Scheduled your family session and wondering how to make it feel more fun and personal? I'm here to help!
When you think about family photos, you might picture everyone standing in a row, smiling at the camera and trying to convince the kids to cooperate for just one photo. But family photography doesn't have to feel like that! Some of my favorite family photos happen when nobody is actually thinking about the camera. It's the moment your kids start laughing while playing a game, the way everyone piles onto a blanket for a picnic, your teenager showing off their favorite hobby, or your little one running down the beach with a bucket in hand.
I love incorporating activities and meaningful props into family photography sessions because they can give everyone something fun to do and create more opportunities for those natural, in-between moments. They can be especially helpful if your family feels a little uncomfortable in front of the camera at first or your kids need something to keep them entertained. But you don't need to bring a prop for us to create beautiful, natural photos! Some of the best moments happen when we're simply walking, exploring, playing, cuddling, or letting the kids just be themselves. And don't worry, I'll still make sure we get that picture perfect photo of everyone smiling at the camera too! I love creating a gallery with a mix of those classic family portraits alongside all of the candid, playful moments that show off your family's personality.
Think of these ideas as inspiration rather than a checklist. If your family loves playing cards, bring your favorite game. If your kids are always riding their bikes or skateboards, bring them along. Maybe your family loves having picnics, going to the beach, reading together, or playing catch. Incorporating those things into your session can make the experience feel even more personal and give you something familiar to enjoy together while I'm photographing it all.
At the end of the day, you don't need to have your car packed full of props! Whether we bring along a few things your family loves or spend the entire session exploring around together, the goal is simply to create photos that feel like you as a family. Whether we're exploring the coast, spending time at a local park, or having a picnic, there are so many ways to make your family photos feel natural, fun, and completely your own.
Props & Activities for Babies, Toddlers & Little Kids
If you have little ones, you already know that asking them to stand still and smile for a while probably isn't going to be the highlight of their day. And honestly, that's okay! Instead of expecting young children to sit perfectly for photos, I love giving them something to explore, play with, or interact with. It takes some of the pressure off and gives me the opportunity to photograph their personalities as they naturally come out.
Bubbles
Bubbles are one of those simple things that can instantly turn a family photo session into playtime. Little ones can chase them, try to catch them, blow their own bubbles, or have a bubble-blowing contest with their siblings. Parents can join in too, which creates lots of movement and genuine interaction.
[Get a bubble wand at a local dollar store, target, or get a crazy bubble machine like this one here! Better yet, get some bubble guns and have a bubble war!]
A Wagon
A little wagon can be especially fun for toddlers and younger kids. Instead of simply posing with it, we can actually use it throughout the session! You might pull your little ones along the beach, take turns giving each other rides, fill the wagon with a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, or let the kids pile in together.
[Here's a cute wagon to take photos with!]
Their Favorite Stuffed Animal
If your child has a stuffed animal that goes absolutely everywhere with them, bring it! It doesn't have to be a fancy or photo-worthy stuffed animal. In fact, I love the idea of bringing the slightly worn-out favorite that they've slept with every night for the last three years. Years from now, that little stuffed animal may be just as nostalgic as the photos themselves!
A Favorite Book
Books are another easy way to keep little ones engaged during a family photo session. Bring one of their actual favorites rather than buying something specifically for the photos. We can have everyone pile onto a blanket and read together, let your child flip through the pages, or have a parent read aloud while I photograph the little moments happening naturally.
[Who didn't love The Very Hungry Caterpillar when they were young?!]
Beach Bucket & Shovel
If we're doing family photos at the beach, let your kids actually enjoy the beach! A bucket and shovel can give younger kids something to do while we explore the shoreline. They can dig in the sand, build a sandcastle, collect rocks, or see who can make the biggest hole.
[This is a nice little set to keep!]
A Small Basket for Collecting Treasures
If your kids love collecting rocks, shells, leaves, flowers, or any other little treasures they find outside, bring a small basket or bag along for them! This is especially fun for beach or outdoor family photography sessions because it gives kids a reason to explore their surroundings.
[Here's a small basket that makes for cute photos, and easy to collect stuff in!]
Family Photo Ideas for Elementary-Age Kids
Once your kids get a little older, you can start incorporating activities that feel more like actual playing. The best activities are usually the ones your family already enjoys doing together. If your kids love sports, bring a ball. If your family is always playing cards at home, bring a deck! If everyone loves going to the beach, bring the kite. The more familiar the activity feels, the more natural the photos tend to be.
A Ball or Outdoor Game
Does your family spend weekends playing soccer? Bring the soccer ball! Have a baseball loving kid? Bring the glove and ball! Love throwing a frisbee around? Bring it! You can also bring outdoor games like bocce, badminton, or another game your family already enjoys. Instead of everyone standing around holding a ball, we'll actually play. That gives me the opportunity to photograph the cheering, competition, high fives, sibling arguments over who won, and all of those little moments that happen when your family is simply having fun together.
A Kite
A kite can be such a fun addition to an outdoor or beach family photography session, especially when we have plenty of open space! Kids can run with it, parents can help them get it into the air, siblings can take turns flying it, and everyone can watch it together.
[There are a lot of kites to choose from on Amazon!]
A Board Game or Deck of Cards
If your family has a favorite game night tradition, bring it with you! Cards, Uno, Jenga, Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Checkers, or whatever your family actually plays can all work! You don't have to play the entire game. We can pull out a few cards, start a round of a game, or have everyone gather around while the kids try to beat their parents. And honestly, the little competitive moments can make some pretty hilarious family photos!
