It’s time for the family photo. You know, the one in which everybody’s smiles are bright, the hair is perfect, and everyone is dressed up to the nines. Nobody’s eyes are closed, nobody is crying or looking off-camera. Everybody looks happy. Everything looks perfect. Yeah, we know this is nearly impossible to achieve only by setting a timer on your camera.

Here’s our #1 reason why selfies and phone pics—though fun at times—aren’t enough for the family photo you desire. No matter the state-of-the-art phone camera—latest iPhone or not— those pictures can never match a professional shot in terms of quality and composition—let alone in creativity and attention to detail.

Remember, you want art that you can exhibit in your home, not a forgettable selfie. This is why you should hire a Nairobi newborn photographer if you want to capture the wonderful and unique moments of your bundle of joy. A blurry phone pic won’t do it justice.

Professional family photography ideas in Kenya

Sir Lucky is an award-winning maternity, newborn, and family photographer. Our full-service luxury photography team at PTP STUDIOS AFRICA is experienced in creating the works of art you want, and we’d love for you to schedule a free consultation.

In the meantime, let us offer you some family photography ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Here are 22 family photography ideas that are sure to leave an impression:

1. Show love during your family photography session

Family photography sessions work really well to capture family love during the holidays. You’ve probably seen people show off their families’ cute Easter or Christmas photos on social media. Families look gorgeous all dressed up in their Sunday best. A Christmas-themed photo shoot with your family would look even better when done professionally—feel free to request it, especially if your one-year old’s cake smash is coming up around Christmas.

2. Matching portrait family photography outfit ideas

When you think about matching outfits, don’t worry! We don’t do tacky. We can work with you to put together a family photoshoot that highlights what defines you as a family. The main concept is a vogue-style family session, so everything from the make-up, outfits, props, and edits will showcase your best look, as if you’re on the cover of a fashion magazine.

3. Denim family photoshoot outfits

Here are some ideas for family photo clothing for photoshoots: You could all wear matching shorts and shoes or sandals, or matching T-shirts and hats. Just like summertime, anything is possible!

But what works best is denim. A timeless outfit, denim encapsulates the spirit of Kenya’s diverse culture and modern lifestyle. It stands for rugged individualism and oozes classless respect for hard work. Denim is no longer just for cowboys—local celebrities and influencers don the denim look. So can you:

4. Couple portrait ideas

How about celebrating Valentine’s Day a little differently this year? Schedule a photoshoot to capture that lovey-dovey feeling. Or celebrate your wedding anniversary by taking a stunning professional photo to mark your love going strong.

5. Maternity family photoshoot in studio

Yes, it’s your time to shine and show off your beautiful baby bump. But that doesn’t mean you can’t include your loved ones in it—it’ll be all the more special. Bring in the baby’s siblings, your hubby, or whoever holds a special place in your heart. We’ve devoted a whole article featuring our top 10 maternity picture ideas. Here’s one of our favorites:

6. Outdoor maternity photoshoot

Depending on the season, your preference, or the concept you want to go for, you can opt for outdoor photoshoots. PTP STUDIOS AFRICA serves the entire country of Kenya. Areas we serve include but are not limited to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, and beyond.

Don’t worry—we’ll reschedule the photo shoot if the weather is unpredictable.

7. Outdoor family photography ideas at the golden hour

Speaking of outdoor photography, the time of day is extremely important to capture those shots you want with your family. The ‘magic hour,’ which happens shortly before sunset—or shortly after sunrise, if you’re an early bird—is called so for a reason. We can set up an outdoor photoshoot with your entire family to get that truly magical shot.

8. In studio maternity photoshoot

Nothing beats a professional photo that captures the special bond between you and your baby when it comes to celebrating maternity and motherhood. You’ll be able to remember this special time decades from now. Take a moment to read this ultimate guide to maternity photography to get some inspo for your maternity portrait session. Here’s one gorgeous maternity portrait:

9. Baby family photoshoot

We highly encourage your baby’s Dad and siblings to come by the studio toward the end of the session for the baby family photoshoot. Our photography studio is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and it has all the props and equipment it needs for a fine art experience. Would you like to go on a brief video tour? Click on this link and check it out.

