8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas (Free PDF Included!)

Having young kids is wonderful and exciting! But I think we can agree that it is a BUSY time! Your kiddos are still growing and changing and now is the perfect time to capture these fleeting moments. I know that it can feel overwhelming, so here’s a list with 8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas you might want to have for each year.

If you’re working with a professional photographer, amazing! Go over all the specific shots you’d like them to capture. Otherwise, your phone camera will do the trick! Please don’t skip the photos that include YOU!

You can skip the article and download the pdf right here, if you prefer. Or read on for more detailed information.

Table of Contents

• Here are 8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas With Sample Images
  • 1. Family Photo
  • 2. Portrait Of Each Child
  • 3. Alone Time with Mama (Or Parent A)
  • 4. Alone Time With Dad (Or Parent B)
  • 5. Siblings
  • 6. Out-Of-The-Box Images
  • 7. Just the Parents
  • 8. Extended Family
• More Resources for Family Photos
• More Family Photo Ideas from a Los Angeles Family Photographer
• Download the Free PDF: 8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas
• 8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas

Here are 8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas With Sample Images

As an at-home family photographer, I go into each session with a shot list in mind. Though the images will vary greatly from one family to another, this is a great starting point. Keep in mind: Not all of these may apply to you depending on what your family looks like. Use the list at your discretion. Here are 8 family photo ideas–

1. Family Photo

Gather everyone together in one of your favorite spaces at home – your bedroom, the living room, your front steps – and grab that shot. If you have toddlers, work on an activity together to keep them engaged!

2. Portrait Of Each Child

Take a photo that focuses on each of your kiddos’ faces so you can pick up on all the little nuances – if there are any curls left in their hair, if there are any missing teeth yet, the color of their eyes, etc. But most of all, make sure to capture their personality.

3. Alone Time with Mama (Or Parent A)

This might mean multiple photos depending on how many kids you have. Make sure to focus on each one of them individually and the connection you share. If applicable, get a photo of you with all your littles!

4. Alone Time With Dad (Or Parent B)

If you have a partner, now it’s their turn to enjoy each of your kids on their own, and then all of them together!

5. Siblings

You might already have many variations of this, but make sure to deliberately capture images of just the kids. Go for something that reflects their actual dynamic for more meaningful photos.

6. Out-Of-The-Box Images

I find it fun to capture little details here and there that hold meaning. Things like chalk drawings or artwork, greeting cards they made for you, painted fingernails… anything that will conjure up memories in the future.

7. Just the Parents

Take this opportunity to reconnect with your partner and get some photos together. Even if it’s just a selfie! Don’t skip the chance to capture the most important relationship of all, that occasionally gets neglected during the early years with kids.

8. Extended Family

If your kids are around your extended family – grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles – make sure to capture them together! These are the kinds of images you will treasure even more as time goes on.

More Resources for Family Photos

If you’re thinking about hiring a professional photographer for family photos and want some ideas, check out the articles below–

• 9 Best Activities For At-Home Family Photos
• The Secret To Relaxing In Front Of the Camera
• Preparing Your Child For A Photo Session

More Family Photo Ideas from a Los Angeles Family Photographer

If you’re local to Los Angeles, CA and you’re curious about hiring a professional family photographer, check out my Family Services page to see what that experience might look like. I’d love to chat with you.

Or follow me on instagram to see the latest!

Download the Free PDF: 8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas

Grab the free pdf right here!

8 Must-Have Family Photo Ideas

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Marjorie Cohen is a Los Angeles Family Photographer offering at-home documentary sessions to families in LA County. Marjorie works with parents who want relaxed and natural photos with their children. Follow along in Instagram and Pinterest for her latest work!