If you know my work as an Orange County family photographer, you know that family sessions are my favorite thing in the world, besides newborns! There’s nothing better than watching a family that showed up nervous and stiff start laughing and connecting right in front of my camera. That’s why I’m sharing my go-to family photo ideas with you- a behind-the-scenes look at the exact prompts and poses I use to get real, genuine expressions from real families.
Over the last 16 years, I’ve photographed so many families- from toddlers who won’t sit still to teenagers who’d rather be anywhere else. And through all of it, I’ve landed on these 20 prompts that work every single time!
Keep in mind that some of these will work better in certain locations. “The Wall Sit” won’t work in an open field, and “The Silhouette” takes a bit of planning for the right light. But once you get the hang of these, you’ll know which ones to pull out no matter where you’re shooting.
#1. THE “TOGETHER TUCK”
This prompt is one of my go-to family photo poses. It works perfectly for families of all ages and always becomes one of the chosen images for artwork. It’s classic, but elegant, and can also be used as an icebreaker if there are reluctant members in a family. I find that it’s hard for kids to stay mad when they’re being hugged from all sides!
THE PROMPT: I pick one person to be the center of “the Tuck”. This is usually a family member that is the only girl/boy, the shortest, the youngest, etc. From there I will build out “the Tuck” based on height and/or alternating outfit colors/patterns. Once I have everyone in a line, I will turn the subjects on the outside toward the center, and tell them to “hug inward.”
PRO TIP: Keeping the tallest on the outside is often a great starting point, but sometimes it looks better to have a head resting on a shoulder than to have a tall person leaning over too far.. I keep an eye on outfit patterns so they’re not uneven, and make sure no one is feeling too squished or hidden.
Alternating heights can make for a more cohesive looking image. I also love having arms/hands curled around each other when possible.
Having the mom on the outside in this image was a better choice than having her on the inside. It’s much better to have her head on her son’s shoulder than for both of the tallest subjects to be leaning dramatically into the group.
A lot of moms are end up being the shortest in the family. Having her in the center makes her feel more grounded into the rest of the subjects.
#2. THE “SUNDAY STROLL”
This is one of those family photo ideas that I like to do early on in a shoot because it helps older siblings start laughing and feel more relaxed. It’s especially great if you have a location with interesting architecture, tall trees, or a beautiful background. It’s a great way for the family to be centered on a lovely, natural backdrop.
THE PROMPT: I will have my family stand very far away from me (it will be farther than you think). I tell them to hold hands, and walk towards me while talking to each other. I tell them to alternate talking to someone next to them and looking at the camera while walking. I will do this walk several times.
PRO TIP: I tend to ask a lot of questions of the kids/teens early on, especially about things they’re interested in. I will often pick that topic for the family to talk about and it usually brings some energy into the group. I don’t worry about who is looking versus who is turned as there is always a really interesting combination when done a few times. This pose makes great wall art!
Parents don’t always have to be in the center for this shot. I often tell a family to get in a line and watch what they choose. If it looks too messy from a repeating pattern or height standpoint, I will make some adjustments.
Keeping a family centered for these shots usually makes for the most interesting composition. Especially when you have interesting locations like this one.
Don’t worry about little kids looking down for these shots… a lot of times they look down at their feet while strolling which is actually really sweet.
Tip: Keeping everyone in a straight line isn’t the goal. It’s to get genuine interactions and natural expressions.
3. THE “DOG PILE”
If you’re familiar with my family photography, you know that I LOVE getting families to laugh! The Dog Pile is exactly that: it’s a pile of people on the ground, all leaning into and onto each other. I usually save this prompt for the very end of a session as it can sometimes mean people may get dirty on the ground. It’s one of my most favorite family photo ideas.
THE PROMPT: Just like “the Together Tuck”, I pick a few people for the center. But unlike “the Together Tuck”, this person/people are usually the tallest. I will have the smaller/shorter subjects on the outside, and they literally lean in from all sides and the back to make “the Dog Pile”.. If I really want them to laugh, I will call someone out on the sides to tickle someone near them!