A Picnic
A picnic is one of my favorite ways to make a family photography session feel less like a photoshoot and more like a normal family outing. Bring a blanket, your favorite snacks, drinks, and maybe even takeout from a restaurant your family loves! Pizza on a blanket at the beach? Absolutely! Kids can eat, parents can relax, siblings can steal each other's food, and everyone can hang out together while I photograph what happens naturally.
[Shop my favorite picnic basket here]
Family Photos With Tweens & Teenagers
Once your kids become teenagers, you may have to get a little more creative. They're probably not going to be nearly as excited about bubbles or a stuffed animal as they were a few years ago, and that's okay! Instead, think about what they actually enjoy doing right now. Their hobbies and interests are a huge part of who they are at this stage of life, so incorporating those things into your family photos can make the session feel much more personal.
A Skateboard
If your teenager practically lives on their skateboard, bring it! We can photograph them riding, showing off a few tricks, hanging out with their siblings, or simply carrying it while the family explores. You don't have to turn the entire session into a skateboarding photoshoot. Even incorporating it for a few minutes can create photos that feel much more representative of who they are right now.
A Surfboard
For families who spend their weekends in the water, a surfboard can be a perfect addition to a family photography session. You might walk toward the beach together with the boards, hang out in the sand, photograph your kids getting ready to surf, or simply incorporate the boards into a few portraits.
A Guitar or Other Instrument
Does your teenager play guitar? Bring it! Maybe they play violin, ukulele, a kalimba or another instrument. Whatever it is, if it's something that's important to them, it can be a great part of their family photos and enjoyable to listen to throughout our session! They can play for the family, teach a sibling something, sit with a parent while they play, or simply carry the instrument while we explore. These are the kinds of personal details that can make your family photography gallery feel like your family instead of a generic set of portraits.
Props for a Beach Family Photography Session
Living on the Monterey Peninsula means we have no shortage of beautiful beaches for outdoor family photos. If you're planning a family beach session, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the location instead of simply standing near the water.
Some of my favorite beach-friendly ideas include:
A beach bucket and shovel for younger kids who want to dig and build sandcastles.
A small basket for collecting rocks or other treasures (as long as the location allows it).
A kite for running along the beach and playing together.
A surfboard for families who spend time in the water.
A blanket for sitting, cuddling, reading, or having a picnic.
A frisbee or beach ball for a little friendly family competition.
A picnic with pizza, snacks, and your favorite drinks.
The beach already gives you so much to work with. You don't need to bring a dozen props. Sometimes the best photos happen when your kids are simply running through the sand, looking for rocks, chasing waves, or climbing onto their parents!
You Don't Have to Buy Anything
Before you start adding everything to your Amazon cart, remember that you don't actually need to purchase anything for your family photo session! Some of the best props are the things you may already have at home!
Bring the blanket your family always takes camping.
Bring your child's favorite stuffed animal.
Bring the board game you play every Christmas.
Bring your teenager's skateboard.
Bring the surfboard that's been sitting in the garage.
Bring Dad's old guitar.
Bring the book you've read together a hundred times.
Bring the picnic basket you've had for years.
Bring your family's favorite takeout meal.
These things may not look like traditional photography props, but that's exactly what makes them special. They are little pieces of your everyday life, and they help tell the story of your family at this particular moment in time!
And Don't Forget Your Fur Babies!
Not technically a prop... but they're absolutely invited when the location allows!! If your dog is part of your everyday life and your adventures together, bring them along! We can get some photos of you together and also give them some time to run around and be themselves too. Who doesn't love a few photos with their furry best friend?!
A Few Things I Always Recommend Bringing
While the fun stuff is optional, there are a few practical things I recommend keeping with you (or in your car!) during your family session.
Water
Especially if we're hiking or exploring somewhere in Big Sur or along the coast.
Hair Clips
Monterey can be windy! A couple of hair clips or a hair tie can be a lifesaver if your hair starts blowing everywhere.
Sturdy Shoes or Boots
If we're exploring trails, rocks, sand, or uneven terrain, bring shoes you can comfortably walk in. You can always change into something else for photos once we get to our spot. Here's a link to my absolute favorite hiking boots that are comfortable, sturdy, and photograph nicely!
Layers
Coastal weather can change quickly, especially around Monterey and Big Sur. Bringing a jacket or extra layer is always a good idea.
Sunscreen
Even when it's cloudy or foggy, don't forget to apply sunscreen before our time together!
Tecnu
If we're hiking or exploring areas where poison oak may be present, I always recommend having Technu with you just in case. This Tecnu Kit is the BEST to have at home in case you've come in contact with it.
You definitely don't need to show up with a giant bag of stuff. Bring whatever you'll actually need to stay comfortable and enjoy your session!
The Best Family Photos Happen When You're Actually Having Fun!
At the end of the day, you don't need to show up with a car packed full of props. Some of my favorite family photos are simply the two of you walking, siblings chasing each other, parents cuddling their kids, everyone laughing, or your family exploring somewhere beautiful together. The best “props” are often the things that already mean something to you or give you something fun to do together. Whether we're exploring the coast, playing at the beach, having a picnic, or spending time somewhere that feels special to your family, my goal as a family photographer is to create space for those real moments to happen. You don't have to know how to pose, and your kids don't have to behave perfectly. And you definitely don't have to spend the whole session looking directly at the camera! Come as you are, bring the things you love, and most importantly.. let's make some family photos that actually feel like your family!
