family photos

Now is the time of year when everyone’s getting family photos taken. The leaves are gorgeous, the air is crisp and you need that one perfect shot for your holiday card! We all know that it’s important to get family photos taken occasionally to capture these fleeting moments of childhood. But, it can also be super stressful and overwhelming! Never fear – we’re here with the very best tips and advice directly from professional family photographers to ensure that you nail those outdoor family photos this year. These outdoor family photoshoot ideas will inspire you to get in front of the camera this season with confidence and less stress. All the images and tips in the post come directly from the members of our amazing Instagram community. We are so grateful for their help, support and wisdom.

Tips for nailing your outdoor family photo session

Getting family photos taken doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re here to help make this fun! We’ve put together a huge list of tips and advice for parents on how to make sure your outdoor family photos turn out amazing! These steps will walk you through the entire process, from finding the right photographer for your family to choosing outfits and getting the perfect holiday card shot. Plus, our outdoor family photo ideas will help get your creative juices flowing and ensure you have fun getting your pictures taken! 

Family photos are forever keepsakes and we want to encourage you to get them taken (and get in them). This post is filled with outdoor family photo ideas, creative family poses and inspirational family photo ideas. We hope this will inspire you to get in the frame and have fun! After all, getting your family photos taken is one more thing to check off that Fall Outdoor Adventure Bucket List.

Pro tip on why you should take family photos:

“Time moves so FAST – we blink and our kids grow up. Don’t let these sweet memories go by without documentation. These times when our babies are small, and we can tickle them, throw them up over our heads for a giggle, give them butterfly kisses or just snuggle them close. These moments are fleeting, and our memories will not hold every little detail. This is the impact of photography and what an image really holds in it. You can look at a picture and remember a whole time in your life. That is the power of a photograph…it can transport you to another time and hold dear memories in check for life.” @christiallencurtis

Photo credit: @rachelstarmerphoto

Photo credit: @christiebauerphotography

Choose a kid-friendly photographer

The first thing you need to do to ensure you get amazing family photos is to pick a photographer who is accustomed to working with kids and families.  Trust us, this will make a HUGE difference in making the experience less stressful with better results.  Not all photographers are created equally, and you want someone who is fun, charming, and can bring out your child’s natural smile. Family photography is a specialty, and a good family photographer will be patient, understanding, and (hopefully) fast. 

Your children will be way more comfortable and relaxed with someone that knows how to talk to kids, how to make them laugh, and is willing to interact with them. Ask for referrals from friends who have children (word of mouth is the best way to find a family-friendly photographer) and make sure their portfolio shows lots of kids in the photos. 

Photo credit: @kristenvincentphotography

Pro tip:

“(1) Choosing a photographer for your family is about more than price and portfolio. When kids are involved, the personality of your photographer matters. Make sure you are hiring someone who is an expert at working with kids. (2) Never let little ones sleep the car ride to your session. They’ll be groggy and cranky from being woken up, and that’s hard to recover from. (3) Don’t put yourself above bribes (because they work are a great way to get your kids to cooperate) – and let your photographer in on the treats being offered for good behavior. (4) Dress your kids for the weather; cold kids are not happy kids! (5) Work with your photographer to pull genuine emotion from your children. Instead of “C’mon! Gimme a good smile! Cheese!” try singing their favorite song, tickling, bouncing, etc. The things that normally make them smile are what’s going to yield the best expression!” @nicolecaradonnaphoto

Photo credit: @karinajzamora

Love the look of the images

When choosing a photographer, make sure that you also like the style of the photos and how the finished images look. Photographers usually have a specific “look” that makes them different than others. The look of images can be super-saturated and warm, bright and colorful, matte and muted, dark and moody, or anything in between.  If you like bright, airy, and colorful photos, don’t select a photographer that’s portfolio is mostly dark black and white images.

