Unique Ideas For Your Family Photography Session

Inspiration for a documentary family photography session

When it comes to documenting the essence of a family, centering the session around a favorite activity creates memorable (and unique!) photographs that feel true to you. Incorporating activities into your family photography sessions also brings out candid moments and creates an opportunity for connection and ease. Here are some creative, simple ideas to make your session feel most suited to you:

Picnic at the park

A picnic offers a relaxed atmosphere where families can interact naturally. Capture the joy of spreading out a blanket under a tree, sharing snacks, making paper airplanes, and reading books.

Cooking at home

A cozy, at-home cooking session is perfect for documenting the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s making pancakes on Saturday morning, baking cookies, making pizza, or preparing a favorite family recipe, the process is filled with opportunities for candid photographs and connection. It also doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Maybe it’s just a cup of tea, and some leftover cookies!

Family music session

If your family loves music, why not center your session around that? Whether it’s playing instruments, singing, or even just dancing around the living room, music can really help everyone feel more comfortable and like themselves.

Ice cream adventure

A trip to the local ice cream shop is a simple yet great way to make space for candid family photographs. This can be super casual or playful, and the photographs are a great little time capsule of a special place in your neighborhood.

Day at the beach

A day at the beach is a classic. Need I say more? Take me to your favorite Maine beach gems, maybe we can even get in the water for a little dip…

Visiting a local farm or orchard

For families who love animals, a trip to a local farm or farm stand could be a sweet, simple chance to do something you all love together.

Game night

A family game night is a fantastic way to showcase the playful and competitive side of your family. Bring out your favorites and we can play a few rounds of cards or memory to help everyone ease into photo time together.

Gardening together

If your family enjoys spending time in the garden, this can be a beautiful and meaningful setting for a session. Digging in the dirt, planting flowers, or picking fresh vegetables are all core memories kids can look back on in the photographs.

Arts & crafts

Turn your family’s creativity into a memorable photo session by painting or making art together. Set up a canvas in the backyard or gather around a large sheet of paper indoors.

Family bike ride

Neighborhood bike strolls are the epitome of warm weather in Maine! Whether it’s a leisurely ride down the street, through a scenic trail, or a local park, these sessions are perfect for documenting your streets and trails.

Day at the lake

A day spent at the lake is perfect for relaxed and joyful family moments. Whether you’re swimming, fishing, or kayaking, these types of sessions tend to be really enjoyable for kids as they can just spend the day doing what the enjoy the most. These are laid back, and especially great for day in the life sessions.

Cuddle on the bed

It’s simple, but it’s one of my favorites to incorporate during any at-home session. The family bed is a special place for gathering - your photographs can document you all snuggling together or reading a book.

Ultimately, family photographs can happen anywhere. We don’t need a special activity, nor do we need to go outside of your home. These are just a few ideas to get you thinking outside of the ‘traditional’ family photography box. Really, my biggest piece of advice is to plan your family session where you are all comfortable and feel most at ease.

If you’d like help brainstorming a location that feels the most you, please get in my inbox :)