PRO TIP: I believe that it’s super helpful for you to know the “vibe” of the family you’re shooting. This kind of pose isn’t going to be the best for a family in beautiful dresses or a family wanting more formal portraiture. I will often tell families during our consultation call that we may be on the ground and get dirty. If a family is okay with that then I usually know that the Dog Pile prompt is going to be a hit!
The only thing to really watch out for in “the Dog Pile” is that everyone’s face is showing and that no one is too uncomfortable.
#4 THE “MONKEY HUG”
This one is sweetness overload. Kids LOVE hugging their parents from behind for some reason and usually result in some big smiles and tickles. This is one of the best family photo ideas for families.
THE PROMPT: I usually have the parents sitting with their kids behind them. I’ll tell the kids that they’re going to “give their mom/dad a big squeeze and a snuggle all at the same time”. I will count to three and yell, “SQUEEZE!”
PRO TIP: If I have kids that are smaller, I always make sure that I have something to prop them up on so they’re not positioned so far back that they end up choking their mom or dad. Even propping them up on a curb or chair can help. I will do a practice run on the actual hug (with young kids) so we can practice positioning and not hugging too hard or choking the arms around the neck.
It’s totally okay to have the kids “hang” on their parents like this! They love it and usually gets the best smiles!
This prompt totally works with older kids, too. And parents LOVE it when they get close like this, even for a few moments.
#5 THE “ANCHOR HOLD”
This is a prompt that parents truly love. It’s the opposite of the “Monkey Hug” and feels like safety with the embrace (kids usually melt into it). This one works for all ages, though with little ones, I find that this family photo idea is more with kids on laps than truly from behind.
THE PROMPT: I have the parents sit behind and straddle the kids between their legs. I’ll tell the parents, “hug them from behind, while bringing your face next to theirs.” I will tell the kids to relax and lean back slightly into their parent while keeping their chin level with the camera.
PRO TIP: It is VERY helpful to have some kind of multi-level surface to do this like stairs, boxes, etc. I prefer to have the parents’ heads close together on this shot as it frames the family perfectly.
For this prompt, I just let kids relax into the parent.
#6. THE “VIP” (THE VERY IMPORTANT PUP)
If you know my work, you know how crazy I am about dogs. And because of that, I tend to attract a lot of families who are also absolutely crazy about their own dogs! And for those families, their dog is often the center of their universe and the heart of their family, which is why I always like to make sure their dog gets the proper placement of honor in the family photo! And as family photo poses go, you can’t go wrong with the pooch as the priority!
THE PROMPT: The dog in the center is most often my go-to spot. If it’s a small dog, the family is usually holding them close with all hands on or near the pup. If it’s a big dog, then I usually have the entire family + dog standing. But some really fun (and clingy) bigger dogs don’t mind being held at all! Once the dog is in position, I tell the family, “No matter how tempted you are to look at the dog, keep looking at the camera.” I will then work my magic to get the dog to look at the camera for at least one perfect family portrait!
PRO TIP: I always keep treats and a squeaky ball in my camera bag which can help a ton. I will always ask about a dog’s temperament before a shoot so I know if I’m dealing with a hesitant, energetic, or older dog. If your dog will be part of your session, it can also help to brush up on dog body language cues so we can keep things relaxed, safe, and fun for everyone. Getting as much information as possible helps me know how to touch, position or work with a dog during the shoot so I can get the best possible attention from them.
For this shot, once I got the family into position I just worked my magic to get Cora to look at the camera. The head-tilt was an added bonus!
Hands on the pup is always a good idea, especially if they are nervous or very energetic.
If there are only two people, having them basically share in the holding of the pup makes for a perfectly centered image.
If the pup is well behaved like Molly, they can be left sitting on their own (but good idea to keep the leash close by)
#7. THE “BUSINESS IN THE MIDDLE”
This is a prompt that came along when I was working with a specific (and special) client. It came about when the kids randomly started making faces when I took a photo of the parents kissing. The kids thought it was absolutely disgusting and told me so! It was at that moment that I realized what an amazing story this shot could hold. This is definitely one of those family photo ideas that became a family favorite!
THE PROMPT: I put the parents in the middle (plus the dog) and tell them to kiss. Then I tell the kids, “You can make whatever face or react however you want!). I count to 3 and let the magic happen!
