Playful Family Photo Prompts | Austin Family Photographer at Bull Creek Park
Candid photo promps for your Family Photo Session
Now I love an “everyone looking at the camera pose.” That’s why I always start my photo sessions with that series first.
But I find kids have more fun and are more relaxed when I introduce some play in their family photo session.
Then I get real moments: giggles, hugs, and kids being kids. I give your family something fun to do, and the natural smiles follow.
This holiday season, I met this family at Bull Creek Park in Austin with their kids. With the creek, the limestone ledges and lots of room to explore, it was the perfect place to try all of my favorite playful prompts. Here’s how they turned out!
Start with the Classic: Everyone Look at the Camera
Every session starts with the classic family photo: everyone together, looking at the camera and smiling. It’s the one grandma wants framed and the one that goes on your holiday card. I also use this time to get portraits of each kid and the parents together.
We get it early, while everyone is fresh, and then the fun begins.
Prompt 1: Telephone, Secrets and Cheek Kisses
Have your family play telephone down the line, whisper a silly secret, or give each other cheek kisses. Little ones can never keep a straight face, and these photos are full of real laughs and sweet, close moments.
Try it: Ask your kids to whisper something silly in Mom’s or Dad’s ear.
Prompt 2: Run and Attack Hug
Parents kneel down, and the kids run in for the biggest hug they can give. It’s full of energy and pure joy. Expect a few tumbles and a lot of laughing!
Try it: I count down “3, 2, 1, go!” so everyone knows when to run.
Prompt 3: Piggyback Rides (Sibling Photos)
Piggyback rides are perfect for sibling photos. Your older child carries the younger one, or swap and let little ones ride on Mom or Dad. With an 8-year-old and a 3½-year-old, these were some of my favorite sibling shots.
Try it: Have the siblings walk toward me during the piggyback ride for a fun, moving shot.
Prompt 4: Let the Kids Lead
Hand the session over to the kids for a few minutes. Let them pick a spot, a game, or a silly pose for the whole family to copy. Kids love being in charge, and you’ll get photos that really show their personalities.
Try it: Ask, “Where’s your favorite spot here?” and follow them.
Prompt 5: Upside-Down Play
Flip the kids upside down, tickle them, or swing them gently. These photos are full of squeals and belly laughs. Only do what your kids are comfortable with, and keep it safe and gentle.
Prompt 6: Up in the Air
Lift the kids high into the air, like a classic toss-up (without the toss), or hold them overhead like a superhero. With a bright sky or trees behind them, these photos feel like pure fun.
Try it: Use these with your little one. Bigger kids can stand on a rock or ledge instead.
Prompt 7: Explore Your Environment
My favorite way to end a session is to let your family explore. At Bull Creek, that could mean throwing rocks in the creek, hopping across the limestone and looking for fish. I step back and capture the real, candid moments that show what your family is like on a regular day.
Tips for Using Prompts at Your Family Session
- Don’t worry about perfect. The silly, messy moments are often the favorites.
- Feed everyone first. Happy, rested kids are ready to play.
- If you have real young kids, plan around naps. Schedule your session at your kids’ best time of day.
- Bring a change of clothes, water shoes or a towel if you plan to get in the water, like at Bull Creek!
- Have fun together! When parents play, kids follow, and it shows in the photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my kids don’t want to cooperate during photos?
That’s normal! Prompts help because they turn photos into a game. We’ll take breaks, play and keep it light.
Do I need to practice these prompts?
Nope. I’ll guide you through each one during your session.
What ages work best for playful prompts?
Every age! I adjust prompts for toddlers, big kids and teens.
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Ready to Book Your Austin Family Photos?
Please check out a few more of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.
During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.
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