Here’s a baby & family photoshoot done in the studio:

10. Newborn family photography session

The first 6-12 days of birth are crucial in newborn photography. Look at this adorable bundle of joy:

We’re very thorough when it comes to newborn photoshoots. Our top priority is your little one’s safety, so all the props, blankets, and equipment will be clean and free of hazards. We’ve explained all you need to know about your newborn photoshoot in this guide.

11. Cake smash photoshoot

Cake smash photography might be the sweetest moment—literally—for you and your family. It’s possibly the most extraordinary way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday. If you’re unsure about how to choose the best cake smash theme, read our guide or leave us a message. We’ll help you map out all the details. Plus, here are ten tips for an epic Nairobi cake smash session. These articles will give you plenty of ideas for your baby’s cake smash, but we’ll leave another cool shot down below:

12. In-studio family portraits photoshoot idea

We could arrange a special photo session with your family in whatever type of environment you like to be in. We can set up plenty of cute family picture poses. For example, the entire family, parents by themselves, boys by themselves, girls by themselves, or even the parents kissing while the kids are playing (or scowling!) in the background.

And we won’t forget to keep your family looking sharp! And when we say sharp, think of pearl necklaces, a big fancy crown, and other haute couture accessories.

13. Silhouette family photoshoot

Silhouette photography, similar to golden hour photography, is magical because it’s shot against a source of light. It contrasts solid, dark images of the subject against a brighter background.

The outline of the subject is usually what the photographer is going for. It’s the photographer’s job to set the exposure manually, get the right angle, and color-correct every shot. By all means, opt for a silhouette family photoshoot and know that PTP STUDIOS AFRICA will create a masterpiece.

14. Fall family photography ideas

Fall is such a great season with many opportunities for a cute family photoshoot! You’ve probably seen the classic family photoshoot where every family member is photographed near an old barn or an old fence surrounded by fallen leaves.

We can reproduce a similar scene for you and your family outdoors! We could provide you with some great ideas for family photo clothing so that every member of your family will match and look snazzy and trendy in their family picture poses.

After we get to know you and your family, we’ll make sure to give you some tips that are specific to you and your family to bring out the best in your eye colors, hair colors, features, and skin tones.

Turn the classic family photoshoot into an adorable pumpkin-themed cake smash. Newborn or cake smash photography ideas for an autumn photoshoot are nearly endless, so let your creative juices flow!

15. Christmas family photography ideas

Every year, your friends and your loved ones probably mail you perfect pictures of their families wrapped up in Christmas cards. You probably display them in a special spot in your home as part of your annual Christmas decorations. This year, why not make it your turn to deliver the cutest photo in the bunch?

You could do a traditional shot where your entire family sits or stands in front of a Christmas tree or a fireplace. That type of shot is excellent—and we could set it up for you in our studio in Nairobi, Kenya—but seeing the same thing every year can get boring. So, how about trying something extravagant this year?

Let us meet you, get to know you, and show you some family picture poses that will be more interesting in your annual Christmas card. How about an outdoor shot with sunshine—as a nod to the warm weather that tends to be the norm in Kenya at Christmas? Or maybe an indoor photo session at our studio with all kinds of cute Christmas decorations in the background?

Our team can also work with you to provide some ideas for family photo clothing that will make your annual Christmas picture stand out. Would your family look good in alternating red and green colors and black slacks? Or maybe we could shoot a funny scene of you all

Or, thinking beyond the Christmas card, how about a glam winter-themed family photoshoot? It could be a fancy in-studio experience. On demand, we can arrange an outdoor photo session when the air is crisp, and the clouds are light-gray and cozy.