PRO TIP: I make sure to tell the kids not to move or wiggle too much or they could move out of frame. It’s okay to put your camera focus on the parents; having the kids even a little out of focus can add to the artistry of the shot.
**Note: This is the perfect repeatable shot year-over-year for your special clients! Seeing the evolution of their reactions over the years is the best!
I always use a wide lens for these shots and make sure there’s lots of room for expressions!
Keeping the parents as the focus makes this the perfect shot!
#8. THE “BUDDY BOOST”
I photograph a lot of older families (ahem… teenagers), and they can sometimes be a bit sullen and/or reserved during our session together. A lot of people are in desperate need for family photo ideas when dealing with teenagers. I find the key is to get a rapport with them immediately, usually by asking about their hobbies, sports, and interests. But one sure way to get them to loosen up (and actually enjoy themselves) is to put them to physical work by carrying their sibling(s). Don’t ask me why, but it works every time!
THE PROMPT: I first ask the siblings, “Who wants to be carried around for a bit?” which usually gets them looking at each other smiling and/or laughing. I will typically ask the oldest to carry the youngest, the brother to carry the sister, etc. (but note: I’ve had many little sisters insist on carrying their brothers!). Once someone is being carried, I typically just let the fun flow! What you end up with is a lot of sibling fun!
PRO TIP: I ALWAYS ask the subjects if they are okay being carried before prompting them on this pose. Some kids are just not comfortable, and that should always be respected. This is a prompt I will ask the siblings to do after I’ve already had them working together on poses for a bit, as they can get dirty and hair can get messy.
Letting them do their thing with this is usually the best way to get the most natural images.
See what I mean?
Most brothers LOVE to do this (even tho they will sometimes pretend that they don’t)
#9. THE “SILHOUETTE”
This is one of those prompts that requires a bit of planning beforehand since it can be very location specific. It’s typically done with the sun setting, or a family standing in front of a brighter background. That said, it’s one of those family photography poses that will become a client favorite!
THE PROMPT: I line up the subjects in relation to the background light, not by the subjects’ height. I ask them to hold hands and stand still.
PRO TIP: For these, I do not worry about perfection in posing. These shots can often show the subtle details in how each child uniquely stands, which is priceless to capture. This is much more about the mood these images create! To get the younger kids to stand still long enough to take the image, I will ask them to focus on something in particular on the horizon.
Having the family look at something truly interesting (even with a “partial” silhouette) can make for a memorable image.
#10. THE “PRINCESS SPIN”
This pose idea is for those families with the little princesses. We all know how much kids love to spin, especially when they’re dressed up in beautiful outfits! Moms LOVE these images as they get to relive that joy of childhood. Don’t sleep on this family photo idea for families with young girls!
THE PROMPT: I ask the kids to play “ring around the rosey” while holding hands and spinning. After a few rotations I yell “Let go!” and they will spin wildly while giggling and laughing.
PRO TIP: I always get the kids spinning and twirling by themselves first. Then I will bring the parents in for a beautiful and lively image of them either watching the kids spin or, my personal favorite, the parents kissing in the background. **The kids usually fall down several times while doing this, so I am always careful to make sure that they’re not close to anything that can cause an injury.
I always make sure that my focus is on the parents for this kind of shot (the blur of their dresses makes them feel more in motion).
I take lots of shots for these to get the perfect part of the spin!
#11. THE “WALL SIT”
This is one of the easiest family photo ideas. If you have access to a colorful, unique wall, this one can be absolutely perfect. If everyone is on the ground, it can take away the worry of dramatic height differences. And if you can find a wall with various heights, it can actually make height differences feel even more cohesive in the best way.
THE PROMPT: For everyone against a flat wall, I will line up the subjects based on wardrobe and sometimes gender, depending on the family and the look I want to achieve. Once everyone is sitting down, I will tell them, “Butts together, no space between your Butts”. This will prompt everyone to get much closer with their hips together which is ideal.
I tell them to cross their ankles in the same direction, and I will get several images with them looking at the camera or looking at each other (or usually the youngest). I will take some with them holding their hands, some without. For subjects against a tiered wall, I will organize the subjects to feel as even as possible.
