Family Photo ideas
It happens about this time every year. The anxiety. The stress. The dread. Yep – it’s time for family pictures. The pressure’s on for every woman to wrangle the kids and hubby together into trendy, coordinating (but not too matchy) outfits – in an attempt to capture (ever elusive) natural smiles for a “picture perfect” holiday card.What’s a girl to do? Family pictures can seem a bit daunting, but being prepared with a some family picture ideas can help make the process a whole lot smoother, where do you start?
Well, never you fear – the Divas are here! And, you are gonna LOVE us after this post! Just go ahead and pin it right now – trust me on this. We’ve racked our brains and searched all over Pinterest and Blog Land, and gathered over one hundred of the best tips and ideas for this year’s family photos. Yep, just for you, we’ve compiled…
“The Ultimate Family Picture Planning Guide”
From choosing your photographer, location, props, poses, and clothes… all the way to tips for looking good in front of the camera and getting your kids (and spouse) to cooperate – we’ve got you covered!
And if that isn’t enough, to keep you super organized and ahead of the game, we’ve even hooked you up with a…
FREE “Family Picture Planner” Printable
Isn’t this amazing!? Carisa from Messes to Memories designed this gorgeous printable to help you plan ahead and make your picture day a success! Scroll to the bottom of this post to grab your planner.
So say goodbye to all of that stress. This year’s pictures are gonna be a breeze. We’ve done most of the work for you. Just sit back, relax, and prepare for some serious photo inspiration…
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.
Family Photo Ideas – The Photographer
Consider these tips when choosing and working with a photographer for your family photos…
1. Ask for recommendations!
2. Look at their portfolio/website. Usually, what you see is what you get.
3. Check their work to see if they are used to working with kids, a large group, etc.
4. You don’t have to pick the most expensive photographer in town, but remember that this is an investment of your memories. And I’ve never heard anyone say, “I wish I would have spent the least amount of money possible on our photos.”
5. Schedule in advance! Talented photographers usually fill up fast in the fall. And, you may have to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
6. Know what you want and communicate it to your photographer ahead of time. A discussion about the style, location, props, and poses you’re planning on can work wonders to get you on the same page.
7. Rely on your photographer for suggestions, and value their opinion. While you don’t want to be completely at their mercy – they are, after all, the professional.
Family Photo Ideas – The Location
You’re not restricted to a portrait studio these days! Outdoor photography offers natural lighting for beautiful pictures and endless options. Check out these tips to narrow them down…
8. Drive around and pay attention to different areas near you that would make beautiful and creative backgrounds for your family pictures.
9. Pick a location that matches your family’s personality. You’ll want these pictures to reflect this time in your lives. So, while railroad tracks can look cool, ask yourself, “Would our family really spend time here?”
10. Before getting too attached to a location, run it by your photographer. They should know if there are any issues with your choice (such as a required permit or difficult lighting), or if there are better choices available.
11. Browse family pictures online for location inspiration. (Our “Family Picture Ideas” Pinterest Board is full of ideas!)
Here are some of our favorite locations for family pictures:
Sources: {A} Drew B Photography {B} Amy Gray Photography {C} Christine Naomi Photography {D} Christine Naomi Photography {E} DH Design Photography {F} A Day to Adore Photography {G} Michael Kormos Photography {H} Michael Kormos Photography {I} A Day to Adore Photography {J} Iliasis Muniz Photography
Prop Ideas for Family Pictures
The difference between a good picture and a great picture is in the details, so don’t forget to add in some fun props for that little something extra…
12. Sarah Wert of Modern Kids Photography suggests including items from the natural environment in family photos. “Keeping the props as minimal and realistic as possible helps keep the focus on the connection between the family.” So try a bouquet of wild flowers or a picnic blanket.
13. Incorporate items that have meaning to your family to really personalize the picture. Photographer Wendy Laurel recommends using props to highlight your family’s hobbies. So if you love biking together, why not throw in a bike or two?
14. Props such as a couch, chairs, stools, or a ladder can help add different posing options to the same location.
15. Bringing along your child’s favorite toy or blanket will not only capture the special memory in the photograph, but will also help keep your child happy and cooperative.
