Nothing captures the love within a family like a photograph. With the right setting, outfits and photographer, family photos become keepsakes you will cherish forever. So when it comes time to think of family photo ideas, you’ll want to come up with some that showcases your family’s personality.
Whether you are all playing outside in the falling leaves, posing by the cozy fireplace or walking along the beach, you are the ones who will make the photo unique. We know that it sometimes takes the inspiration from others to get your creative juices flowing, so we have put together a list of 80 photo family photo ideas. Sort through the filters to find the best fit for your family. Don’t forget to share your photos with friends and family—easily order prints from your desk or mobile phone. And for additional inspiration check out this article: family photo wall ideas.
Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by style. Click the photo for a larger view.
Capturing a loving moment when holding your children makes for a wonderfully sweet family picture idea.
Photo Credit: Amy Benoit
Capture your family at their favorite place, just hanging out in the den, for a natural sense of your happy lives together.
Source: Ants Magazine
Photo Credit: Bethany Dawn
Turn your family photo into a fun activity, like decorating the shed.
Photo Credit: Amanda Eskridge Photography
For each photo, try to focus on one individual. This makes for a great collection of the whole family when you put your album together.
Photo Credit: Shutterfly
Capture the sweet moments by focusing on your child, not the camera.
Photo Credit: Amanda Eskridge Photography
Keep everyone comfortable with casual jeans and poses the bring out the best in your family.
Photo Credit: Images of Grace Photography
Seeing an outdoor activity your family does together is a wonderful way for a photo to show family unity.
Photo Credit: Blue Lily Photography
Encourage the playful side of your little one for a fun photo shoot.
Photo Credit: Angie Wilson Photography
Don't be hestitant to get dirty on your photo shoot. Play in the grass and have fun!
Photo Credit: Elise Meader Photography
Play a simple game like ring around the rosie to distract camera shy kids.
Photo Credit: Krissy Millar Photography
Wear outfits in the same color family, like light blues and neutrals, for a cohesive feel.
Photo Credit: Elise Meader Photography
Don't worry about everyone facing the camera. Relax and capture a candid moment.
Photo Credit: Allison Corrin Photography
Create a quiet and calm atomosphere for photo shoots involving newborns.
Photo Credit: Elise Meader Photography
For a feeling of happily ever after, capture story time in your family photo.
Photo Credit: Simply B Photos
Go outside and explore your backyard for some unexpected scenic shots.
Photo Credit: Jack.e Photography
Let your little ones bring their favorite toys for a relaxed and unique family photo.
Photo Credit: Jack.e Photography
Soft illumination of white linens and matching white outfits give this family photo a loving glow.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Joy Studios
Don't worry about capturing a perfect candid—the moments will come naturally!
Photo Credit: Everyday Studios
Bring little props like a pinwheel so your kids can play in between shots.
Photo Credit: Everyday Studios
If you let your kids be themselves, special moments are sure to happen.
Photo Credit: K Dimoff Photography
For camera shy kids, have your photo shoot at home with a familiar activity.
Photo Credit: Kristin Rogers Photography
Take a posed photos for starters, but mix it up with fun moments.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Sparks Photography
Make the photo shoot a special occaision where you can bend the rules—like jumping on the bed!
Photo Credit: Kristin Rogers Photography
Don't overcomplocate the day. A simple game or activity can bring out the best.
Photo Credit: Kristin Rogers Photography
Capture sweet moments between brother and sister but playing a game of telephone.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Sparks Photography
A black and white photo will forever be a classic to display in your home.
Photo Credit: Kristin Rogers Photography
If you have an active toddler, let them get all their wiggles out during the shoot for truly unique moments.
Photo Credit: Kristin Rogers Photography
Ask your kids their favorite part of having a sibling for some truly special moments.
Photo Credit: WildWhim Design + Photography
Let Mom and Dad enjoy a kiss while the kids strike a fun pose below.
Photo by: Jean Johnson Productions
Photograph your kids in a laidback moment, like in the middle of a funny joke.
Photo by: Emily O'Brien Photography
Get your little once moving around—you'll never know what sweet poses they'll come up with.
Photo by: Alejandro Photography
Capture the world through your little one's eyes by making the photo shoot part playtime.
Photo by: Kate L Photography
Let your kids play during the photo shoot to capture some extra funny smailes.
Photo by: Caroline Colvin Photography
Showcase the endearing sides of your children by encouraging them to try fun poses.
Photo by: Aaron Taylor Photography
Don't worry about striking the perfect pose. Instead, relax and smile for the perfect photo.
Photo by: Little Leapling Photography
Set up a simple backdrop in your home, like this DIY teepee, for a fun prop in your family photo.
Photo by: A Lifetime of Rain
Posed pictures don't have to be boring -- be yourselves in the studio and magical things can happen in your family photo.
