Make your family photography stand out: 8 tips to make it unique and memorable

Family photography is a broad and nuanced genre, where each image has the power to tell a unique story. Its essence lies not in the perfect pose, but in capturing those authentic, spontaneous moments that reflect the true connection between family members. The main goal of family reportage is to preserve everyday moments and transform them into lasting, emotionally charged memories.

If you are thinking of becoming a professional family photographer, in this article you will find key tips to ensure that your sessions convey naturalness, closeness and real feeling. Because, beyond a beautiful image, what your clients are really looking for is to relive this stage of their lives over and over again, especially the moments they share with their children, who grow up faster than they can imagine.

In a family photography session, even the simplest afternoon can be transformed into an unforgettable memory if you know how to capture its essence.

What are family photo shoots like and what makes them so special?

Family photo shoots are a speciality within the photographic world that focus on capturing emotional and authentic moments, highlighting the complicity and love between the members of the same family. Especially when there are children, the aim is not only to portray faces, but to preserve memories and tell stories that remain alive over time.

This type of family photography encompasses a wide variety of sessions, which can start from the moment a couple decides to start a family, through a pregnancy session, and accompany them through the different stages of their children’s growth, until they become teenagers. Each session becomes a small chapter in a larger family story.

As a photographer, within the universe of family photography, you can specialise in different styles and key moments. But if you want to stand out in this field, it’s important that you know how to plan and market your sessions effectively and sensitively. Here are some key tips.

Tips for planning and delivering successful family sessions

• Choose the type of family photography sessions you are most comfortable with: lifestyle, documentary, studio or location photography. Your style will be reflected in the final result.
• Experiment with new approaches: offering variety will allow you to reach different client profiles and enrich your portfolio.
• Take care of the setting: prepare carefully detailed sets, use meaningful props and select locations that add a special touch.
• Make the most of the magic of the outdoors: look for natural or urban environments with charm that connect with the family portrayed.
• Build trust with the little ones: create a relaxed and playful atmosphere so that they feel comfortable and can show themselves as they are.
• Beyond the posed portrait: look for spontaneous moments, natural gestures, laughter and glances. That’s where the real emotion is hidden.
• Build client loyalty: offer packs by stages (pregnancy, birth, first year, etc.) or discounts for future sessions. This way you will create a long-term relationship.
• Never stop training: deepen your specialisation, keep up to date with trends and continue to explore your creativity.

8 keys to capturing unique and unforgettable family photos

A good family photo is much more than just bringing everyone together in a well-focused image. What really makes it special is its ability to convey emotions, bonds and the genuine complicity that exists between them. It is in those gestures, looks and shared laughter where the real magic of this type of reportage lies.

Given that these sessions involve several people, often with very different ages and personalities, composition and planning are of key importance. Sensitive direction, creating a relaxed atmosphere and anticipating spontaneous moments will make the difference between the right image and a truly memorable family portrait.

We’ve already given you some ideas, but now let’s take a closer look. Here are 8 tips designed to make your reportage not only technically flawless, but also emotional, authentic and unique. Get inspired, adapt them to your style and offer them as part of your professional proposal.

1# Types of family photos you can offer as a photographer

Before family photography became a growing trend, many families only used a photographer for very specific and solemn moments in their children’s lives, such as a christening, first communion or a special birthday. However, nowadays the demand has grown considerably and it is common for parents to want to preserve memories of every stage and special moment, from pregnancy to adolescence.

In today’s market, there is a wide variety of sessions with children and families that have become highly valued proposals for clients. The following ideas are just a sample, but the possibilities are almost infinite: you can design as many modalities as your creativity and personal style allows.

When planning your offer, the most important thing is to analyse all the available options and choose the ones that fit your way of working, your photographic style and your business vision. Here are some inspirational ideas to get you started on building an attractive and differentiating proposal.

