Top 5 Family Photo Ideas With Your Baby

Travelling with babies can be a labour of love (emphasis on labour), but the memories you’re making are priceless. Selfies can be frustrating (and nearly impossible with a baby), so we can’t emphasize this enough: schedule time to get everyone in the photo for some family portraits! Enlisting some family photoshoot help in the form of one of our incredible Flytographers is a perfect solution to take the pressure off you as parents; getting play (and snuggle) time while your entire family is being photographed in front of some of the world’s most iconic backdrops is pretty spectacular, too! 👶🏽

Just like vacationing itself, transitioning from couple photos to family photos can feel like a significant jump, but don’t let it dissuade you from a family photoshoot. There’s something particularly wonderful about capturing both your little one at this baby stage and also your family travels — just think of it as two for the price of one! Although Baby won’t remember the trip, you certainly will. These photos are souvenirs you’ll cherish for ages. 💗 Flytographer knows a thing or two about family photography (and baby photography!), including the know-how of where, what, and when to capture. Always — no, especially — when babies are involved, hiring a Flytographer is really a wise investment.

Now that you’re ready to take family photos with your baby, let’s talk posing! Photoshoots with babies can feel intimidating — whether it’s your first baby or your 4th, posing with babies is different than with bigger kids. (Want to know one of the best parts of photos with a baby? They can’t run away yet! ) We’re going to give you some handy poses to keep in mind for your next family photo session. 👩🏻‍🍼

Don’t have a baby anymore? Read our posts on family photo ideas with toddlers, kids, and teenagers (we know they’ll always be your babies though). 💙

Photo: Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer. Matthew and family capture memories in Charleston with a family photoshoot.

Pose Idea #1: Kiss Sandwich 

Pictures are a perfect time for snuggles! Cozying up with your baby in between you and your partner is a perfect way for everyone to feel less awkward (you get to look at each other instead of a camera), and to get your baby giggling from all the extra cheek-smushes! Is there anything better than soft little squishy baby cheeks? 😘  Kissing those cheeks almost always leads to laughter from everyone involved, so make it a  kiss sandwich! Put baby in the middle and start smooching. You can both kiss those chubby cheeks at the same time, or play a little game of baby cheek ping-pong to keep it entertaining. This trick works whether you have a newborn or a bigger baby. Photography tip: lift baby up slightly so their cheeks are just above your lips — this tilts the grown-ups’ heads upward, avoiding extra chin rolls when you lean in for those smooches.

I’m sure every parent would agree that getting time to be affectionate with your little ones is a recharge from the exhausting, sleepless days and nights. Nothing puts life into perspective, and takes frustration and stress away, quite like wet baby kisses and laughter. Another photography tip: skip the easily-transferable red lipstick for these kissing-intensive baby shoots! 💄🙅🏽‍♀️

Photo: Larissa in Martha’s Vineyard for Flytographer. William and family capture memories in Martha’s Vineyard with a family photoshoot.

Pose Idea #2: Peek-a-Boo 

You can’t go wrong with a game of peek-a-boo, and babies soak up the attention! You can play peek-a-boo as a family, or your Flytographer can be the star entertainer while the grown-ups take a moment to interact, pose, laugh, or just have fun. 🤩 Peek-a-boo from behind a camera lens is extra exciting when you’re a photographer, so this one is a real crowd-pleaser for all involved. Have more family members? Peek-a-boo is a fun way to interact for anyone of any age! To boot, peek-a-boo is also a great distraction if the weather isn’t ideal, so keep this pose within reach the next time you are taking photos  at home or with a professional photographer. 📸

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Montana and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot.

Pose Idea #3: Airplane  

Get those biceps ready! Babies love being lifted up in the air, especially when seat belts and tray tables are not involved. For this airplane pose, grab baby boy or baby girl and lift them high into the sky! ✈️  (Tip: Airplane “whooshing” noises help to get the giddy smiles and giggles going from the whole family.)