16. Props such as chalkboards, signs, wooden letters, or scrabble tiles can help you spell out and convey a specific message.
17. Choose props that will help your family interact for natural, candid photos. So bring along a book to read to the baby, a game to lay out and play with the kids, or a picnic to enjoy together.
18. When choosing props, consider the color of your clothing and location background as well. You may want to choose neutral props that will go with anything, or props with a pop of color for added interest.
Here are some of our favorite props…
Sources: {A} Simplicity Photography {B} A Day to Adore Photography {C} Drew B Photography {D} Pinkletoes {E} Simplicity Photography {F} Pinkletoes {G} Drew B Photography {H} Iliasis Muniz Photography
Sources: {I} Lisa Holloway Photography {J} Drew B Photography {K} Emily Lucarz Photography {L} ME Photo Design {M} Michael Kormos Photography {N} Drew B Photography {O} Lisa Holloway Photography {P} Reminisce Studio
Family Picture Pose Ideas
While your photographer is sure to have suggestions and guidance on posing, knowing a couple of pose ideas beforehand that you absolutely LOVE can help you get just the picture you’re looking for. Here are some of our favorite family picture posing ideas…
19. Lie Down – Sources: {A} Pinkletoes {B} A Day to Adore Photography {C} Iliasis Muniz Photography {D} Christie Hobson Photography
20. Stand Up Tall – Sources: {A} Michael Kormos Photography {B} Sophie Crew Photography {C} Lisa Holloway Photography {D} Christine Naomi Photography {E} Chelsea Lee Photography {F} Michael Kormos Photography
21. Just Act Natural – Sources: {A} Iliasis Muniz Photography {B} Drew B Photography {C} Drew B Photography {D} Emily Lucarz Photography
22. Play It Up – Sources: {A} Drew B Photography {B} Sophie Crew Photography {C} Emily Lucarz Photography {D} Christie Hobson Photography
23. Hold Hands – Sources: {A} Sophie Crew Photography {B} Pinkletoes {C} Simplicity Photography {D} Drew B Photography
24. Hug It Out – Sources: {A} Drew B Photography {B} Simplicity Photography {C} Simplicity Photography {D} Emily Lucarz Photography {E} Lisa Holloway Photography
25. Pucker Up! – Sources: {A} Christie Hobson Photography {B} Iliasis Muniz Photography {C} A Day to Adore Photography {D} Christine Naomi Photography {E} Michael Kormos Photography {F} Emily Lucarz Photography
26. Focus on the Kids OR Focus on the Parents – Sources: {A} Sophie Crew Photography {B} Michael Kormos Photography {C} Pinkletoes {D} Christie Hobson Photography
27. Get in Close – Sources: {A} Christie Hobson Photography {B} Chelsea Lee Photography {C} Christine Naomi Photography {D} Drew B Photography
28. Silhouette – Sources: {A} Amy Gray Photography {B} Amy Gray Photography
29. Act Silly – Sources: {A} Emily Lucarz Photography {B} Julie Harris Photography {C} Julie Harris Photography {D} Christine Naomi Photography
30. Jump! – Sources: {A} Jill Carmel Photography {B} Aaron Blumenshine
What to Wear for Family Photos
Don’t know what to wear for family pictures? Check out these tips for endless outfit and color inspiration…
31. Coordinate the style and color of your clothing with your location in mind.
32. When choosing a color palette, consider what will go well with the colors of your home. After all, most people plan to hang the pictures up!
33. Try to avoid clothing that is super seasonal. Unless you’re planning on using them only for Christmas cards, red and green scarfs may not be the best choice. Pick a style, color, and location that you don’t mind displaying in your home year-round.
34. Don’t be afraid of color and pattern. While you may not want everyone to wear a bold color or a busy pattern, a pop or two of color and design adds interest to the picture. Check out some great examples at Click it Up a Notch and Kristen Duke photography.
35. Layer! Adding layers to your outfit not only adds texture to the picture, but also allows you to shed layers later on for different looks in different pictures.