Pregnancy session: the first photo in the family album

It could be said that family photography begins with these sessions where expectant mothers want to keep a precious memory of their pregnant belly. Within this speciality different products can be offered, for example:

• In-studio reports plus posed shots.
• Outdoor maternity sessions.
• Combination of photo reportage and belly painting.
• Photographs in pairs.
• Boudoir for pregnant women.
• Thematic reports.
• Etc.

For this type of session during the last trimester of pregnancy, it is very useful to have fancy dresses for pregnant women and to teach the expectant mothers how to pose so that their figure looks much more beautiful.

Childbirth photography: capturing the long-awaited arrival

Birth photography is one of the most intimate disciplines in the world of family photography. Its aim is not only to document the birth of a baby, but to capture the strength, emotion and deep connection that is experienced in that unrepeatable moment. From the contractions to the first cry, through the gazes of the parents, the skin-to-skin contact or the contained emotion of the environment, each image becomes a visual testimony of love, life and transformation.

This type of reportage requires great sensitivity, discretion and preparation on the part of the photographer. It is not a question of intervening or posing, but of being present with respect, capturing the moments as they happen. Birth photography is undoubtedly a way of narrating with images the beginning of a new story, offering families a real and moving memory of the day when everything changed forever.

 

Newborn photo shoot: the first portrait of the baby

Many of the photographers who do pregnancy shoots also do newborn shoots, this way they can offer special packs and the clients will also be able to see how they work in the maternity session.

These reports are usually organised during the first 10 days of the baby’s life and capture in a more artistic and creative way those positions adopted by the baby in its mother’s womb and its first expressions that will change very quickly.

For this type of reportage the photographer has to have extensive technical knowledge, especially in positioning the baby and creating sets.

Here are a few extra tips for this type of photo shoot with newborns.

>> Key tips for capturing the most tender and emotional newborn photos

Family breastfeeding photo: a once-in-a-lifetime experience

This session of mums breastfeeding their babies, which is so natural, is becoming more and more fashionable among mums because it is a precious reminder of one of the most beautiful and unique childhood stages in the life of a mother and her child. Breastfeeding.

In this type of photography the idea is to immortalise this intimate moment between a mother and her child. The photographer must ensure a pleasant atmosphere in the studio and guide the mother so that she feels comfortable and calm at all times during the process.

Christening photo session: their first official event

These christening photoshoots can be planned for clients with a photo session prior to the big day, where you can propose some photos at home with the family in a casual look and also with the christening clothes and all the details.

A second part of this photo session can be the actual photo reportage during the day of the religious ceremony or even a session in the studio as a family portrait.

Follow-up images from the first year: an unforgettable memory

It is also very fashionable for parents to do several mini-sessions spread over the first 12 months of a newborn baby’s life to keep a record of its development.

Without a doubt, this is a very nice way to keep a precious memory of this special year and a way for children’s photographers to have an extra income in the off-peak periods.

Delicious smash cake photos: celebrating their first birthday in style!

Many mums and dads want to celebrate their baby’s first birthday in style and keep a different kind of memory of this happy moment. In the smash cake or first birthday sessions, the little ones will be confronted with a delicious and appetising cake with lots of colours that they can touch, smash and taste to their heart’s content.

As this photo session is so popular, many photographers also offer it to older children and even organise sessions for adults. And other photographers, to complement this sweet and sticky photo shoot, offer families the possibility to take a warm bath after the session in a more relaxed photo shoot.

To organise this type of photo sessions with children you have to prepare several birthday sets according to the theme that the parents want and have the contact of a good confectioner who, as well as making cakes suitable for 1 year old babies, knows how to adapt their creations to your decoration.

First communion sessions: a moment of great emotion for the children

Communion photos are a classic every spring and over the years they have become a great source of income for photographers. A few months before the big day, a studio and/or outdoor session can be organised to get some beautiful images of the child dressed for his or her first communion that will later serve as a souvenir for the family. As you would expect, on the day of the first communion, you can also do a reportage during the ceremony and with the rest of the family and friends. Or even go to the celebration hall to make a reportage in its gardens.

