10 Fun Family Photo Prompts & Games to Play at Your Family Photoshoot
If you’re getting ready to plan your next family photoshoot, I’m here to tell you that your family photo session does not have to be posed and boring! Your family is constantly growing and changing so your photos should not look the same year after year. That’s why I take a documentary-style approach to family photography. In this approach, I throw all the posing ideas and rules out the window. Instead, I allow space for your kids to run free and your family to feel alive and joyful for our session. Luckily, there are lots of ways to get your kids moving and everyone feeling relaxed during the family photos. One of the best ways to do this is by including family photo prompts, games, and activities!
Fun Family Photo Session Prompts to Include In Your Next Photoshoot
Tickles
Tickles are almost a guaranteed way to get genuine laughs and happy smiles from your kids while also building connections with them. Not only is tickle time fun for them, but once they’re all ticked out and tired, your kids may even want to come back around for some cuddles, which can create some very special moments that you can bet I’ll be there to capture.
Ring Around the Rosie
This classic children’s game is one that your kids are sure to love! It gets everyone moving and laughing and tumbling in the best way. Start with everyone joining hands and standing in a circle and then let the game begin.
Pro Tip - I’m happy to start and sing the song for you so your photos can be full of smiling, laughing faces instead of open mouths.
Word Games
Games like “I Spy” or the “Alphabet Game” are especially great for older kids. It can give them something to do during the family photoshoot and keep everyone interacting and having a good time together.
Peek a Boo
This is a fun, interactive game that is especially great for young children and babies. It almost always gets them smiling and laughing (or crying, but hey, that’s ok too!)
Simon Says
Simon Says is another great game that creates lots of interaction and movement. Touch your toes, count on your fingers, or spin in a circle. There are so many ways to make this game fun and interactive!
Red Light, Green Light
Another great game that involves interaction is Red Light, Green Light. Your kids will be running while starting and stopping on command and I’ll be there every step of the way…literally :)
Dance Party
A dance party is a great way to get everyone moving and have a good time! A great way to get everyone comfortable and moving is to save a playlist of all your family’s favorite tunes to play at the photoshoot.
Scavenger Hunt
While this game will require some additional thought ahead of time, your kids are sure to love finding hidden treasures or notes you’ve scattered around.
Go for a walk
This classic family activity is one that I personally love! Even though it may seem simple, it can be a great way to explore your neighborhood or do an activity that you already enjoy doing on a regular basis. Why not take a walk to a nearby park and pick flowers along the way? Sometimes it’s the little moments that are some of the most precious!
Toys
If you're planning an at-home family photo session, you don’t have to look far for things to do. Read a book or play with blocks, puzzles, legos, or your child’s favorite game. No doubt your home is already filled with tons of things your child enjoys!
Bonus: Snacks!
Who doesn’t love a good snack? Snacks like ice cream or yogurt are not only great for photos but also a good bribe or reward to use toward the end of the photo session.
Your family photo session doesn’t have to be stiff and boring. You can use any of these family photo prompts or come up with a few of your own. Above all else, your family photos are supposed to be fun! For more reading, check out my blog on the 5 “Rules” of Family Photography.
Ready to start planning your own family photo session? Head over to my contact page and let’s get started!