Photo credit: @lynseystraderphotography

Location, location, location

Pick a location for your outdoor family photos that reflects the style of picture you want. If you want to be surrounded by nature, then choose a local park, farm, or beach location. If you want something fun and colorful, maybe go with a local carnival or amusement park. Want show-stopper images? Climb a mountain or find a secluded lake. Want an urban feel? Head into the city and get some family pictures in the middle of the hustle and bustle or in front of some fun graffiti/urban art.

And don’t underestimate the option of taking family photos in/around your home! You can capture the golden hour glow and the falling leaves in the comfort of your own backyard, where the entire family is comfortable and relaxed.

If you need ideas, ask your photographer for their recommendations on favorite locations.

Pro tip:

“Work with your photographer to find a place outside that not only is beautiful aesthetically but also has elements of nature to encourage natural interactions (logs, rocks, water). Things to get your kids moving, exploring, and playing!” @christiebauerphotography

Photo credit: @christiebauerphotography

Outdoor family photo ideas

Outdoor family photos don’t have to be all posed or frolicking through a field. If that feels unnatural, try a family activity instead. Does your family have a favorite location or destination that’s meaningful to them? Maybe a family farm, the zoo, or the location of your first date? Consider having your family portraits done there! Is there a place that means a lot to the kids or really lets their personality shine through? Maybe a rock climbing facility or amusement park.

Instead of a posed session, do an activity and get action and adventure shots! If your family loves to hike, get your family photos taken on your favorite trail. Love kayaking or canoeing? Get family pictures taken in a canoe on the lake. Love the beach? Go there and play in the water! Recent snow…build a snowman together or go sledding. Spend a lot of time in the pool? What about an underwater family photo shoot? 

Other outdoor family photo session location ideas are golf course, botanical gardens, pick-your-own orchard, sunflower fields, Christmas tree farm, outdoor ice skating rink, farmer’s market, or a playground. 

The point is that you can do anything you want with your family photos! Turn your family photo session into an adventure! Fun ideas for outdoor activities are endless. Family photo ideas should be unique to the family and capture their personalities and passions.

Photo credit: @christiallencurtis

Photo credit: @steshabellaphotography

Timing is key

I’m sure you’ve all heard that there’s a magical “golden hour” just before sunset that’s the most coveted time of day for photos. Well, that may be true if you have kids that can function normally all hours of the day, but if you have little ones, that may not be the best time for your family. Little kids are usually the most cooperative at the start of the day, so take advantage of that window of opportunity for fresh faces and upbeat moods by booking a morning session. Older kids can handle later hours (particularly in the summer months, when days are longer). You know your kids best, so choose a time that works for your family.

When booking a session, talk to your photographer about the best time of day for your kids and the light. Think about your children’s daily routine and schedule. Consider naptimes, meals, energy levels, and overall mood at any given time of day.  Make sure you choose a time for your family photo session that works best for your kids, regardless of the light. A good photographer will be able to choose a location that works at the time that fits your needs and know how to work with the light that’s available at your family’s best time.

Photo credit: @chelsea_kaufman_photography

Check the weather

Photography is all about light, so make sure that the weather is not affecting the light around you. Open shade and clouds are usually fine (welcome, even), but intense heat or pouring rain are not going to work. Outdoor photoshoots are weather-dependent, so stay apprised of the weather forecast (your photographer will, too) and defer to him/her on whether the weather will be an issue during your shoot.

Photo credit: @melissawisemanphotographyPhoto credit: @tirrophotography

Coordinate clothing

When picking out outfits for family photos, lay ALL the pieces out together so you can see how it all looks and coordinates. Try to stick to a color scheme with 2-3 main colors and a few neutral tones thrown in. Avoid anything with a logo or bold graphic.  Many photographers will also recommend you avoid solid blacks and whites, as they tend to blend into backgrounds and/or show dirt/hair. Layers and accessories help add depth and interest to outfits. An easy way to add interest and layers are with vests, jewelry, hats, tights, cardigans/jackets. Mix up different textures, prints, and coordinating colors. 

