Best family photography ideas & tips.

By embracing a more relaxed and engaging approach, you can create a fun and memorable photoshoot that captures the true essence of the family, leaving them with not just photos, but cherished memories.

Choose a location.

Choosing the right spot for your family photoshoot is about more than just finding a pretty background—it's about creating a space where every family member can feel comfortable and the photos naturally pop with life. Think about the stunning landscapes that Australia offers, from breathtaking beaches to quaint urban parks, each setting offers a unique backdrop that can add magic to your family portraits.

Keep seasons in mind—imagine capturing the vibrant hues of fall or the cheerful blossoms of spring. Each season brings its own character that can dramatically enhance your photos. However, it's crucial to consider the comfort and safety of the family. “I always take the kids’ ages into consideration when looking for a location. I live in New Mexico and that means a lot of cactus. So if my clients have small children, then I don’t recommend shooting in the desert, because I don’t want the kids to get hurt,” explains photographer Jacqueline Vega.

If you're planning to shoot in someone’s home, familiarise yourself with the space beforehand. Know where you'll set up and discuss what will appear in the background with the family. This preparation ensures the space complements the shoot and feels as natural and comfortable as possible.

Tips for a memorable family photo session.

Set the tone for the shoot.

The atmosphere during the shoot can greatly influence the outcome of the photos. When working with families, you’ll encounter a mix of personalities—from bubbly children to more reserved members. "It’s important to relax because the kids are going to respond to how you’re reacting. I often try to chat with the parents and the kids before we get started to help relax everyone," shares photographer Jenn Byrne. A calm and relaxed approach helps put everyone at ease, paving the way for natural and joyful photographs.

Let the kids lead occasionally.

Capturing genuine smiles and joyful expressions can be the most challenging yet rewarding part of family photography. "I often let the kids direct the shoot because that’s what you try to capture in candid shots. If the kids aren’t happy, then the photos aren’t going to be good. So my favourite part about family photos is when kids are just being themselves," explains Byrne. Allowing children to take the lead can make for a fun session and result in authentic, spontaneous moments.

Start with your staged photos.

Every photoshoot is different, but most families want a few staged photos and a few candid ones. "I like to get those staged photos done first because kids get tired of it really quick," explains Vega. This strategy increases the likelihood of capturing a few shots with everyone looking at the camera before the energy dips. Have a few family photo poses in mind, so you can easily direct your models and ensure everyone looks relaxed and natural.

Engage the kids with creative activities.

Kids get bored and distracted quite easily, so have a few games in mind or some fun props on hand to play with. Ask parents to hoist their kids high in the air or bring some bubble wands for the little ones to play with. These elements can transform a standard photoshoot into an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, especially the little ones.

Ensure ample storage for spontaneous moments.

The spontaneity of family dynamics means you'll need plenty of storage to capture every candid moment. Pack extra memory cards to ensure you never miss a beat. This preparation allows you to embrace the chaos of a family shoot and capture the unscripted joy that often makes for the most cherished photos.

Perfect your images with post-processing.

Achieving the perfect shot straight out of the camera is rare, especially during dynamic and unpredictable family photo shoots. However, with tools like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, you elevate your photos in a way that truly brings the family's story to life. Here’s how you can transform your raw photos into polished masterpieces:

• Fine-tune colours: Adjust the vibrancy and saturation to make the colours pop or to bring a warm, subtle tone to your family portraits.

• Adjust lighting: Enhance underexposed shots or tone down overly bright images to balance the lighting and bring out the details in each photo.

• Blur backgrounds: Soften distracting elements in the background to ensure the focus stays on the family, highlighting their expressions and interactions.

By mastering these post-processing techniques, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your photos but also encapsulate the essence of the moments captured. 

Capturing moments, creating memories.

The key to successful family photography lies in capturing genuine interactions that tell heartfelt stories. As you enhance these moments with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, remember you're not just taking photos—you're crafting memories that families will cherish forever.

Share these beautiful stories and your family photography shoot ideas on Adobe’s community forums to join a vibrant community of Australian photographers celebrating family connections. Your work not only enriches this community but also inspires others to explore the profound art of family photography, ensuring that the memories you capture today will echo through generations.