For this type of session, especially before the day of the communion, you should prepare your studio with props in pastel tones that go with the theme of communions (boats, flowers in pink tones, etc.). And for the outdoor photos, you should have several charming locations.

Next, we are going to share with you an article that will help you to improve your communion photos for next season.

>> 9 keys to take the best communion photos of 2025

 

Themed children’s photo shoots: a fun idea for the slower months

Another excellent option to keep the activity going during the months when there are no specific campaigns, such as Christmas, back to school or communions, are themed children’s photo shoots. These types of sessions not only help you to keep your work flowing during quieter times, but also encourage creativity and allow you to connect with families in a fun and original way.

The possibilities are almost endless: you can create scenarios inspired by children’s favourite cartoons or films, organise sessions in costume, or take advantage of celebrations such as Halloween, Carnival or Father/Mother’s Day to design attractive and personalised proposals. These sessions, as they are full of imagination and colour, are very popular with both children and parents and tend to be very well received if they are well communicated in advance. They are also an ideal opportunity to build loyalty among your current clients and attract new ones with a different and fun offer.

 

Photos adapted to the different seasons

Another very effective way to work with themed family photography is to take advantage of the different seasons of the year to launch temporary campaigns with specific aesthetics and concepts. These seasonal mini-sessions not only offer variety to your portfolio, but also generate expectation and recurring demand among your clients, who look forward to new creative proposals every year.

For example, in late spring it is common to see fresh and cheerful shoots, with seasonal fruits as props or atmospheres that evoke summer and beach days, even from the studio, using colourful backgrounds and summer accessories. In autumn, campaigns tend to take a more artistic turn: the triumph of reportage with fine art aesthetics, warm tones, dry leaves, dim lighting and a nostalgic atmosphere that connects very well with family emotions. These campaigns not only work on an aesthetic level, but also become memorable moments for families, who enjoy the process as much as the end result.

Christmas family photography: a very special memory with lots of magic

Without a doubt, the Christmas session is the star reportage of the whole winter and there are few children’s photographers who can resist organising a Christmas decoration for these magical sessions. These types of shoots usually start to be organised just after the summer because they take a lot of work, especially when it comes to thinking about and creating the decor.

To prepare for this type of session, as well as having a decor ready that will leave the families speechless, you also have to organise some special products, such as, for example, Christmas cards with the photos of the session, Christmas decorations and of course, packs of printed photographs. In the following article we give you some tips on how to prepare your next Christmas campaign.

>> It’s time to plan your Christmas campaign 2024

Family studio sessions: family portraits

Another of the classics that can be offered in a photography studio are family or children’s photo shoots. Because when families want a more formal photo of all the members, the classic studio sessions are the most demanded. And although it is a more classic and posed type of reportage, you can also add your personal touch by playing with different settings and props.

For this type of photo shoot it is important to have several timeless sets ready, some props and a lot of imagination to take the little ones of the house with you.

Outdoor family photoshoots: a very fun outing

With the arrival of the good weather, families want to go out into the countryside or take a walk along the beach at sunset and take advantage of the occasion to have a memory of all the members of the family. These outdoor photo shoots are pure spontaneity and the ones that children like the most because they can jump, run and have much more freedom than in a photo studio.

For this type of outdoor session, especially to liven up the session for the children and to gain their trust, you can have various games prepared or bring small toys such as balls, jump ropes or pompoms to the photo shoot.

It is also important that you are clear about the best places for this type of photographs and the most appropriate time to take them.

Family photo sessions on holiday

An excellent way to do this type of outdoor family session is to offer it especially to families visiting your town during their holidays. To do this, select emblematic locations, charming natural spots or representative landscapes of the area that reflect the beauty of the surroundings. Design an exclusive pack for tourists, designed so that they can take away a unique and emotional souvenir of their stay. This service will not only allow them to capture special moments with their family, but also to get to know unique places with a local photographer who will know how to highlight the best of each setting.