36. For a photo that stands the test of time, opt for clothes that are classic rather than super trendy.
37. While a little bit of pattern can be a good thing, it’s best to avoid clothing with large graphics and logos.
38. Gone are the days of identical blue jeans and white shirts! Instead of matching colors, coordinate them. Stick to a color palette, but don’t feel like you have to match color values exactly.
39. For color palette inspiration, try these online tools: Design Seeds, Big Huge Labs, CSS Drive, and DeGrave.
40. For more outfit inspiration for your next family picture, do a simple Image Search on Google for “What to Wear Photography” and you will get more outfits and color combinations than you know what to do with!
Here are just a few of our favorite outfit ideas for family pictures!
Sources: These guides were all put together by Corina Nielson Photography and Design. Be sure to check those out for color and style inspiration!
How to Look Good in Family Pictures
And now the part we’ve all been waiting for … how to look good in front of the camera. Who doesn’t want that?!
41. For a slimmer appearing waistline, hp suggests angling your body toward the camera instead of facing it square on.
42. If you put weight on your back leg, you’ll feel more comfortable and look natural instead of awkward.
43. To look thinner, leave space between your arms and your body to show your waistline.
44. Remember to push your shoulders back and don’t slouch. (After 10 shots, we usually forget to sit or stand straight…)
45. Avoid looking down to prevent a double chin, says Cosmopolitan.
46. Ask your photographer to shoot straight on or from above. They are much more flattering angles than from below.
47. To avoid the totem pole look, bend whatever can bend.
48. Don’t leave your arms hanging straight down. Try touching the person next to you or resting your hand on a nearby object.
49. Try look places other than directly at the camera for a more natural look. Maybe look off to the side or past the photographer into the distance.
50. Schedule your shoot at the “golden hour” near sunrise and sunset.
51. If you’re worried about wrinkles, shoot with the light in front of you. (Side lightening emphasizes wrinkles, according to Stylist.)
52. You can minimize a big nose by tilting your head just slightly upward.
53. Self-conscious of big ears? Position yourself at an angle so only one ear is showing.
54. To avoid shine, use LOTS of powder on your face and neck.
55. For small eyes, false eye lashes can be a life saver! (Check Kiirsten’s post for a fabulous how-to)
56. Check your makeup with a camera, not a mirror. Remember, you need to apply more than usual for it to show in pictures! (Check Tara’s post for your guide to a flawless face)
Getting the Kiddos to Cooperate for Family Pictures
This can be one of the most stressful parts of family pictures! But with a little planning, and these quick tips, you’ll be prepared…
57. When you first tell them about your family picture plans, act excited like it’s going to be SO much fun! Often attitude is contagious.
58. Involve the kids in the process from the beginning! If they get to help pick what they’re going to wear, and what props they can bring, they’ll feel included and be more likely to cooperate.
59. Allow plenty of time! It’s hard to be patient and positive when you’re rushed.
60. Bring along an “entertainer” to stand behind or beside the photographer to get the baby or little ones to look and smile.
61. Simple Mom recommends planning the shoot for when your kids are the happiest, not just the time that is the most convenient. Work your appointment around the kids’ routines.
62. Give the kids breaks in between shots to stretch, run, and play.
63. Even better- let them play during the pictures! You’ll get great candid shots and capture your little ones the way they really are.
64. Play peek-a-boo, tickle, and throw the baby into the air for real, genuine smiles.
65. Bring water and snacks to avoid mid-shoot meltdowns.
66. Use fun props like suckers, toys, and bubbles to keep them happy.
67. Promise them a reward when the shoot is over. I’m so not above bribing. 😉
68. Beth from Home Stories A 2 Z suggested using a code word (like “ice cream”) to remind them of the reward throughout the shoot. Genius!
Getting Your Spouse On Board with Family Pictures
Sometimes the kids aren’t the only ones that drag their heels for family pictures. Here are some helpful hint to get your spouse on board…
69. Plan ahead so that he knows it’s coming and has time to mentally prepare for it. No one likes being surprised with something they don’t love.
70. Budget for it to avoid the money stress.
71. Let her know WHY it’s important to you. If she knows it’s about preserving memories for you, and not just for a cute Christmas card, she’s more likely to value it too.