Airplane is a great opportunity for dad to be the heavy lifter while mom shows off her awesome outfit and/or accessories, 👗 taking a moment to have some fun in front of the camera. Feeling shy? That’s fine, too! Mom can also just hang out behind dad, looking up at her cute baby. Everyone can get involved in this one, making it interactive and fun, especially toward the end of a shoot to really let loose. Remember: your airplane can fly as gently (or as acrobatically) as desired. This pose is easily adaptable.

Photo: Flytographer in Nassau. Sara and family capture memories in Nassau with a family photoshoot.

Pose Idea #4: Over-the-Shoulder

The over-the-shoulder is a classic but can be turned up a notch for 3+ people! Babies are almost always happy when they’re being snuggled, so if your littlest family member is feeling camera-shy, this a perfect solution. Our instinct can be to always turn a baby toward the camera, but oftentimes they just want to be held in the way they’re comfortable — on your shoulder! If your little one needs a break, it’s a great way for parents to have a moment walking together and creating a timeless photo of baby just being this size. It’s also a great time to let your Flytographer make some 360-degree circles around you, capturing moments that otherwise would be hidden — more cuddles, tiny features, loving looks, and even some likely giggles when they pop up next to the baby. 🧸

Photo: Ilaria and Andrea in Venice for Flytographer. Caroline and family capture memories in Venice with a family photoshoot.

Pose Idea #5: Baby Feet 

Who can say no to tiny baby feet? 🦶🏽 No one, that’s who. This is a classic pose from the newborn photo ideas playbook, and it transfers easily to lifestyle photos. It’s a perfect pose for happy babies, or even if the baby isn’t in a stellar mood — get cozy as a family and let your Flytographer capture those close-up details! Grown-ups, older siblings, or other family members can tickle, kiss, and nuzzle those little baby features, which almost often leads to baby laughs. 🙊 This same trick works great for any and all baby features, not just feet — think fingers, ears, hair and more — it all works! Baby’s features are fleeting, so make sure to capture them just as they are.

Photo: Cheryl in Ft. Lauderdale for Flytographer. Harpreet and family capture memories in Ft. Lauderdale with a family photoshoot.

Best Time of Day for Photos 

Let’s be honest: we know who the boss is at every shoot, and they’re not the one(s) who paid for it. 👼🏼 When little people are involved, it’s always best to try to time your shoot when they’re happy and rested. If you have an early riser, take advantage of the beautiful natural light in the morning and schedule your photos early. Baby is happiest in the evenings? Aim for a golden hour shoot! Remember: when baby is happy, grown-ups are happy. Every location is different, so review the route options on the destinations page, and consult with your Flytographer for their local tips for what might work best for your family. Crowds, lighting, weather, and more can impact your photos, and with little ones, it’s always a good idea to take into consideration elements you may not otherwise have on your mind. ☔️

Photo: Olga in Paris for Flytographer. Van and family capture memories in Paris with a family photoshoot.

How to Use the Photos 

Having family pictures to share digitally and on social media is always incredible, but don’t forget to print photos of these special moments as well. Especially if you’ve spent the time and money hiring a family photographer, don’t let that effort be for naught! Whether you want photo prints for your walls and frames or photo books for the grandparents, make something tangible with your images. 📚 Flytographer shoots are such a perfect time to capture photos for a variety of reasons, so if you have specific wishes, don’t forget to ask your Flytographer for specific groupings that you can use later for a variety of purposes.

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Tanisha and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot on the beach.

Location & Activity Ideas

A lot of the reason why there is a certain dread surrounding the concept of family photos is that photoshoots can feel intimidating and stressful. Add in small children, and those who are already sensitive about photoshoots, and you have yourself a less than ideal vision of a good time. But fear not, you’re in good hands! Flytographer has an incredible team of professional photographers around the world with a variety of skill sets who are incredible at what they do. They’ll have these and other tricks at the ready. 📸

Photo: Fernanda in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer. Hillary and baby capture memories in Cabo with a family photoshoot.

Capturing memories with your baby

No matter where you go, our local Flytographers are looking forward to capturing your family with it’s newest (and cutest) addition! Want more fun photography ideas? Keep following along as we share more posing ideas for the entire family.

Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide for your family photoshoot! 📸