PRO TIP: I am very careful when placing subjects on a raised wall, especially children. I always have parents keep their hands on their children at all times.
I LOVE making the youngest the focus of shots.
Having everyone slightly leaning towards each other is one way to make the pose feel a bit cozy.
I try to keep either all legs up, or all legs down. With the dog sitting up, having their knees up felt most cohesive.
All ankles crossing over in the same direction is definitely a big part of this prompt.
#12. THE “SUPERSTAR”
This is a great prompt and photoshoot idea for families when you have several kids and a very energetic youngest child. This becomes a true family favorite in my galleries as it tends to be a great way to show the littlest one’s personality. These are candid in the best possible way and can also keep the flow and fun going during a shoot when kids are getting bored.
THE PROMPT: I get the entire family seated or standing for a traditional family portrait. Then I will say, “Hey! Youngest sibling! Time to run towards the camera!”. After they get close, I will pause them and either give them a pretend tickle, try to make them laugh, or just let them freestyle for a bit. This is one of those where the child will dictate that final shot!
PRO TIP: I will usually do this shot before I move the child back with the rest of the family for a traditional portrait. Usually they have gotten out some energy after this shot and are ready to take a breather either on their parents’ lap or in their arms.
I usually get several different types of images from this one prompt, including the child looking at the camera, turning to look back at the family, and them running by the camera. Each one is adorable in its own way! It’s also a good idea to give the parents a heads-up that you will be doing this and to tell the family to remain where they are during the shot.
Having the family relaxed in the back (but still looking) is totally fine for this shot.
It’s okay to let them run, just keep them contained as much as possible. Even running in circles can make for some fun images!
#13: THE “KISS”
This is one of those family photo poses that I pull out for families of all ages. With little kids, it results in adorable squished cheeks and lots of love. With teens, I get lots of squirms from the boys and lots of laughter. With adults, I get beautiful connections and joy. It’s the perfect prompt to get genuine expressions and images that reflect the authentic connections in a family. It also helps to get the subjects close together with flattering angles.
THE PROMPT: I begin with deciding who will be “the kissed” and who will be “the kisser”. I find that usually people will want to do a very quick kiss, so it’s important to direct them beforehand to hold the kiss until I tell them to stop. I will count to three, and say, “Okay, now kiss!”.
PRO TIP: This prompt can be pulled out at any time during my shoot as it’s easy and takes no time at all. I find that it’s perfect to add in when I already have my subjects close together. I’m always sure to focus my camera on the person who is looking at the camera or who has their face open to the camera.
**I always keep shooting after the kiss is completed! Usually the reaction AFTER the kiss can result in some of the sweetest images.
For these, I don’t tell them how to react. Because “squishy” faces make for amazing images!
Big sisters LOVE this prompt.
This prompt can make even the most shy couples smile.
I love bringing a blanket for these types of shots. And letting them settle in (with legs tangled) is my favorite.
#14. THE “AIRPLANE”
This photoshoot idea for families works with babies and toddlers and results in such adorable connections through laughter, open-mouth smiles, and true joy. I mean, what kid doesn’t LOVE being lifted and flown through the air?! Parents love this as well, as it becomes such an easy way for their child to reconnect and be present in the moment.
THE PROMPT: This can be done with the parents either sitting or standing. When they’re sitting, I will ask them to do it several times and take several images to get the perfect height of the lift. I will usually have the dad lifting and ask the mom to put her hands on the dad in a supportive way.
I tell both parents to look up at the baby. If the parent is standing, I have them spin slowly in circles to start and then have them rock the child’s face slowly up towards the camera and back again. I tell the parent to look down at the baby.
PRO TIP: I find this one is perfect with a fantastic sunset behind you. It results in gorgeous imagery with genuine connections that result in photos my clients will frame on their walls every time. With little ones, watch for spit up (and take breaks!).
Getting the sunset positioned perfectly for these shots is always my goal!
Kids in motion like this always results in so much joy!
#15. THE “SIDE EYE”
This family photo idea that is so great for siblings, because telling siblings to look at each other will inexplicably result in laughter. It results in genuine expressions that my clients love. It’s quick, easy, and I tend to use it several times during my sessions as it is great to get kids to reengage if they’re getting bored. It works for little kids and teens alike.