72. Give him a say in it! Most people don’t like to be told what to wear and how to sit and stand and when to do it. So ask for his opinion and value it. (Maybe you could even make a little shopping date and pick out new outfits together.)
73. Compromise! Find out what is most important to each of you and make it happen.
74. If she absolutely hates pictures, look together to find poses that she’s okay with. Usually pictures where the kids are the focus are the best for that.
75. Just like the kids – bribe! Oops, I mean … reward! If he’s willing to do this just for you, then let him know you appreciate it.
Ordering Family Photos
So you followed all of these wonderful tips and had a fabulous shoot… Now what?
76. Don’t forget to order prints! So many people just get the CD, and then it ends up lost in a drawer when they could have a gorgeous print on the living room wall instead. Remember that sometimes, less is more.
77. Pictures can get pricey. Remember, you’re not just buying pictures, you’re preserving memories.
78. Plan ahead and consider how and where you’re going to be displaying your pictures in your home. It makes ordering so much easier.
79. If you plan on making a collage or wall gallery out of your pictures, be sure to ask your photographer for their input. They have lots of ideas about which pictures would look well grouped together, and can often help you plan it all out.
Displaying Family Pictures
Looking for ways to display those fabulous family pictures? Look no further…
{PS – crushing on these babies! What a gorgeous and easy way to display family photos without a ton of work!}
80. Want to make a little wall gallery of your pictures? Ann Beck Photography has some great layout inspiration!
81. How about a collage along the stairs? Here is an amazing tutorial on how to create a gallery wall along the staircase from Dear Lillie!
82. And, if you’re looking for the easiest way to hang that wall gallery, Pretty Providence shares how to make the PERFECT gallery wall without any nail holes.
83. Running out of wall space? Don’t forget that empty wall at the end of the hallway!
84. Check out Laura’s Wall Art Wednesday for some inspiration. The 9 picture grid using glass frames from IKEA is my favorite; easy and versatile. This one is from Charla Anne Photography. Gorgeous!!
85. Check out HowDoesShe’s thrifty tutorial that turns Dollar Store frames into an adorable work of art.
86. Have lots of pictures and no frames? Look how the girls at Bits Of Everything used Mod Podge and a board to make a fabulous statement for under $20.
87. I’m loving these different photo booth display strips from Kathleen at Grosgrain Fabulous and The Tremaynes! What a fun way to display family pictures.
88. Go big and display your pictures in a gorgeous canvas gallery that covers a whole wall! This would be beautiful in an office space or living area!
89. Check out how A Girl and Her Glue Gun displays family photos in her home – this giant cut out frame filled with pictures is such a gorgeous centerpiece!
90. For a fun look, try incorporating lots of different shapes and colors like this display using Organic Bloom Frames.
91. I love how an old window frame can be repurposed to display a beautiful photo. Milk and Honey Design
has a beautiful example.
92. Try adding a favorite quote or motto to your family photo wall. Becky Higgin’s blog has a perfect example.
93. Black and White Gallery Wall – Here’s another display I LOVE that is black and white! I love how clean and simple it is! But it captures and displays memorable moments!
A Few More Family Photo Ideas
94. You don’t HAVE to do an elaborate photo shoot. Keep it simple if you want. Even if it’s just a quick 10-minutes session that your neighbor took in your backyard, make sure you’re capturing these family memories.
95. Don’t sweat the small stuff! In 10 years, you’re not going to care that Johnny was playing with the grass instead of striking the perfect pose you wanted him to in your family picture. You’ll just be glad you caught him as he was – little.
96. Let loose and have fun! If you let “mom mode” or “dad mode” take over, and you’re constantly snapping “don’t touch that,” “no!” “hold still” … then it’s going to be hard to get sincere smiles out of everyone. Including you. 😉
97. Family pictures don’t have to break the bank. Minimize costs by planning around what you already have. And, remember that you’re not trying to get pictures of clothes, just the people you love in them.
98. Get as creative as you want and make these family pictures your own. Who says you have to be traditional?
99. Remember the best family photos don’t show “picture perfect” smiles and poses. The best family photos shows emotion and affection between family members. That takes a lot of pressure off. Love is all you need. ?
