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How to Personalize Your Family Portrait Session

Updated: Aug 27, 2024

Ways to Make Your Family Photo Session Extra Unique

Unique family photos
Happy family plays in the river

We’ve all seen them. The classic family photos with the husband and wife side by side and the kids placed perfectly next to them in a beautiful field of flowers. These are nice and special, without question! But are you hoping for more in your next family photo session?


As a professional photographer, I believe that having family photos taken is not just about taking the pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of your family’s love, joy, and uniqueness! With this in mind, there are ways to make your family portrait session uniquely yours. 


Over the years of photographing families young and old, I’ve picked up a few strategies for helping families personalize their photoshoot to be specific to them, their family dynamic, and of course, their bond. If you’re looking for unforgettable and heartwarming photos that perfectly capture your unique family, keep reading! 


5 Ways to Personalize Your Family Portrait Session


1. Choose a Unique Location

Family at greenhouse
Unique family photo at a greenhouse

This is my #1 tip because it can be such a significant part of the meaning behind your photos. While your photographer (or myself) can help give suggestions, feel free to recommend a location that is meaningful for your family. 


Some options include:

  • A park you frequent

  • A restaurant you love

  • A bookstore you shop from

  • A scenic area in your town

  • Your backyard

  • A coffee shop you live nearby 


Talk with your photographer about how to make it work, but don’t be shy to do something out of the norm. This is about YOUR family. 


2. Capture Candid Moments

Candid family photo
Precious candid moment of mother with children

The more candid, the better, I say! Capturing your family interacting like you normally do is what a family photoshoot should be all about. This could look like your family walking and talking, hugging, laughing, or even teasing. Regardless of your candidness, these make the best photos.


During your session, your photographer may give light prompts to encourage you to do certain things with each other. You can follow their lead and also adapt to what feels natural to you. If your family enjoys doing group hugs, go in for one. If you like to tickle each other, that is always a great way to get big smiles. 


Candid photos not only reflect the dynamics within your family but also preserve the special emotions and expressions that make each family unique.


3. Include Extended Family

Grandparents in photo
Grandparents join in family photo

There is no better time to bring grandma and grandpa in for a photo than when you are getting professional family photos taken. While they don’t need to be in every shot, take a few with them to preserve the special memory or the stage of life you all are in together. Don’t forget a shot of the grandparents with their grandchildren! 


And if you have other family members nearby, consider a group shot of all of you. This can be a special keepsake to your family heritage as well as be fun to look back on in the future. 


4. Incorporate a Family Activity 

Family takes a hike
Family hikes during family photo session

The trend to photograph a family doing an activity together is one of my favorites. It’s such a fun way to personalize a session and really make it about that family’s interests. Not only does the activity help give everyone something to do, it lightens any stiffness and helps everyone loosen up in front of the camera!


Some fun activities for a family portrait session include:

  • Baking in the kitchen together

  • Ice skating / Roller skating

  • Reading in a bookstore

  • Cuddling on a couch 

  • Painting

  • Swinging 

  • Jumping on a trampoline

  • Eating ice cream

  • Playing on playground equipment


5. Get to Know Your Photographer

Family photographer
Family Photographer, Erin Jeanne

The last and final tip for personalizing your family photoshoot is to study and research your photographer. This includes looking at your photographer's work before booking a session with them and really understanding their style. This helps you to know if they will be able to capture your family in the way you’re looking for.


You can often view samples of a photographer's work on their website and social media profiles. If for some reason they don’t have any or you would like more, don’t hesitate to reach out to them and request some. 


After viewing sample work from your potential photographer, it’s recommended to have a phone call or Zoom meeting with them to go over expectations. Being on the same page with preferences and specifics will only help personalize your session more. 


Your next family photo session will be beyond special because of these extra personalizations. Enjoy the chance to make your family shine in all its glory and don’t forget to have fun! 


Check out these other helpful posts for planning and executing your next family session: 

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