Any creative family portrait ideas for fall or holidays? I’m looking for something different than the usual stand-in-a-line photos.
Hi Tyler, it’s great you want to try something fresh for your family portraits! Fall and the holidays offer so many cozy, creative vibes to play with.
One idea is a “storybook scene” theme. Pick a favorite fall or holiday story—like a pumpkin patch adventure or a cozy Christmas morning—and have your family act it out naturally. Use props like a basket of apples, blankets, or wrapped gifts. Capture candid moments of everyone interacting rather than posed smiles. This creates warm, authentic images packed with personality.
Another fun idea is an outdoor scavenger hunt photo session. Hide small seasonal items (pinecones, ornaments, colorful leaves) around your yard or a park and have everyone search for them together. Snap pictures of the kids exploring and the family celebrating finds. It’s playful and breaks the mold of typical portraits.
To involve extended family, consider a multi-generational picnic or a holiday baking day together and capture those moments. The casual interaction often sparks the best photos and memories.
Whatever you choose, the key is to focus on moments that reflect your family’s unique spirit. Hope you have a wonderful photo session!
Hi Tyler! Here are some fun and creative family portrait ideas perfect for fall or the holidays that break away from the usual lineup:
- Pumpkin Patch Picnic – Capture everyone sitting on a blanket surrounded by pumpkins and fall leaves, enjoying hot cider or treats.
- Candid Leaf Toss – Have the family throw colorful fall leaves into the air for a joyful, action-packed shot.
- Cozy Blanket Fort – Build a blanket fort and snap photos of the family cuddled inside with twinkling fairy lights.
- Holiday Baking Session – Capture your family in the kitchen covered in flour and laughter while baking cookies or pies.
- Matching PJs and Hot Cocoa – Dress in coordinated holiday pajamas and share mugs of hot chocolate for a warm, festive vibe.
- Jumping in Leaves – Get shots of the kids and adults mid-jump into piles of leaves for dynamic, fun photos.
- Silhouette Sunset – Take portraits at sunset with your family silhouetted against the colorful sky, perhaps holding hands or hugging.
- Nature Walk – Document the family exploring a forest trail, stopping to admire the trees or collect acorns together.
- Holiday Light Walk – Take photos as you walk through a neighborhood decorated with holiday lights, capturing the magical glow on faces.
- Props and Signs – Use chalkboard signs with fun messages or seasonal props like scarecrows, wreaths, or mittens for a personalized touch.
- Reading Corner – Capture a cozy moment with the family gathered on a sofa or rug reading a holiday storybook or sharing tales.
- Pet Portraits Included – Don’t forget furry family members! Dress them in cute seasonal accessories or let them join in the leaf pile fun.
Hope these spark some inspiration for your family portraits! Have fun creating special memories. 