100. Go with the flow! No matter how much you prepare and plan, you never know what is going to happen. The more flexible you are, the better results you’ll have. (And the happier everyone will be.)
101. Have a sense of humor. Laughing makes almost any problem better. (And it looks better in pictures than crying or yelling.) Remember why you’re doing this in the first place. It’s not about the pretty card, or the perfect family picture, it’s about the memories.
So… how can you go wrong? Worst case scenario is that no one cooperates. Maybe you don’t even have one picture where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. Maybe the baby’s even crying. But at the end of it all, you still have captured memories of the ones that you love most. The way that they are now. You still have managed to freeze and save a moment in time. And one day – you will cherish that family picture.
You’re right! I love this post!!
Thank you!
All I can say is HOLY!!! You have thought of everything and have so many examples of great family pictures! I can hardly wait to get them done now:) Thanks so much Becca!
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to see all the fun family pictures now. Love this time of year.
Getting pictures made in our backyard this weekend and you have given me some super ideas! Thank you!!
You’re welcome! Have so much fun capturing memories.
Wow. You thought of EVERYTHING! This most have taken you a LOT of time! Thanks so much!
Ha ha- yea, I almost had a heart-attack when I accidentally deleted the entire post. Thank goodness for auto save. You’re welcome! 🙂
WHOA!!!!!! BECCA!!!! I seriously adore this post!! Love, love, LOVE it!! I thought you were just going to post fabulous posing ideas – I cannot believe this amazing post you put together! This truly IS the Ultimate Planning Guide to taking photos!! Fabulous job! This makes me want to start planning ours right now! lol
Thank you!! I started gathering posing ideas- and then I just kept finding more and more adorable pictures of locations and props and… well, it just kinda morphed into one massive post. lol.
This is one of the most amazing and helpful things on the internet. I’ve been looking for family photo pose ideas on pinterest and internet and had trouble, but I have to look no further…you have anything I could possible need for ideas right here! Seriously, this is wonderful. Thank you so much.
You are SO welcome!! Thank you- your comment made my night. 🙂
WOW, what a fabulous post! I think you covered every single thought that a mom has when she’s getting ready for family portraits, from the beginning planning stages all the way through to displaying the resulting photographs. Thanks for such a thoughtful read…I can’t wait to share it with my clients!
Thanks Christy! 🙂
Wow, this is a major list!!! Love it! I’d love a photo credit from the image you used of mine in the very first collage–family of 4 hugging in the grass. You did a great job of sourcing the rest, I can tell this was a lot of work!
p.s. I see you sourced in the hug it out #26, but you sourced the family I took (house of hepworth) not the photog–sorry if I’m annoying!!!
Not annoying at all! Thanks for letting me know. I’m at the hospital with my little girl right now but I’ll fix it as soon as I get home. Thanks for the gorgeous photo inspiration. 🙂
The link should be updated now! Thanks for letting us know. We adore your photos!!!
Thank you!!! This is a great resource!
Thanks for including me in this list!! So honored!!
Thank YOU for sharing your beautiful talent!!!
Do you have a PDF file of this somewhere? This is great an would like to have this as some point of reference on some shoots.
Jennifer, we don’t have a PDF version. But that is a good idea. You’re welcome to use our tips to make your own for personal use.
Thank you for the great ideas! I am very excited to do my first shoot this weekend! This guide helped me and my clients!
You’re so welcome! Good luck!!
I love this! Most comprehensive list I’ve ever seen on this topic. Photos especially helpful.
Thank you! We’re so glad you found it helpful!! Have fun taking those pictures. 🙂
Any way to print this post? Thank you for putting it all together.
You’re welcome!! You can, of course, copy and paste the post into word for printing for your own personal use.