In addition, you can collaborate with accommodation or tourist attractions to promote this experience as part of the holiday offer in the area.

 

Family photograph of parents and grandparents

When you become a parent, you also want to preserve every moment you have with your children: their first smiles, games, hugs and everyday moments that become memorable. However, in the midst of everyday life, we often forget something very valuable: creating memories with grandparents, our own parents.

Having a photo session with them is not only a visual gift, but also an emotional one. This type of family photo shoot is often particularly touching, because it captures the bond between generations, the serene love of the grandparents and their unique complicity with the grandchildren.

What’s more, they often don’t expect it, which makes the experience an even more special surprise. Giving them such a moment is not only a nice gesture in the present, but a memory that will be treasured forever.

 

Family pictures on special days

In addition, throughout the year there are very special dates, such as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, when a family photo session can become an original, emotional and meaningful gift. Capturing shared moments, gestures of affection and the connection between parents and children is a wonderful way to celebrate this special day. This type of report is also an excellent option to commemorate the birthday of one of the fathers. Beyond material gifts, giving memories in the form of images is to bet on something that will have value over time and that can be relived over and over again.

A family session thus becomes a different plan, a shared experience and a memory that will last forever.

 

Family photography with pets

Pets are not just pets, they are a very essential part of our lives and, for many, a member of the family. That’s why including them in family photo shoots is not only natural, but also very special.

These photo shoots capture authentic moments: complicit glances, spontaneous games, furry hugs and all that unconditional affection that our pets give us every day. Whether it is a dog, a cat or any other pet, their presence brings tenderness, joy and a unique touch to each image.

A family session with your pet is a beautiful way to celebrate this pure and sincere bond, and to preserve it forever in the form of touching memories. Because they are part of our story too.

 

2# New ways to portray your family: on-trend photography styles

Once you’ve defined the specialisations that best align with your personal style and background, it’s time to explore different creative approaches that will help set you apart from other professionals in your field. Trying out different styles will not only enrich your portfolio, but will also allow you to offer unique proposals adapted to each type of client.

Within the field of children’s photography, there are currently two very marked and booming styles within the field of family photography sessions: lifestyle style and fine art. Although they are totally opposite trends, both are very popular and offer very different results both aesthetically and emotionally. Each of these trends not only reflects a way of understanding this work, but must also be adapted to the photographer’s personality and, especially, to the age and temperament of the young protagonists.

Choosing the right style for each case can make the difference between a good session and a truly memorable one.

Below, we will explore both styles in more depth so that you can assess which one best suits your approach and the type of experience you want to offer your families.

Documentary or lifestyle style photography

Particularly for newborns and many family sessions, more and more parents are looking for authentic, natural and close-up memories, away from over-prepared or contrived images. For this type of family, lifestyle shoots are an ideal option. This style is based on capturing the essence of everyday life, with an intimate and spontaneous look. The photographer moves to the family home or accompanies the family on a walk in the open air, creating a comfortable and relaxed environment where the protagonists can show themselves as they are.

In this type of session, traditional posing is avoided. The aim is:

• To photograph in a flattering way without forcing poses.
• To make the protagonists forget about the camera and act naturally.
• Generate a relaxed, warm and fun atmosphere that is reflected in each image.
• Capture the connection, the gestures and the real complicity between the members of the family.

Within this documentary approach, there is a modality that is gaining more and more popularity: the sessions carried out during childbirth or in the first 48 hours of the baby’s life in the hospital. This type of reportage focuses on capturing the pure emotion of the moment, the tenderness of the first encounters and the unique expressions of the newborn. In these sessions, the photographer’s job is not to position or intervene, but to observe with sensitivity and capture real moments: the first skin-to-skin contact, a tear of emotion, the first glances, the small details that only happen once.

