TEN CREATIVE AND FUN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION IDEAS

As the school year ends families start thinking about hiring a photographer for the yearly family photo.  While I appreciate a happy family all smiling at the camera for the ‘perfect’ portrait the reality is it usually involves a child who didn’t nap that day and we are lucky to even get them to look at the camera.  This is after my assistant has worked tirelessly to entertain a smile or mom/dad have bribed the child to cooperate.  Then, mom and dad are stressed out or disappointed because the children aren’t cooperating and ruining that image of a ‘perfect’ portrait they have created in their minds.  Does this all sound or look familiar?

I consider my shooting style as lifestyle.   Lifestyle photography is a genre of photography that aims to capture situations and real-life moments in an artistic manner.  The primary goal is to tell a story.  While most of my sessions end up being a hybrid of capturing moments and the traditional look at the camera portrait, if you ask me for my opinion, I will almost always suggest a true lifestyle session for families with young children (or pets).  The reason is because it’s my personal preference and the genre I am most passionate about.  I want families to preserve moments and interactions in time and when they look back year after year through the album and for it to elicit the same feelings they felt that day.  In the end, you have to decide what YOU want to remember… everyone smiling at the camera or the artwork your child created, their tiny fingers holding a cup, an ice cream filled face or the real laughter from dad tackling and tickling them.

I think there is a time and place for both standard and lifestyle sessions and if you like both, mix it up year to year!   I recommend lifestyle sessions periodically when children are young because they change so quickly.  On standard  family sessions I will usually involve activities or movement to elicit genuine smiles between attempting a pose where everyone looks at the camera.  Usually, it’s the moments captured between everyone looking at the camera myself and families like most.  

Here are some creative and and fun ideas when planning your next lifestyle photography session!

 

1. A DAY IN THE LIFE SESSION– these sessions preserve your normal, everyday life.  These longer sessions are perfect for families with young children who want to capture some of your favorite activities and moments.  They can involve making breakfast, children playing with their favorite toys, wresting with dad, making cookies, bedtime routine, story time…. endless possibilities!

 

2.  COOKIE & SPRINKLER FUN- Enjoy the fun and mess of making cookies as a family and then play in the pool or sprinkler.

 

3. ICE CREAM SHOP- Kids love ice cream! What kid doesn’t like ice cream? Plan a trip to an old fashioned ice cream shop like Murray’s.  Let the kids taste and pick out their favorite flavors and watch the colorful mess unfold.  

 

4.  BIKE & PARK- Take a family bike ride to the neighborhood park and play a game of catch or your favorite family sport together.

 

5.  FURRY FAMILY MEMBER- Take a family walk with your pet down the street and then run through the sprinkler or play in your pool.  Another fun idea is to take a family trip to Three Dog Bakery with your canine companion and pick out a favorite treat!

 

6.  CAMPING- Whether you are in a local campground or the back yard have me come out to document some of your favorite camping time…. tents, campers, s’mores, swimming, fishing….. oh my!

 

7.  CRAFTS & GAMES- Have an artistic child or just love crafts?  Plan a fun and colorful craft/art project followed by popping popcorn and playing your favorite family game together!

8.  MINIATURE GOLF-  Plan a golf outing and you’re sure to get some great reactions!

 

9.  LIBRARY- Have a child who loves to read?  Plan a trip to the library for some fun family time together.  It could even coordinate with a story time!

 

 

 

10. BREAKFAST IN PJ’S- Enjoy some pancakes together while in your pajamas!  You can also grill or prepare your favorite meal together!

 

11.  BONUS- BEST FRIENDS SESSION- How about inviting your child’s best friend over and document some of their favorite activities together!

 

These are just some ideas to help inspire you!  Customize your own session to your families favorite activities spent together!  If you would like to schedule your session, CONTACT ME today!