Start by determining what mom will wear first. Mom sets the mood/tone for the entire shoot, so it’s important for mom to choose something she loves and feels comfortable and confident in. Style everyone else around her. Stay true to your style and the location. A ballgown in the mountains may look amazing on some moms if that’s what makes them feel confident. But it could totally flop if you’re more of a “jeans and t-shirt” kind of mom and are super uncomfortable in it. Wear what makes YOU feel good and shows your style and personality.

If you know that you’d like to have your images printed and hung in your home, you may also want to consider the colors you use when decorating and choose the colors for your family’s outfits to coordinate (or at least not clash). 

Photo credit: @clairepiercephotography

Pro tip:

“Utilize your photographer’s creativity and knowledge when selecting your wardrobe. Your selection can be your best asset in your photos and pull the location and your family together. I have my clients take a look at my wardrobe palette inspiration boards on Pinterest, select a color palette they love, and go from there. I personally shoot for bold colors and drama, so I suggest a palette of around 2-3 neutrals paired with 2-3 colors. Then, we find a place to add in a few patterns to create a pulled-together but not matchy-matchy. It goes well with my brand of photography. If you’re having trouble with outfits, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for advice on what looks good together and photographs well!” @clairepiercephotography

Photo credit: @mama_and_little

Kids’ clothes should be comfy

Make sure everyone’s clothing fits well and is comfortable. There’s nothing worse than a toddler or child wearing an itchy dress or clothes that are too tight. You may be able to make it through an hour-long session with shoes that hurt your feet, but your kids won’t last. Also, consider the weather when choosing an outfit for your kids. Dressing them in a cute sleeveless dress on a cold wintery day will bring lots of tears. Set them up for success by dressing them appropriately for the temperature, activity, and location.

Pro tip:

“What you wear matters. Don’t match. Express each family member’s personality through beautiful wardrobe pieces. The day before your session, get everyone’s wardrobe looks and bags packed. This will ensure the day of the session is stress-free! If you have littles, don’t forget to pack tissues, wipes, and extra diapers. Bring a treat for the kiddos to enjoy at the end of the photoshoot. You can remind them throughout the session what their prize will be when you’re finished! During your session, just remember to smile, smile, smile! Even if the kiddos are being uncooperative, keep smiling; your photographer will thank you for it.” @tirrophotography

Photo credit: @holly.b.rose
Photo credit: @ashtonreynoldsphotography

Prep your kids

Before your photo session, it’s a great idea to talk to your kids about what they can expect ahead of time to get them prepared. A lot of kids get nervous around new people or in new settings, so giving them a rundown on how things will go sets them up for success. If they’re nervous or scared, it’s a good idea to let them bring their favorite lovie or toy to get a special photo with. Make sure you sound excited about the photo session and not stressed or anxious (they’ll pick up on that). 

Photo credit: @velvetheartphotography

Photo credit: @chelsea_kaufman_photography

Candid shots are king

If you have small children and your goal is to get that one perfect shot with everyone looking directly into the camera and smiling, then you may be disappointed.  Little ones (usually) have very short attention spans and can be tough to warm up. A great family photographer will engage your kids and get them comfortable, playing and laughing, but they may not always be looking at the camera. That’s ok! Photos with everyone looking in a different direction are sometimes my favorites! Let everyone’s personality shine through and the photos will show the connection in a way that no standard front-facing smiling photo ever can.

Pro tip:

“Candid moments between families are my favorite! Let your kids be kids – the real life is beautiful. One of my favorite prompts is to ask the children to whisper in their parents ear, telling them what their favorite thing about them is. The reaction on mom or dad’s face is always honest, real and beaming with love.” @velvetheartphotography

Photo credit: @paletteoflightPhoto credit: @nicolecaradonnaphoto

Parent photos

It’s ok to take a few small breaks during family pictures to let the kids run around, get their wiggles out and burn some energy. While they’re running wild, have your photographer take a few parent only pictures. Don’t forget that the parents are part of the family, too! You’ll be happy you have them and your kiddos will get a short break from all the orders, directions and smiling.