THE PROMPT: During normal posing, I will get several shots of the siblings looking at the camera. Then I will say, “Okay. look at each other!” Once they look and laugh, I tell them, “Okay, look back at me really quickly!” For even more fun, I instruct them to look back and forth between their sibling and the camera over and over, which usually ends up in a belly laugh.
PRO TIP: I never stop shooting after they look at each other! Some of the best images come from the laugh when they look back at the camera. This is great while the siblings are stationary, but can also be a lot of fun while they’re walking towards the camera as well.
Even having them whisper an inside joke can bring out the best laughter.
I mean, even a little look can say so much! Especially with brothers!
I love when they look like they’re having the best conversation!
These interactions always make me smile.
#16. THE “FREESTYLE”
This idea for family portraits is fantastic if you have little kids who are just full of energy and are always on the move. I will set aside about 5 minutes with this child to let them freestyle and give me all their best moves. These ALWAYS become mom’s favorite because it showcases their child’s true personality and results in images that are full of life and laughter.
THE PROMPT: I will tell the rest of the family to take a five-minute break, and I will pull the child aside with me in an area with some extra space to move. I will talk to them about things that make them laugh and then ask them if they want to “get their giggles out”. They always say, “YES!” I tell them, “Okay, on the count of three, I want you to dance, get your wiggles out and show me your moves!” I will repeat this with variations until I get a series of images with tons of movement and life.
PRO TIP: This won’t work on all kids, so I like to get a read on them early on in the session. The timing of this is usually best in the middle or towards the end of the session, but if I need to get a child to get some energy out earlier on, then it works great!
His mom and I call these images, “the many faces of B”
Look how much fun he is having!
Telling him to show me how high he can jump works every time!
He sure has moves!
Talk about freestyle!
And we always get such a happy kid when you let them spend some time being themselves.
#17. THE “RUN FROM BEHIND”
This idea for family portraits is a prompt I’ve been doing for years and it never fails to get families to have some fun. It’s one that I will often start with if I have a new family that is feeling hesitant and unsure. It usually helps them relax and get ready for what comes next.
THE PROMPT: After explaining to them exactly what I want them to do, I will say, “I want you to start behind me, and on the count of three, I want you all to run to that tree, rock, etc. (whatever landmark I have chosen), get in a huddle with the family, look at the camera, and strike a pose.” The act of running, not knowing where everyone is going to stand, which pose to choose, always results in laughter and a lot of fun.
PRO TIP: It’s super important to fully explain to the family in advance what I want them to do on this prompt. This prompt will not work for all families, and I’ve never found a hard and fast rule about who it will or won’t work for. Some families are definitely more reserved so the idea of not being told exactly how to be posed can feel uncomfortable for them. If it doesn’t work on the first pass, and I get the sense that anyone isn’t feeling it, I will usually move on.
I always make sure the littlest ones don’t get too squished!
Not everyone has to be looking at the camera for these images to be some of my favorites.
#18. THE “DO YOUR OWN THING”
Sometimes you just need to let the kids do their thing. It’s similar to the Freestyle, but this one is meant to work with the entire family instead of just one kid.
“Do Your Own Thing” doesn’t mean that I let them go absolutely crazy, but with some gentle direction, I let the family choose their own place, position, and pose. You’d be surprised at how often these kinds of images make the front of the holiday card! As family photo ideas for families go, this one is a kid-favorite!
THE PROMPT: I first find an interesting place where the family can spread out a bit as these types of poses are typically more individualized. Once I have them where I want them, usually in an area with a great backdrop, I will first pose the parents in a traditional (but comfortable) way. From there, I will give each kid the option to place themselves how they want. Usually the youngest will place themselves first, and the oldest will work around everyone else.
PRO TIP: I’m always prepared for the kids to want to change their spot a few different times which is totally okay! I also advise the parents to focus on the camera (or each other!) for the most interesting portrait!
This one is definitely centered around the youngest, who chose his position first.
Letting them choose their spots result in some pretty funny positions. (The mom absolutely loved this image!).