This documentary style requires tact, empathy and a great capacity for anticipation, but the result is deeply human and touching memories that families will treasure for a lifetime.

Fine art artistic photo shoots

Fine art style shoots are characterised by their artistic, careful and detailed approach. They are much more elaborate photo sessions that seek to create images with a strong aesthetic, almost pictorial component, and are especially designed for children from the age of one, when they can interact with their surroundings and hold their attention for longer.

In this type of session, the photographer’s work goes far beyond shooting the camera: it is necessary to design a visually attractive setting, with carefully composed sets, selected costumes and a careful choice of props. For this reason, they are usually shot in a studio, where the light, the atmosphere and every element of the frame can be controlled. The aim is to create a magical universe around the child, where they become the protagonist of a unique visual story. Whether inspired by fairy tales, seasons, classic themes or dreamlike environments, each fine art session is a small work of art.

This type of family photography not only documents a stage, but transforms that moment into an artistic memory that can be displayed as a decorative work, charged with emotion and beauty.

3# Plan successful family photography campaigns: organisation, strategy and anticipation

When planning a family photo shoot, take the time to prepare for it, especially if you have several things to consider, for example:

• Where is the shoot going to take place – in the studio, on location or even in the family home? Depending on whether you have to travel or not, you will have to plan the type of props, lighting, sets, etc. that you will need to use.

• How old are the children? If you are going to work with young children, ideally you should have some kind of game or treat ready to gain their trust and make them more natural and calm during the family photo.

• Advise families on the most appropriate type of clothing to bring on the day of the session and the most suitable colour ranges to avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of the photo shoot.

• If it’s going to be an outdoor shoot. Look for locations you like ahead of time, try to go another day at the same time to see what kind of light you will have and plan an alternative if it rains that day.

• Prepare your equipment according to where you will be shooting.
• Use your creativity to create unique scenes and take care of the composition of the images.
• Always be alert and never stop shooting. Especially with children, you never know when an emotional family photo will come along.

4# Discover the best locations for your family photos and create unforgettable memories

If your clients want to leave the studio for an outdoor photo shoot and the session is with children, the possibilities for an unforgettable photo shoot multiply. But for everything to go smoothly, you must first have a series of well-located places where you know that the photographs will be perfect for this type of client. To do this:

• Look for places close to your location where children can play, jump and run around. A beach, a nearby wooded area, a park with large green spaces or a country area are perfect places.
• If you live in the city, you’re bound to find a skate park, a park with a large playground or a fountain for the kids to play in if it’s already hot.
• The accessories in this type of sessions can also be very useful, especially if they are small or somewhat shy children. For these cases, take toys, musical instruments, a teepee or Indian tent for the reports with younger children or a colourful umbrella.
• If the family has pets, encourage them to bring them to the session that day. They are also part of the family.
• And if the little protagonist has a great hobby, such as playing football or another specific sport, you can prepare the session around this hobby.

5# Connect with the children during your sessions and gain their trust easily

We all know that children are pure spontaneity and it is important to gain their trust from the first moment so that they feel calm and free to act as they are. To achieve this, you can play a quick game with them, have a tidbit ready or even a small toy that they can take with them when the session is over. With these small gestures, their smiles are guaranteed.

In addition, you can follow some of the following recommendations to ensure that your photo shoots with children where several people are portrayed turn out perfectly:

• Meet in person before the session to get to know the protagonists and talk to their parents about the kind of memory they want to have.
• Create a script for the reportage. Although spontaneity is usually sought after in this type of session, there must be a prior preparation process behind it. Plan a series of photographs that meet your clients’ expectations and then give free rein to your creativity.
• If the shoot is to take place outside your studio, make sure you bring the necessary equipment for the whole shoot.
• Stand at the same height as the children to get closer shots.
• And enjoy the session, it’s the only way to capture the best family photos.