Photo credit: @kmariellephotography

Pro tip:

“I’m a mom so I’m guilty of doing this myself, but my biggest tip is for parents not to set the bar so high! Kids will be kids, and hubby’s will most likely be grumpy. However YOU set the mood! You can spend the hour frustrated trying to get your kids to smile and look at the camera or you can spend the time to just be present with one another, a chance with no devices, take the hour to just love on your littles and try to not get too caught up on trying to capture the perfect photo. The natural candid shots end up being the most treasured anyways!” @kmariellephotography

Photo credit: @jessiingram_

Ask for direction

Professional photographers can usually tell right away if a pose or shot looks off. Let your photographer direct your interactions and poses. Even if it feels weird or unnatural, it may look great on the screen. Photographers posses a wealth of outdoor family photo ideas, inspiration and imagination. They know what looks good on camera and will help direct and manage. If you have questions about a pose or angle, ask your photographer for tips on how to stand, tilt your head, etc.

Photo credit: @kailaspanglerphotography

Pro tip:

“My best advice would be to live in the moment! Let your photographer capture all the love, the hugs, the giggles and the kisses. One day they will grow up and those moments will be gone, but capturing them in a photograph allows the memories to last forever. Don’t worry about the poses, but focus on the interaction. Moms and dads should love on those babies as much as they can! Those will be the memories they will want to keep forever!” @kailaspanglerphotography

Photo credit: @alohazophoto

Pro tip:

“The main thing for me is just let kids be kids without the pressure of a perfect photo. If they’re in a not-smiling-for-the-camera phase, let them be in that phase. Odds are if you stress and yell at them to “SMILE!” they’re more likely to freeze up. In my experience, letting them be allows them to loosen up and grow more comfortable. This allows me to capture authentic candid shots and also work one on one with them to get smiles. Often times, they end up cracking a smile after they’ve gotten to do some jumps or silly faces.” @alohazophoto

Photo credit: @natsnyder.photo

Trust your photographer

It’s fine to have a few suggestions and ideas for shots or poses to give to your photographer. If you have a particular use for the photo or need for a specific shot, let your photographer know. Maybe you want a shot with a Christmas tree for a particular picture frame…tell your photographer. If you need a posed shot for the grandparents, let her know. She wants you to be happy and will work to get you the shots you want. However, it’s best to let her do her job and select the best shots, angles and poses for your family and the location. Trust that she can see things you might not and that she’s only got your best interest in mind. Let her do her job.

Photo credit: @katielanephoto

Pro tip:

“Just relax! Don’t expect perfection from your kids. Some of the best images come from complete chaos!” @katielanephoto

Photo credit: @whitepinepics

Bribery

If you need an insurance policy to make sure the day goes smoothly, feel free to resort to bribery. I’m definitely not above bribing my kids to behave with a toy, candy or a trip to the ice cream shop after photos are finished. Let your photographer know what the bribe is so he/she can benefit from it, as well.

Pro tip:

“Let your photographer control the bribe. Try not to offer treats in the beginning of your session. Save them for later, they might come in handy especially if the photographer gets to control it. For us, we like to use games throughout the session and let the parents reward points to the kids after each game. Then, if things get a little too crazy we can say “whoever has the most points get a special treat from Daddy!” But the key is to let the photographer control how the treats are rewarded. This has worked wonders for us and allows for so much more variety and interactions throughout the session. Also, parents’ energy transfers to their children. So parents, relax, let the photographer work magic, and have fun with your kids. We get those “everyone look here and smile” photos in the middle of fun games.” @paletteoflight

Photo credit: @kellijohansenphotography

Pro tip:

“Make sure everyone eats before a session. Particularly, an outdoor session. We are going to be hiking, playing, running around and burning some major energy. A small meal or good snack beforehand usually eliminates grumpy kids and hangry adults.” @kellijohansenphotography