Photo by: Stevenson Photo
Sweet moments always make a perfect family photo idea. With a simple shabby chic chair on a plain background, you can highlight the moments you love best.
Photo by: Nina Cecilia
Shave and a haircut! For a creative family photo idea leave the studio behind and march your matching outfits to a fun venue like a doo-wop barbershop!
Photo by: Dave Brosha
Via: HongKiat
Featuring the harvest is a great idea for an outdoor fall family photo.
Photo by: Stacey Potter Photography
Via: Inspire Me Baby
For adorable Christmas family photo ideas, try juxtaposing cozy indoor cuteness in an outdoor holiday setting.
Photo by: Chubby Cheek Photography
A sweet simply moment, like admiring the changing leaf colors, makes a wonderful fall family photo idea.
Photo by: Tommie Milacci
Via: Pop Sugar
Stop, drop, and shoot! A truly comforting family photo idea is to take a picture of you all relaxing on the floor of the family room.
Photo by: Ali Middleton Photo
Via: 100 Layercakelet
Let the camera capture a precious family moment and don't worry about posing. You'll show everyone how adorable life can be.
Photo by: Sara Garcia Photo Art
Togetherness is everything. For a fun family photo idea catch your kin lying down head to head on a festive blanket or quilt.
Photo by: Sara Garcia Photo Art
Highlight family play time with your little ones in the foreground as you retreat into the back. Try this on your bed to give a casual air to your family photo.
Photo by: Photography by Alison
Dog pile... with the dog! Take a playful moment and make it last forever with this great family photo idea.
Photo by: Brooke Richardson Photography
A cuddle party on the couch makes for spectacular family photo fun!
Photo by: Claire Bunn Photography
Antics at bedtime? Casual glimpses into your fun-loving family make for fun family photo ideas.
Photo by: Kristen Duke Photography
When looking for ideas for family pictures, posing can be passe. Instead capture your family in a fun moment, like a tickle party!
Photo by: Pinkle Toes Photography
Let there be lights! Get illuminated with this clever Christmas family photo idea of wrapping the family like a Christmas tree.
Photo by: Wendy Vonsosen Photography
Via: IVillage
Can you spot all of the family members hidden in the trees?
Photo by: Wishful Thinking Photography
Via: Craftionary
Bring it all in! A group hug is a terrific idea for family pictures -- and don't forget to include your four-legged friends.
Photo by: Allison Tyler Jones
For a flip on a family photo, snap a shot of your little one playing upside down!
Photo by: Momma's Gonna Snap
Via: Pop Sugar
If your family picture ideas are all sunshine, the rain doesn't have to give you the blues -- everyone caught in a sunshower in their Sunday best makes a great photo!
Photo by: Blue Lily Photography
Spelling out your love by having everyone hold up letters to spell a word like "Family" (or perhaps your last name) is a terrific idea for family photo.
Photo by: Marianne Wiest Photography
Via: HongKiat
Family love is evergreen! A Christmas tree farm can be the perfect idea for your Christmas family photo.
Photo by: Sheets Photography
For a festive fall photo idea, get cozy on the couch in complementary colors like burgundy and gold.
Photo by: Moirae Creatives
Simple metal stools and pedestals against a white background allow a photo to highlight the best features of your fine family.
Photo by: Allison Tyler Jones
Family photo ideas don't have to stay formal. Capture your casual life and take a photo that looks like it comes from a lazy Sunday morning resting in bed.
Photo by: Christie Hobson
Don't be shy! Holding each other close is a cute way to show your family pride in a holiday photo.
Photo by: Laurie Sachs Photography
Collect your kin on a comfortable rug and let your smiles do the talking in front of a simple white background.
Photo by: Nina Cecilia Creative Spark
Matching black outfits on a black background can really make the fun faces of your family look fantastic.
Photo by: Linnea Lenkus Portrait Studios
No need to overdress for portraits, let your casual looks give your family photos an air of welcoming.
Photo by: Photography by Alison
Via: Ants Magazine
This fall scenery is the perfect setting for a smiling family photo.
Photo by: Marianne Wiest Photography
Family picture ideas that place your family in the embrace of a natural setting, like a grassy meadow, are always wonderful.
Photo by: Christie Hobson
Via: Ants Magazine
A clever angle on family photos -- skew the camera so stairs look straight as your family sits side by side.
Photo by: Richard Bell Photography
Many classic Christmas family photo ideas include dressing in your holiday best and retreating to a lovely spot outdoors.
Photo by: Carlin Fisher Photography
Via: Pop Sugar
Cast the family under Christmas lights for an unforgettable Christmas photo idea.
Photo by: Dimery Photography
Some great Christmas family photo ideas include a blanket of lightly fallen snow.
Photo by: April O'Hare Photography
Via: Craftionary
Let it Snow! Picturing your family framed by soft downy flakes in a mountainous outdoor vista is a perfect Christmas photo idea.
