used these family portrait ideas to create the perfect family photo, why not turn your beautiful photographs into works of art? With Canvas Factory, you can create canvas wall art, metal prints, acrylic prints or framed prints with your best pics.

You could even create a canvas collage featuring a collection of the best images from your photo shoot. Best of all, create one for every member of the family and gift them for Christmas. Your loved ones will be super appreciative of your efforts!

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Eli is Canvas Factory's resident blogger and social media buff. She has a passion for art, craft, design, fashion and photography. She loves to explore the joys and challenges of family life, relationships, motherhood and pet ownership. Eli finds it's more funny to poke fun at herself than others. She's travelled extensively and considers herself a citizen of the world.

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