Planning a family photo session doesn’t have to mean stiff poses and forced smiles. In fact, the best family photos—the ones that truly capture who you are—happen in the little in-between moments: the giggles, the chaos, the cuddles, the adventure.
As a Melbourne-based lifestyle photographer, I believe your session should feel like time well spent together, not just a slot on the calendar. That’s why I always encourage families to make it fun, relaxed, and uniquely you. Whether it’s baking in your kitchen, reading on the couch, or simply exploring your backyard, weaving real activities into your session helps everyone loosen up and forget about the camera.
From toddlers who won’t sit still to teens who need a little extra reason to smile, these ideas are designed to bring out natural joy and connection—and create memories you’ll love looking back on. Indoors or outdoors, big adventures or low-key moments, here are some ideas to get you thinking. Mix, match, or use them as a springboard for your own traditions.
- Baking together. Cookies, pancakes, whatever’s easy and makes a mess. Kids love licking the spoon, teens love stealing the finished product.
- Building a cubby. Indoors with sheets and chairs, or outdoors with sticks and imagination.
- Dancing it out. Crank up the music in the living room or twirl around in the last light of day. No choreography required.
- Exploring a bush trail or walking track. Especially if you’ve got a favourite spot you already visit — or are up for discovering somewhere new.
- Playing a board game. Particularly great with older kids and teens — lots of personality, lots of expression.
- Water play. Backyard sprinkler, bubble bath, dipping your toes in a creek — water brings the fun.
- Climbing trees or swinging on the monkey bars. Local playgrounds are perfect for letting kids burn off energy and be their bold little selves.
- Reading stories together. Snuggled up on the couch or sprawled across a bed. Sweet, slow, and simple.
- Jumping on the trampoline. Add a blanket and it’s also a great spot to pile up for cuddles.
- Exploring a market or street fair. If your family loves colour and energy and treats — this could be your vibe.
- Gardening or pottering around the backyard. Pulling carrots, watering plants, lying in the grass — real, earthy moments.
- Kicking the footy or shooting hoops. A great way to connect with kids who like to do rather than pose.
- Having a picnic. On your rug in the backyard, at the beach, or halfway through a hike. Food, blankets, cuddles. Done.
- Doing craft or painting. Messy hands, big creativity, lots of colour.
- Snuggling on the bed. Truly, this one’s a classic for a reason. The heart of the home, where so much connection happens.
- Washing the car or hosing the dog. Yes, really — ordinary things can make wonderful photos.
- Playing with pets. Because they’re part of the family too.
- Making smoothies or hot chocolates. Add whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles — whatever makes it feel like a treat.
- Riding bikes or scooters. Around the block, to the park, or across the paddock. Movement = natural smiles.
- Drawing with chalk on the driveway. Colourful, creative, and gone with the next rain — like childhood itself.
- Looking through old family photo albums. Especially sweet with older kids — a lovely way to show connection through time.
- Backyard camping setup. Blankets, fairy lights, marshmallows, and daydreams. All the fun, no overnight bags required.
- A beach trip. Splashing in the shallows, digging holes, playing chase with the waves. Sunshine, sand, and salt in your hair.
- Puddle jumping after rain. If you’re game, this can be the most fun you’ll have all week.
- Trying something new together. A puzzle, a TikTok dance, making sushi, a science experiment — even if it goes sideways, you’ll have fun.
- Cloud-watching. Lay out a rug and look for dragons or dogs in the sky. Just as dreamy.
Ready to create your own magic?
Whatever activity you choose, the most important thing is that it feels right for your family. Whether it’s an afternoon of wild play or a quiet moment snuggled on the couch, your photos should reflect your real life—beautifully imperfect and full of love.
If you’re dreaming up a family photo session that’s more than just poses—something relaxed, meaningful, and genuinely you—I’d love to be part of it. Let’s make something special together.
Get in touch and book your family session here
Let’s tell your story, just as you are.
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