#19. THE “HEADS TOGETHER”
This family photo idea is great for both classic portraits and emotional moments. It centers your subjects in frame in a beautiful way and often delivers some truly beautiful imagery that is frame-worthy. These are often client favorites!
THE PROMPT: I position the subjects exactly where I want them and center myself to capture them in a cohesive way. I say, “Put your heads together!” and wait to see what they do. Sometimes it will require a little bit of repositioning on my part to get their heads where they need to be. It’s helpful for me to instruct them to keep their chins up, as you don’t want their faces pointed toward the ground for this shot.
PRO TIP: I ALWAYS ask for permission to touch my clients before doing so, even if it’s just tilting their head slightly. If I am shooting in tightly, I won’t worry too much about hand placement, but if I’m zoomed out a bit, I will always check to make sure they’re either holding hands or in a flattering position.
Tip: the eyes do NOT have to perfectly line up for these shots. Cheek to cheek isn’t the goal.
Having the youngest in the middle is a good place to start.
I never stop them from improvising. These moves usually reflect their unique personalities.
Height differences can make for cute hugs for this prompt.
Heads together AND noses together make for sweet moments.
#20. THE “MVPs”
We all know that these family shoots wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for the true MVPs – The parents. I always try to include parent poses at the end of all of my sessions because I know personally, after being married for 29 years, that getting photos together without kids isn’t as easy as it sounds. Parents deserve to have a moment of calm reflection and connection in the midst of the chaos. These images have become truly meaningful for my clients who return year after year as they get to see the evolution of not just their family, but their relationship as well.
THE PROMPT: For parents, I keep it simple. I usually instruct the kids to entertain themselves for a few minutes (if possible) and have the parents stand together, as close as possible, and just connect. For this one, I usually suggest a series of “heads together”, “look at each other”, “take a stroll”, “kiss the top of her head”, or anything else that actually feels organic and not forced.
PRO TIP: These are images that I never force. I give them space and some time to connect, but they are also shots that usually come quickly and naturally. Gentle prompting is best here, and then I watch to see what unfolds!
Heads together then looking at each other is my go-to prompt at the beginning of the parent poses.
I believe wholeheartedly that parents deserve to have their relationship highlighted at their family shoot!
(… but we all know that fur-babies have their own special place with the parents).
When to Schedule Your Family Photo Session
Golden hour is everything. I always recommend booking your session about an hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering. I also suggest avoiding scheduling right after school or during nap time for little ones — you want everyone fed, rested, and in a decent mood. As for time of year, fall is the most popular season for family sessions in Orange County, but honestly, we’re lucky enough to shoot year-round here.
What to Wear to Your Family Photoshoot
The number one question I get. My advice is always the same: coordinate, don’t match. Pick two or three colors that complement each other and build everyone’s outfits from there. Earth tones, muted blues, creams, and greens photograph beautifully. Avoid logos, neon colors, and busy patterns that compete with each other. And when in doubt, plan mom’s outfit first and build around her.
What to Bring to Your Family Photo Session
Keep it simple. Here are a few things that make a real difference:
- Snacks and water — especially if you have little ones
- A change of shoes — for outdoor locations with uneven ground
- A brush or comb — things get windblown and messy (in the best way)
- Your dog’s favorite treats — if your pup is joining us
- A good attitude — I’ll handle the rest
Ready to Book Your Family Session?
So there you have it! My top favorite family photo ideas, prompts and poses for beautiful family portraits! I hope this blog comes in handy for when you are planning your next family photoshoot!
Do you need your own family photos? I would love to meet you and capture your beautiful family! Head over to my family page where I cover all the details on my family portrait session experience! we can shoot at any of my favorite secret outdoor locations or in my Tustin family photoshoot studio! Contact me for more information!
Jennifer Imus is the owner and lead photographer of Jennifer Imus Photography, a full-service portrait studio in Old Town Tustin, California. With over 17 years of experience, she specializes in maternity, newborn, family, and senior photography for Orange County families who value a beautifully guided, stress-free experience and heirloom artwork for their homes. Jennifer is known for her calm approach, natural posing prompts, and creating timeless images that celebrate connection and motherhood.