I loved this post! I have a 1 year old and 3 year old and they’re getting so big so fast! I would love to take some real family photos. Not so posed…in our yard, even. thank you for all the tips and ideas! I would like to keep this on file somehow too. Thanks again 🙂
You are welcome! Do you have Pinterest? I LOVE using it to keep all sorts of good ideas “on file.” (If you don’t- we’d be glad to send you an invite and you can pin this post away for whenever you need it.) 🙂
My s-i-l just referred me here, I love this! I am a photographer & mom of 3 boys, so I’ve been on both sides of the lens and I’ve gotta say you’ve got it all covered! I go over a lot of this during my consultations but may use this as another source. Thanks for not only taking the time to compile this but to share it with us! 🙂
You are certainly welcome!! Thanks for taking the time to comment- we love hearing from our readers!! And feel free to use it as a source for your clients. 🙂
Wow!! This is a terrific post!! I can’t thank you enought for taking the time to compile all this info!!
You are welcome!!! So glad you found it helpful. Enjoy your photo shoot!
Wonderful post! It was just what I needed. Thanks! : )
You’re sure welcome!
So many great tips and examples. Thank you!
You’re welcome!!! 🙂
What a fantastic resource! Absolutely love all the ideas and tips!
[…] 101 Family Picture Tips and Ideas: everything from choosing a photographer and location to what to wear! […]
[…] 101 Tips for great family photos from The Dating Divas. Ideas from the planning stages all the way through ways to display your pictures! http://www.thedatingdivas.com/family-fun/101-family-picture-tips-and-ideas/ […]
LOVED this guide! thanks for putting it all together for us less creative. So I am a single mom and have 4 kids. I feel like I’ve done it all…. Close-ups, hugs work fantastic, and also some naturals. My concern now is that I have 3 daughters and just one son. I’m struggling with what to wear. If it was the opposite, it’d be easy to make the girl look super cute and trendy, but four of us? Any outfit ideas? I’d like pics a little more formal and with layers, but still keeping it simple and casual. Suggestions? I’ll greatly appreciate them. 🙂 thanks ladies! love your stuff
Hmmm… you’re right- it is easier to accessorize girls with all of the frilly headbands, bows, necklaces, etc. But there are also options for boys! For your son you could try a vest, bow tie, sweater, suspenders, or hat to add some fun layers. Here’s a pic of three little girls and just one boy that might give you some inspiration: http://pinterest.com/pin/230035493437556706/
wow… literally the best advice ive ever read … amazing post!!!!
SO glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to stop and comment! 🙂
Do you know where you can get any ideas for a single mom and teenagers family photos?
Here’s a photo shoot with a single mom and her teenagers that might give you some inspiration for posing… http://chellenicole.com/WP/2011/11/21/gannett-family-tacoma-family-photography/
[…] “101 Family Picture Tips & Ideas” — From the Dating Divas website. This note struck a chord with me: “You don’t have to pick the most expensive photographer in town, but remember that this is an investment in your memories.” Another noteworthy tip: “Just act natural.” […]
[…] I also ran across this fantastic guide – 101 Family Picture Tips and Ideas! >> Image from: http://www.thedatingdivas.com/family-fun/101-family-picture-tips-and-ideas/ […]
WOW – love this guide! Beautiful – thank you.
You are welcome!
I am very happy I came across this during my search for something concerning this. Interesting post . Thanks for sharing 🙂
[…] you haven’t taken your family picture yet, this post from The Dating Divas is the Ultimate Family Photo Guide- a must read! You may also like -Blog Link Party with OshKosh B’gosh {Plus a Gi …Blog Link […]
Thanks so much! Love this!
My family is having a group photo taken tomorrow – by a friend who is a very accomplished photographer doing it as a favour – and this was really helpful: I would like us to use her time effectively and also have fun, and I think all your suggestions are great! There will be my twin brother and his girlfriend, our sister, and me and my husband and our two sons, 9 and 13. This is for my Mom (age 81) for Christmas – she has been wanting an updated photo for a while, so while I know she would be happy with a grainy photo where half of us have our eyes closed, but this will make for a happier shoot and a much better outcome. Thanks. I will be back to your site again for more good advice!
What a WONDERFUL Christmas present for your mom!! So glad that our tips were able to help. Merry Christmas!!! 🙂
I find your website very interesting and great ideas but I have something to throw at you. We will have all our family together right after CHRISTmas and I want a family photo and also candid shots ofcourse. There will be 28 people rangeing from 1 mo to 77 yrs. Two parents, five adult kids w/four spouses, Thirteen grandkids, two spouses, three great grand kids (1 mo – 3 yrs) I chosen jeans for all. White tees for parents,adult kids & spouses, dark teal (Jaguar) for grandkids & spouses, vertical blue/blk stripe for great grands. I don’t want the typical straight line grouping. do you have suggestions for this many people?
