My Favorite Family Photo Ideas

This is a compilation of my favorite family photo ideas.  There are so many to choose from nowadays and you want to be creative and/or different, but also stay true to your sense of style or taste.

Color Coordinated Photos

Color coordination is always what makes family portraits appealing to me.  The photo below is a perfect example of how nice it is when everyone is coordinated and the photographer has found a location that suits the wardrobe colors.  I love how this family took a beautiful and organized photo, and then took another chaotic but still beautiful photo.

Photo By: Ashlee Raubach Photography

                                              Photo by: ashleeraubachphotography.com

Sunset Beach Photos

I LOVE beach photography, but I especially love this sunset/silhouette style with the family jumping on the beach.  This is such a beautiful photo.  I've also seen this "jumping" style in wedding party photos!  (I love the shots of a whole wedding party jumping in the air on the beach.)

Photo By: Photography by Alison

Intimate Neutrals

If you have a smaller family (or newly arrived family), this is a great idea with the chair and the neutral colors.  I think the royal family (Kate and Will) took an engagement photo in these same comfortable neutral colors.  Very pretty and intimate. 

Photo By: Suzanne Box Photography

Outdoor / Lawn Photos

Another great idea is outdoor family photos with landscape background.  I love this one.  They are all organized and color coordinated in such a perfect way, and I love the weeping willow in the background. 

Photo By: Katy Southern

Color Background

Using a solid color background is an excellent idea for family photos.  You just want to keep in mind how the color looks against your skin tones.  I love seeing the whole family up against a painted brick wall...

Photo By: Tiny Sprout - Casie Beldo

Front Porch Photos

There is something endearing about front porch photos, especially when the family color coordinates with a beautiful front door, and includes the family dogs...this one's a framer for sure.  :-)  

Photo By: Katy Southern

Back to Back Pose

I love this back-to-back pose for family photos.  Its up close and personal and very casual.  You can clearly see everyone's face in the photo and the back-to-back style makes the photo feel really close-knit. 

Photo By: Anna Hollister Photography

The Elbows Pose

I love the Elbows pose because all of your focus is on the faces of the family members.  Its not so much about coordinating outfits with this particular pose so as long as everyone brings their smiles, you are guaranteed a beautiful family photo.

Photo By: Miggyhood / Middy Photography

Classic Black & White

The classic black and white family photo is always a sure bet and is timeless. Plus, add in the family dog and your family photo is even more adorable.  This one is great for the Christmas Card!

Up Above

I see this shot more and more lately where the family lays on the ground and the photographer takes the photo from  up above. I think this is a very cute idea, especially if you have little ones to put in the center as the focus of the photo.  I have seen this with bigger kids too, but the parents are the ones in the center (with kids on either side of them.  The parents are usually staring at each other, with the sweet kids smiles up at the camera.  

Photo By: Ontobaby.com

Note: This also works with bigger kids...

Photo By: Ashley Mergl Photography

The Bed Photo

This is a great idea if you want a family photo and you have a newborn, or if you just want an intimate family portrait.  When I see this style of photo, I always think of clean laundry and soft sheets so it must be a clean photo. haha

Photo By: Ashlee Raubach Photography

Photo By: Hanna Mac Photography

Photo By: My Chic Bump Photography

Photos - Props Galore!
Using photo props, if you decide to use props, has endless possibilities since there are so many different things you can use in your photos. It just depends on the look you want.

Boats....Teepees....Etc.

Photo By: Jinky Art Photography

Photo By: Jackie Culmer Photography

Book Props
I love the idea of storytime with book props.  Plus, you get the kids to sit in one place and you can read to them anywhere you want the photo to be.   There's something very magical about photos of parents reading to their children.

Photo By: Bellini Pics

Chalkboard Props
You can write anything you want on chalk boards and they come in many different shapes and styles.  I love this look, especially for yearly photos of children and pregnancy announcements.

Photo By: Jana and Co.

Letter Props
With letters you can literally spell out anything, but I guess you want to find a word that matches the amount of people in your family...haha.  Cute idea, and one I've done before and will do again.

Photo By: A Little Lovely

Bike Props 
Bike props are so cute and vintagy right now.  If that's the kind of style you like, then why not go for it.

Photo By: Three Nails Photography

So there are some really great ideas for family portraits that are outside of the studio. People are getting more and more creative with portrait ideas each day. Its fun to see how each portrait is unique in color, pose, and concept. Its all about finding a great photographer who understands what style you're looking for and/or you and your photographer knowing what you want ahead of time and pulling it together.