Photo credit: @jrshiromafoto

Pro tip:

“Relax and try to have fun! Don’t worry about what the kids are doing. Let them explore, interact with nature and run around. Don’t worry, I’ll get good shots of them! And if the kids are having fun, then everyone has fun!” @jrshiromafoto

Photo credit: @_sandyphoto_Photo credit: @juliahausphoto

Relax and (try to) have fun

This is probably the hardest tip for parents to follow, yet the most important one. Go into your shoot with low expectations for your children, knowing that they’re not going to be perfectly behaved or cooperate. Kids will be kids and you just have to let it go! Kids tend to respond better to direction if their parents are not the ones telling them what to do. Follow the lead of your photographer and if she needs help, she’ll ask for it. Photographers are used to the chaos and will help wrangle your kids for you, so you can loosen your grip a bit.

Photo credit: @chasinggalileephoto

Pro tip:

“I truly believe that we put too much on ourselves and our families to portray “happy” or to just be something extra special for social media. Sure sharing our session photos on social media is so EXCITING. But, happy is not just a smile or a laugh. Happy is not your children staring at the photographer and smiling their biggest smile (but I sure hope they do get one of those for you). To me, happy can just simply be contentment. Contentment in who you are and who your family is along with all their wild + free selves. Photographs of your family is so much more that a profile pic or an Instagram likes. So much more than perfection. LET GO OF PERFECTION and be wild + free.” @chasinggalileephoto

Photo credit: @stephhedbergphotos

Pro tip:

“If families can show up ready to connect and have those imitate moments, it makes the photographer’s job so much easier. Don’t stress so much about everyone having perfect smiles, as much as just being playful and connecting with your kids/spouse. Your photographer will help guide and pose you…but those genuine moments are your money shots. Wear outfits that help you accomplish this. Something that your constantly pulling or tugging on the whole time because you’re uncomfortable makes it hard to capture those raw moments.” @stephhedbergphotos

Photo credit: @organicgracephotographco

Just keep smiling

When everything feels like it’s going crazy, just keep smiling! Your photos will show if you are angry or frazzled. Try to find the humor in the situation and smile through the insanity! Smile through the pain and those cringe-worthy moments. Don’t worry, your photographer is not judging your parenting skills by your family photo session. Photographers know that this is a stressful situation and (trust me), they’ve seen it all.

Photo credit: @angelfaithphotography

Pro tip:

“As a mom of 4 myself, I know and understand the difficulty and stress that comes along with planning family photos. We as moms put so much stress on ourselves, in hopes that everything will go smoothly for our session and are then bummed out when it doesn’t. The kids are cranky, not listening, and you’re worrying about your appearance.

Mom to mom: enjoy the moments. Enjoy the crazy. 20 years from now, you won’t remember all of the meltdowns. You’ll remember their little fingers grasping your hand and how their curly hair bounced as they were running. Do the family photos, mama. Get in the shot! One day, you won’t care that your tummy sagged, or you weren’t 20 lbs lighter in the pictures. The photos will let you relive all the moments that went by so fast, and you’ll be able to cherish all of their small details you thought you had forgotten.” @angelfaithphotography

Photo credit: @shailynnphotoandfilm

Pro tip:

“Try to focus on your appreciation for each other during your session. Give less attention to getting everyone looking perfect and forcing smiles at the camera and more attention to the love you share for each other. That is what you really want to show through in the images!” @shailynnphotoandfilm

Ask for the outtakes

Some of my favorite photos are the funny/silly shots we totally got wrong! I love pictures of my kids being themselves – rolling their eyes, making funny faces or just goofing off. Ask your photographer to send you some outtakes along with all the amazing and perfect shots she got. Because the ones that went wrong are the ones that are real! They may not make the front of the Christmas card, but they may become your favorite!

Photo credit: @amandacoleyphotography

I hope these outdoor family photo ideas and advice will help you nail your family photos this year!
What’s your best family photo session tip?

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!