Photo by: Rebekah Westover Photography
Via: Craftionary
White frocks on a white background are a wonderful way to make your family the real focus of your photo.
Photo by: Linnea Lenkus Portrait Studios
For a terrific family photo idea take a portrait in a landscape. Bringing a festive picture frame outside makes your kids into masterpieces.
Photo by: Tonya Beaver Photography
Sometimes great family picture ideas are no further than your own backyard.
Photo by: Christie Hobson
Frame the favorite faces in your photos with this cute idea from a kid's eye view.
Photo by: Millie Holloman Photography
Blaze your own trail and take to the woods for a wonderful fall family photo idea.
Photo by: Lisa McNiel for Lisa Marie Photography
Made you look! This Christmas photo packs a punch with a festive streamer background and bows as headgear!
Photo by: Melissa Jill
Via: Tiny Prints
Don't shoot your eye out when you take a creative family Christmas photo, posed as characters from the classic film "A Christmas Story"!
Photo by: Liz Bianca Photography
Via: Lolly Jane
Oh Tanenbaum! Picking out the perfect Christmas Tree makes for amazing family Christmas photo idea.
Photo by: Alissa Saylor Photography
Via: Stockroom Vintage
Frame the holiday moments by using a picture frame to highlight your beautiful family in a lovely outdoor setting.
Photo by: Dear Ellison Photography
Via: Tiny Prints
A classic Christmas family photo idea is to capture your family savoring a snowy pass on an old bridge.
Photo by: Vanessa Kay Photography
Via: Craftionary
Matching white clothing creates an angelic way to pose as a new family.
Photo by: B Couture Photography
Classic matching white tops and jeans and the iconic totem pole pose make for a perfect family photo idea.
Photo by: Daniel Wenzel Photography
A dark and textured background can really bring out the features of your family. Especially when you all wear white outfits!
Photo by: Laura Rauch Photography
Via: Ants Magazine
A plain pale background and soft wardrobe colors can make your family's faces pop.
Photo by: Pinkle Toes Photography
An old stable makes a beautiful setting for featuring your favorite family members.
Photo by: Momma's Gonna Snap
Via: Pop Sugar
Funny matching formal wear in a whimsical parlor is a perfect family photo idea. For added bravado, give everyone bow ties!
Photo by: Sazhenuik Photography
Via: Buzzfeed
Come and knock on our door! Using your front stoop to say hello is a wonderful family photo idea.
Photo by: Shanna Michelle Photography
Via: Ants Magazine
Catch the beauty of the leaves changing in the background for a fantastic fall family photo idea.
Photo by: Stacey Potter Photography
Via: Inspire Me Baby
A kiss captured in a spring meadow makes a sumptuous family photo idea.
Photo by: Kimberly Kinder Photography
Show that yours is a family that bridges gaps -- posing on an old bridge makes for a wonderful fall family photo idea.
Photo by: Lisa McNiel for Lisa Marie Photography
One lovely family photo idea is to lift a little one on your shoulders while enjoying the wonders of nature.
Photo by: Elizabeth Birdsong Photography
Wish you were here! Catching your family on an ocean vacation with the surf crashing behind you shows you all at your happiest!
Photo by: Lafortune Photography
Just dressing nicely, setting up outside, and starting the smiles coming can be a terrific idea for simple family photos.
Photo by: Lafortune Photography
A beautiful outdoor scene and a secret smile caught on camera make this family photo a winner.
Photo by: Photo McKenzie
Via: Ants Magazine
When taking photos outdoors, use bright colored clothes to really bring out the sunshine!
Photo by: Lindsay Wright Photography
Bring everyone down to the lakeside for a perfect shot. This family uses a teal clothing theme -- even in the dog!
Photo by: Jessica Gwozdz Photography
Everyone has kisses for their mamma. Why not catch them in action for your family photos?
Photo by: Shutterfly
Nothing captures the essence of Mom's happiness like being surrounded by her beautiful children.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Don't forget to bring your dog into the mix when you are coming up with your family photo ideas.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Cutting down the Christmas tree? Bring along a photographer to freeze that perfect moment in time.
Photo by: Shutterfly
You really love your couch, but you want to take your family photo outdoors? Set up the living room outside!
Photo by: Shutterfly
Although they might have some mischief up their sleeves, these two kiddos know how to pose for a family photo.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Celebrate the holidays with some old fashioned snow blowing. Just make sure you clean off the camera lens after!
Photo by: Shutterfly
Get your little one smiling by swinging her through the air. There's nothing like the look of joy on a baby's face.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Closeups are great family photo ideas when you are highlighting a smaller family or couple.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Beach day or photo opportunity? Why not combine them for a fantastic photo idea.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Look close enough and you'll realize that these two smiling sisters have on matching outfits.
Photo by: Shutterfly
Photograph your kids in a laidback moment, like in the middle of a funny joke.
Photo by: Emily O’Brien Photography