16. Spring family session ideas

In Kenya, of course, most people opt for a classic bluebonnet family photoshoot outdoors. If bluebonnets aren’t your thing, we’re not judging you. Good for you to try something else. There are great concepts and ideas we can work with. We can help you sort through plenty of other family photography ideas for a spring-themed photoshoot.

As we get to know you and your family, we’ll help you develop some clever springtime ideas. These are just some wholesome family photography ideas to get your imagination going. Spring is a season where newness is celebrated, so please feel free to come up with as many new ideas as you like!

17. Summer family portraits ideas

Ah, the magic of summertime—the kids are at home, people are on vacation, families get together for reunions, and anything is possible! You probably have great memories of hanging out with your family catching fireflies in the backyard while you were a kid. We could recreate a similar scene for you and your loved ones during your family photoshoot—either indoors or outdoors—with some fun family picture poses!

And don’t forget the Fourth of July! How about a cute outdoor shoot with watermelon slices, American flags, or other patriotic decorations? Or how about some ideas for family photo clothing: red/white/blue tops and blue jeans—or alternating solid red, white, and blue tops among family members with blue or black jeans?

18. Family with pets photos ideas

We know how special pets are—they’re family, too! Bring your pets to the outdoor family photoshoot. We can find the right location and time of day to best highlight the concept we’re going for.

People usually opt for outdoor photography because their pets feel more comfortable to move around and won’t ruin the furniture. But you don’t have to worry about that. In-door photo sessions with pets look even better as you can really work with the setting, lighting, and props.

Pets can be a little camera shy—we’ll have a few snacks and treats around for some positive reinforcement to reward their good behavior.

19. Headshot of each person

Your kids are older now, and they don’t look like they did when that professional photographer snapped that perfect picture of you all. You know that it’s time to take a new picture. How about you opt for a headshot of each person? And as years go by, you make a timeline with their growth. Over the years, it will warm your heart to see how much they’ve grown!

20. Grouping the genders portrait ideas

We can arrange plenty of family picture poses with the entire family—just Mom and Dad, just Mommy and me, just the kids, Grandma and Grandpa, or any combination of that! And the ideas for family photo clothing in this setting are endless! You know your family looks gorgeous. Why not show them off?

It’ll be fun to go for a colorful theme and group the genders together. A girl power theme and a boys squad theme are great to start with. Here’s some inspo for you:

21. Just the kid’s photo ideas

Speaking of bringing the kids, capture the sisterly or brotherly love in the baby photo shoot. Have the big brother or sister—or all the siblings—join the newborn session or the cake smash. It’ll generate some fun memories and strengthen the bond between the kids. We have to say that sibling photoshoots are incredibly entertaining and wholesome:

22. Showcasing the generations photos ideas

No matter what kind of photoshoot you opt for, think about all of the people who will enjoy your family’s picture for years to come. Whether it’s in your living room, in a photo album, in a Christmas card, or on social media—or all of the above—your friends and your loved ones will love how your family looks. You’ll be glad that you invested so much time and effort into that coveted family photo!

An exquisite photoshoot having mom, grandma, and great grandma around the newborn is pure gold. Generational shots are a matter of art thanks to the fine prints, digital artwork and other products, such as heirloom albums, keepsake portfolio boxes, modern acrylic art pieces, museum quality handmade canvases, framed wall art, wood art pieces, and wall collections. We create art for your home, making it look like an exquisite gallery.

Families, our mission is to serve you and deliver your photography vision. PTP STUDIOS AFRICA will help you create unforgettable memories.

That’s a wrap! If you liked this post and would like to find out more about our award-winning family photography services in Kenya, drop us a message. You can also follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more updates.

We deliver heirloom albums, keepsake portfolio boxes, modern acrylic art pieces, museum-quality handmade canvases, framed wall art, wood art pieces, wall collections, and other gorgeous art for your home. We are a full-service luxury photography team. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, PTP STUDIOS AFRICA serves the entire country.