Looking for winter family photos that go beyond standing in a row? Think red boots among Christmas trees, matching hats or a little snowman right in the middle.
These ideas include snowy portraits, playful close-ups and an indoor option if you’d rather skip the snow.
You can keep things simple or bring in a few festive details. There’s outfit inspiration here too, so you can pick your colors before deciding where everyone should stand.
Winter Family Photo Ideas to Save
red boots and Christmas trees
We’re starting off strong with this super cute red and plaid combination. I love the little red boots matching the taller pair.
The red sweater and checked scarf bring that same color through the whole group.
Try standing between rows of evergreens if you want a festive photo without needing snow.
a hand-in-hand snowy walk
Don’t want everyone standing perfectly still? This walking photo is such a lovely alternative.
The group links arms and holds hands beneath snow-covered branches, with cream, gray and black tops mixed together.
Ask everyone to take a few slow steps toward the camera and look at each other for a couple of shots.
cream tan and a checked scarf
This neutral outfit combination may just be one of my favorites here. I love the long checked scarf next to the plain white jacket.
The tan coat and tan pants repeat the same color without making every outfit identical.
Bring everyone close together for this simple front-facing portrait.
a sled from above
How cute is this overhead photo? The red hat, cream hat with its big red pom-pom, striped mittens and plaid blanket look so pretty against the snow.
Even the boots at the bottom become part of the picture.
Ask your photographer for a top-down shot of a stationary sled if you want something different from another smiling portrait.
kids in front
The little hug in the foreground is my favorite part of this photo. The children face the camera while the adults share a kiss farther back, with a red-and-black checked jacket adding a bright spot.
Try this arrangement when you want the kids to be the focus without leaving anyone out.
marshmallow mugs
You don’t need faces in every photo! These three mugs meet in the middle, surrounded by snow-dusted gloves and red, cream and black outfit details.
Save a little space in your album for a close-up like this. Bring mugs of cocoa topped with marshmallows if you want to try your own version.
matching hats and little kisses
I am obsessed with these matching little outfits. The charcoal hats and tan vests are so cute together, especially with the adults leaning in from either side.
Keep the crop close to capture the kisses and those wide-eyed expressions.
bring the dog along
If your dog is part of the family, this collage has plenty of ideas to borrow. There’s a snowy walk, a close-up by the steps and a lovely shot of one person crouching and the other bending toward their dog.
For your own version, try both crouching beside your dog so everyone can gather at the same height.
long coats and burgundy accents
Still choosing your own outfit? This is an outfit collage rather than a family portrait, but the long gray and camel coats give you some pretty options.
I especially love the burgundy scarf and matching hat.
For your family’s version, try repeating burgundy in one other person’s accessories instead of putting everyone in the same coat.
a kiss for the snowman
How adorable is this little snowman? The adult and child lean toward its face from opposite sides, wearing matching brown outfits and pale hats.
If you’re already building a snowman together, pause for a picture beside it. That big curved smile is worth keeping in the frame.
snowballs and big smiles
This is one of my favorite playful photos on the list. The child holds a snowball in front while the adult follows with another raised in one hand.
The open-mouthed smiles are the best part. Let a little snow play become part of your session instead of asking for another still pose.
skating toward the trees
Don’t want to face the camera in every shot? No problem!
This rear-view skating photo shows all four people on the ice, with each child holding an adult’s hand and a snowy, tree-covered slope ahead.
Read also: 20+ Adorable Mommy and Son Photo Ideas Stealing Hearts
I love the rusty brown and pale blue outfits together. Try a similar shot at a designated skating area, or borrow the rear-view arrangement for a walking photo on a snowy path instead.
framed by festive greenery
This holiday portrait is so pretty. Blurred greenery and little golden lights surround the adult and child, with a red plaid skirt and green cap adding even more festive color.
Ask your photographer to shoot through a wreath for a similar frame. Keep the greenery close to the camera rather than crowding your faces.
a fireplace floor portrait
Prefer to stay indoors? This seated family photo is a sweet place to start.
The blue shirt, black outfits and blue jeans keep the colors simple against the pale fireplace.
I love the baby’s lifted foot and the older child looking up at the adults. You don’t need everyone looking at the lens for a lovely picture.
pom-pom hats at the rink
Those pom-pom hats are just too cute together. The adult kneels beside the child on the rink, with pale pink skates next to a bright blue pair.
If you’re planning skating photos, ask for a supported, stationary moment by the rink edge. You can keep the little skates in the shot without needing an action pose.
a black-and-white family cuddle
I love this black-and-white portrait with one child held at the hip and another sitting on shoulders. The little hands resting on top of the adult’s hat are such a sweet detail.
Read also: 20 Family Photo Ideas With Sweet Poses and Pretty Outdoor Settings
Ask for a black-and-white version of one of your family photos too, especially if you like the dark trees against the pale snow.
let the little one lead
This little rust-colored snowsuit looks adorable against the white path. The child walks ahead while the adult follows with arms stretched out.
Try letting your little one lead for a few steps while you stay nearby. Ask the photographer to focus on them with you still visible in the background.
blue hats beneath the treetops
If you are looking for a different camera angle, then this one is for you. The photo looks up toward matching pale blue hats, with snowy branches spreading out overhead.
I love the tiny blue flowers on the child’s jacket. Ask for a low-angle shot to include more of those treetops.
matching cream beanies
Don’t want to go overboard with patterns? No problem! Try cream hats with beige, brown and gray outfits like this family.
The children are held close, so all four faces sit near each other. I especially love that some are looking at the camera while others look at one another.
a snowy walk in black and white
Last but definitely not least, we have this beautiful snowy walking photo. The adults each carry a little one while the child in the middle walks between them.
Ask your photographer to hang back for a wide shot like this. The arching branches and falling snow deserve a little room in the picture too.
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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