Thanks for any help you can give
Thelma
Wow- how fun that you’ll be able to get all of your family together! That IS a big group. For some tips and suggestions, you might want to check out these two links: (http://clickitupanotch.com/2012/05/photograph-large-groups/) AND (http://portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/07/really-large-groups.html) Hope that helps and happy picture taking!!
When I have seen the title 101 family picture tips and ideas I though it looks like more tips that will help a starter to become a best photographer. Yes I am right what I though was right your tips are really exciting and it covers all areas of photography to be the best.
So glad you found it helpful! 🙂
loved it!!!!!….specially the last comments about enjoying the moment rather than looking for the perfect picture…. =) thank you.. we are having a family photo session next week to celebrate my parents 40 aniversary!!!
What a fun way to celebrate- happy picture taking!
[…] Looking at these photos now made me realize that we lack on wacky poses! Well, I’ll make sure to include that one for the next family photo shoot! For ideas and tips on family portraits, you can check out: thedatingdivas.com 🙂 […]
I am sooooooooooooooo in LOVE with this idea! I can’t wait to build our own picture poses…I love you guys for sharing this! – Blessed Day Divas!
Thanks Flora- have so much fun picture taking!
Wow, this is fantastic and well written. Thank you for taking the time to compile all this information in an easy to understand and fun manner. This is the best summary I have ever seen.
Thanks so much Janet! 🙂
Wow! What a great, all-encompassing resource! Thank you!
You are SO welcome!
I LOVED this post! I do photography as a hobby and shared this with my family and friends because so many of them have so many questions and this answered them all!
Thanks for sharing Adrienne- so glad it was helpful!
Great post!! Love all the ideas. Totally pinning for future use. Thank you!
You’re Welcome!
What fantatstic advice! I am so thankful for this wonderful website! It was incredibly helpful and I know for sure I will be using these tips!
Awww…thanks Heidi! Happy picture taking!
Hi every one ! What a nice blog. I like it very much. It is very informative.Carry on.Thanks for giving such a use full information.
[…] Families: http://www.thedatingdivas.com/family-fun/101-family-picture-tips-and-ideas/ http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/11/family-photo-posing-ideas/ […]
Is there a way to print this post? I’m an inspiring photographer and would love to have this information!
There is not a printable version available right now. But feel free to copy and paste, as long as it is just for your own personal use. 🙂
[…] {image source} […]
my client actually used this to show me some ideas of what she’d like. i’ve done lot of them but am behind on blogging. i agree with this and thank you for crediting the sources!
We love hearing that! Thanks, Tiffany!
Wonderful ideas for family photo shoot. I have 2 days to prepare for a photo shoot that will be published! This is wonderful and helpful! Thanks!
So glad you found it helpful, Hope!!! Good luck with the shoot!
Is there a printale version of this?
There is not a printable version available right now. But feel free to copy and paste, as long as it is just for your own personal use. 🙂
I LOVE what you have put together. I plan on sharing this with my clients. It’s what I preach for an organized shoot. Thank you for educating everyone on great portraits.
Thanks Tracy!!! We love hearing that- especially from a professional. 🙂
Wow! What an awesome article!!! Lots of ideas and inspiration! Angela Butler
Great tips, but your “pin it” buttons are a bit much. Maybe it’s my screen, but they are covering up parts of all the pictures and are really distracting. Just thought I’d share. I had a hard time actually being able to read through everything.
Thanks for the feedback, Elizabeth. The pin it button will appear when your mouse is hovering over a picture, but it will disappear when you move the mouse off of the picture. That may help when reading future posts! 🙂
I have been into photography for awhile now and my coworker asked me
Take some family photos. I have to admit I was super excited
But at the sametime nerves cause this is my frist paying
Photoshoot, but after viewing your page I now have the
Confidence I can pull this off with pure awesomeness lol.