6# Focus your camera on capturing the spontaneity and naturalness of the families

In this type of photo sessions, families want to keep a memory of their children as they are, with their toothless laughter or their mischievous little face, so, unless they are looking for a more formal family portrait, they always try to bring out the most natural side of the little ones.

To achieve this they need to see you as a friend and the studio needs to be like a playground where they can see, touch and browse as they please. If the session is outdoors it will be very easy, but if it is in the studio, make sure that part of the decoration is childproof and allow them to touch and play with it.

Be patient, sometimes children need time to adapt to the studio and recognise all the equipment around them. And if you see that during the photo session the little one doesn’t feel comfortable, change your strategy and don’t force the situation, otherwise the child will bring out their less smiling side. Always remember that children are going to have a fun time and if they feel bored they will show their most boring face too.

7# Build client loyalty by offering multiple photographic experiences for their children

One of the great advantages of being a children’s photographer, especially if you offer different types of photography, is that once you get a client, it is much easier for them to come back to you in the future. This level of trust that generates when your clients already know the way you work is key to building client loyalty and making them repeat their experience with you.

To encourage them to come back and do new sessions, you can implement several effective strategies, such as:

• Designing special packages that include several sessions over time.
• Offer exclusive discounts for future sessions.
• Send personalised emails after a period of time, informing them about news or new themes available.
• Create special promotions or events for regular clients.

There are many ideas, but the most important thing is to stay present in your clients’ minds, create a lasting bond and awaken in them the desire to come back to live that unique experience in your photography studio.s, the important thing is that your clients don’t forget you and have the need to repeat the experience in your photo studio over time.

8# Continuous learning is key to perfect your photographic art

At Arcadina we always say it: training is the key to success. A well-prepared and constantly learning photographer is much more likely to be chosen by families looking for quality, innovation and professionalism. On the other hand, remaining stagnant, without keeping up to date with the latest trends, types of sessions, decorations or even photo delivery systems, can gradually make you lose relevance compared to the competition.

To stay ahead of the curve, it is essential that you set aside time in your annual schedule to attend events, workshops and training sessions specialising in family photography. These experiences will not only allow you to learn about the latest techniques and trends in the market, but will also help you to renew your knowledge and inspire you to offer fresh and original proposals to your clients.

Moreover, participating in these activities is an excellent opportunity to create synergies with other professionals in the sector, exchange ideas, establish collaborations and expand your network of contacts. All of this will help to strengthen your personal brand and consolidate your position in the competitive world of family photography.

Design unique family photo shoots that reflect your personal style

Family photography is undoubtedly one of the most valuable services you can offer to parents who want to preserve authentic and lasting memories of the most important thing in their lives: their children and their family environment. This type of photography goes far beyond a beautiful image. It is a way of freezing unrepeatable moments, sincere emotions and deep bonds that, over time, will become real visual treasures for families.

Moreover, family photography encompasses a wide variety of sessions, styles and specialities: from pregnancy, newborn and birthday photos to lifestyle sessions at home, fine art portraits or sessions with grandparents and pets. Each of these variants allows you to capture different stages and family realities, adapting to both your style as a photographer and the needs and personality of each client.

But regardless of the format or aesthetics, the true goal of any family session is the same: to offer families a unique, emotional and lasting memory of a specific moment in their lives. Because children grow up, routines change and time goes by, but well-captured images remain forever as faithful witnesses of that daily love.

At Arcadina we help you to enhance your family photography with a series of business solutions that will allow you to stand out from the rest, have greater visibility, offer a more professional service to families and save you many hours of work at the computer.

This time we are going to share with you an interview with a fantastic children’s photographer, Rebeca Canalda.

>> What is the day-to-day life of a children’s photographer like? Rebeca Canalda tells us

And to finish this article on family photography, tell us: What type of family photo do you most like to promote? We’ll read you in the comments.

 

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