The Best Family Photo Ideas

Kamal Zharif Kamaludin/flickr

Families are important to all of us — friends may come and go, but the family unit makes up the emotional core of all of our lives. Photographs, as we know, can capture a moment that will elicit positive memories for years to come. When these two elements are paired together, something truly special can emerge.
While everything I just said may be true, the concept of a family photo makes a lot of people cringe — the thought of hideous matching sweaters or uncomfortable and unrealistic arm positions can be enough to make some loving sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers head for the hills. But all of that doesn’t need to ruin your next family occasion.
Instead, we’ve collected a few images you can use as a model in the future. The next time you’re all posing for your collective close-up, keep these ideas in mind. Trust us: you’ll never regret capturing important moments for a lifetime, and in such a distinctive way.

Progression Over Time

Kayla Maltese/Pinterest

Taking family photos in the form of a progression over time can be unique and fascinating, as Babble emphasizes. Whether, like the image above, they document the different stages of a pregnancy, or perhaps take the form of a yearly family portrait, these will serve as memorable reminders of the different periods of your life and how every family member has grown.
These photos could take place annually or more sporadically — either way, they’re a fantastic way to celebrate the passage of time.

Goofing Off

Pink Sherbet Photography/flickr

Not all family portraits need to be a seriously choreographed affair. Sometimes, it can be more memorable to goof around in the backyard and see what the photographer catches.
Whether making funny faces or posing in unique positions, these situations will often bring out a more authentic representation of your family dynamic. At the very least, you and your kids will be able to laugh at the good times you had trying to pin down the perfect photo.

Recreating Memorable Moments

Daniel Sandoval/flickr

Another unique approach is to re-stage a photo that has become iconic within family lore (of course, strollers are not necessary). Whether it’s an imitation of a photo from your own childhood or one from your parents’ lives, this idea will make for a picture that emphasizes the strength of your family’s bond over time — even staging it will make for unforgettable fun!

Focus on the Location

Rachel Kramer/flickr

Sometimes family portraits boast more meaning if they’re taken in a place that’s significant to the whole group. Whether it’s a vacation destination, a nearby landmark, or a childhood home, this type of creativity can set your photos apart from others. Chances are you’ll all be having fun in this unique place anyways, so the pictures are bound to come out great.

Experiment!

Sometimes one-of-a-kind family photos arise just by letting the photographer experiment a bit. Whether he or she is documenting all of you in the form of a reflection, or perhaps a shadow, these pictures will serve as a distinctive addition to the rest of the shoot.

Keep it Classy

Bill Selak/flickr

Last but not least, you could take a few close-up portraits and supplement all the zaniness of your shoot with something more “typical.” These pictures will serve as timepieces in and of themselves, and chances are, you’ll appreciate their simplicity and accuracy. After a day of experimentation and idiosyncrasy, some “normal” shots might feel like just what you need to perfect the collection.
Regardless of what eye-catching photos you end up with, Printique can help you put together an unforgettable collection. Whether you’re seeking professional quality prints or a complete album or book of pictures, you’ll be able to find an option that suits your family’s needs. We’ll help you savor the irreplaceable nature of your family for a lifetime.