My friends always tell me I am good at it so its time I start
Beleving myself. Thank you for giving me a little more confidence.
Oh we LOVE hearing that- you are so welcome! Good luck- I’m sure it will be fabulous! 🙂
I found this so helpful and inspiring for our family pictures this year. I also shared it on my blog here: http://organizinglifewithlittles.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/fridays-favorite-finds/ Thanks for putting it together!
So glad that it was helpful, Kelsey! Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
Brilliant post! So comprehensive. Thanks for helping elevate my anxiety with the family photo shoot!
So glad you found it helpful! Hope you get some great pics!!
Im a professional photographer and I LOVE this!!! So may come to me not knowing anything about what to do for our session. I try and educate them, but youve put everything all here together. Im totally going to share this with my clients. Thank you! 🙂
Shannon, we LOVE hearing that- especially from a professional! And thank you for sharing!! 🙂
Thank you , thank you, thank you. What a great source of inspiration, ideas and creativity. I am doing an engagement shoot this weekend and this has given me some great inspiration. Keep up the great job.
I’m hooked!!!! Thank you datingdivas.com!
You are SO welcome!!! If you’re doing an engagement shoot you might also want to check out our 101 Tips and Ideas for Couples Photography: http://www.thedatingdivas.com/just-the-two-of-us/101-tips-and-ideas-for-couples-photography/ 🙂 Happy photo shoot!!
GREAT POST! LOVE IT! THANK YOU!
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Loved this post!!! You had tips for How to look good and lots of poses, but any poses especially more flattering for a “fluffier” mum?
Great question, Heidi! You should totally check out these posts: http://www.katepeaseblog.com/2013/06/how-to-be-photogenic/ and http://www.maskcara.com/2013/10/16/my-tips-on-looking-your-thinnest-in-photos/. They have some great tips!
Hi! I really like the family picture divided into 4 posters on #93. Do you know how I can do that? Is there a specific website? We just had our family pictures done and we have a pose similar to this one.
Thanks!
Hi Sarah! Check out this post by Sarina: http://www.thedatingdivas.com/craft-tutorial/diy-family-photo-poster/ It has instructions for a similar picture poster. Hope that helps!
Please give me some cute ideas and poses for 5th generation pictures. We have had several different ones taken, but just haven’t like them very much. Would love yo get one perfect one done before anything happens to one of us! My Nanny just turned 90!
Here are some ideas for inspiration: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/233553930649550989/, http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141370875777240256/, http://www.pinterest.com/pin/346214290078084680/. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/403494447838085030/, and http://www.pinterest.com/pin/169940585915107618/
Love the post and will be using some of those ideas in the future. Right now I’m focussed on our 10th Christmas photo as a family. Way back when I decided for a bit of fun we woudl theme it on the “12 days of Christmas”, so we’ve had partridges and pear trees, turtle doves, golden right, swans-a-swimming etc. Totally stuck, though, on pipers piping. There’s 4 of us – Mum, dad and 2 sons, 7 and 10. I suppose we just all hold flutes / recorders / pan pipes? (Oh, there’s an idea – all 4 of us blowing an enormous pan pipe!)
I welcome any other brilliant ideas on capturing that theme.
Oh what a FUN idea!!! I love the idea of the 4 of you blowing an enormous pan pipe!!! You should email us a picture of your Christmas photo when it’s done! We’d love to see it.
[…] Here are a few contemporary suggestions on Pinterest. And a great article to help you prepare with even more ideas here. […]
The link on #82 isn’t working, and I’d love to see what the idea is. 🙂 Where can I find it?
It looks like she’s taken down her blog. But this pin has the directions in the description. http://pinterest.com/pin/199847302185994028/
Wow, I happen to be a professional photographer and your tips are dead on. Thank you for sharing them. I try to educate my clients what to do, I should just have them read this. Lol. I can tell you value photography and the investment they require, thank you. 🙂
That means a lot coming from a professional! Thanks Shannon! 🙂
Wow, you truly did cover everything! I am amazed with this post.
So glad you found it helpful!
Glad to visit your site Becca. Keep up doing these amazing works
Thanks so much David!