Looking for family photo ideas that go beyond standing in a straight line? Think cheek kisses, a picnic on the grass or a little leaf tossing with the kids.
These pictures give you plenty to try, from simple portraits at home to snowy outdoor shots.
You can coordinate everyone’s outfits or keep the focus on a hug. I especially love the photos where nobody is looking at the camera.
Pick a setting you like, then leave room for those little in-between moments.
Family Photo Poses and Settings to Save
cream and blue by the water
We’re starting off with this sweet portrait of three. I love the cream sweater beside the blue button-front shirt.
The baby faces the camera while the adults look toward each other.
Try holding your little one between you rather than having everyone face straight ahead.
pumpkin patch smiles
How cute is this pumpkin patch photo? The child sits right in front with his hands on a pumpkin while the adults lean together behind him.
If you want to try a similar pose, sit close and let the pumpkins fill the bottom of the picture. There’s no need to bring extra decorations.
sunset silhouettes
I am obsessed with this sunset silhouette. The orange sky, joined hands and little figure on the right are so lovely together.
Ask your photographer for a wide shot with the bright sky behind you. Leave a little space between each person so everyone’s outline shows.
a kiss among the flowers
This flower-field portrait may just be one of my favorites. I love the little cheek kiss against all those pink, orange and white blooms.
The child’s blue shirt looks so pretty beside the white dress.
Save a few frames for a parent-and-child cuddle during your group session.
plaid pajamas at the door
Don’t want to dress everyone up? No problem! This group wears plaid pajamas with navy and red layers in front of a wreath-covered door.
The little dog at the bottom is such a cute addition. Try gathering on your doorstep with some people standing and someone crouched beside your pet.
blue and white together
If you are looking for a simple color combination, this one is for you. White tops and blue pieces tie the group together without everyone wearing the same outfit.
I especially love the overalls beside the tied white shirt. Choose a shared palette, then let each person pick a different shape.
sitting beside a hay bale
How sweet is this seated portrait? The white tees, tan shorts and pale pink skirt keep the outfits simple against the big round hay bale.
Sit close with your child in front if you want to follow this arrangement. Looking just past the camera is a nice option too.
a walk along the path
I love this black-and-white walking photo. The adults have their arms around each other while one child is carried and the other looks back from farther along the path.
Ask for a few pictures from behind as you walk. You don’t have to turn every moment into a front-facing pose.
a picnic with the baby
If you’d rather have something to do during your photos, try a picnic. Here, the adults sit on spread-out blankets with the baby cradled in one pair of arms.
Bowls, drinks and a sunhat fill the foreground.
Bring a few picnic favorites for your own version. I’d keep the sunglasses for a casual shot like this.
leaves in the air
This is one of my favorite playful photos on the list. I love the raised arms and all those leaves flying above the group!
Try a small leaf toss while your photographer keeps shooting. The mustard hat and checked outfits are cute fall outfit inspiration too.
cuddles on the couch
Don’t want to head outside for your pictures? This couch photo is such a lovely option.
The older children lean into the adults with the baby nestled in the middle.
I love that nobody is sitting perfectly straight. Gather near a large window and leave room for the kids to cuddle up.
a kiss on each cheek
How adorable is that little smile? Both adults lean in for a cheek kiss with the child held between them.
The evergreen tree and tiny lights look so pretty in the background.
This is a sweet close-up to try if your child enjoys kisses.
earth tones in the field
The brown, cream and muted green pairing is so pretty here. The youngest children stand in front while the adults and taller child gather closely behind them.
If you like coordinated outfits but don’t want identical looks, borrow these colors. I’d keep the matching cream tops for a little repetition.
dogs in the front row
The dogs get their own front row in this portrait! I love the gray bandana beside the navy and pale gray outfits behind them.
For your own pet-inclusive picture, try seating the dogs in front with an adult holding their leashes. Keep your baby held close for the standing part of the pose.
hands held together
Don’t want every picture to show faces? No problem there! This close-up brings several hands together against dark and neutral sleeves.
Ask for a detail shot with your hands gently overlapping. It’s a simple addition beside the full family portraits.
everyone on the front steps
If you’re looking for a seated pose for an all-adult group, save this one. Two people sit slightly higher in the middle with the others on the lower steps.
The arched doorway makes such a pretty backdrop. Try using different steps rather than squeezing everyone onto a single row.
a playful snow-day portrait
I love how playful this snowy picture is. Everyone is down in the snow with snowy sleeves, raised gloves and big smiles.
The tall trees and mountain stay in the frame too.
For a similar photo, wear snow-ready layers and keep the seated moment brief. You can ask for a wider view to include the scenery.
reaching for an apple
This is such a cute alternative to asking everyone to smile. The child reaches into the apple tree while being held, with both adults turned toward the action.
Try taking pictures during an orchard visit where picking is allowed. Keep the camera ready for the reaching and looking, not just the apple afterward.
two rows by the lake
Looking for a way to arrange a bigger group? Here, three children stand behind the seated adults and younger child.
I love the burgundy dress with the blue, cream and muted green outfits.
You could borrow this two-row arrangement on a broad porch or platform well away from the water’s edge.
a close newborn cuddle
Last but definitely not least, we have this lovely black-and-white newborn portrait. The adults lean their heads together with the sleeping baby held between them. That tiny headband is adorable.
Read also: 19+ Genius Family Ideas That Bring Everyone Together
Ask for a close crop and a dark background if you like this look. Keep your baby fully supported throughout the pose.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily
Related stories