10 Activities to Do During Your Family Photoshoot at Home
As a Derby family photographer, I always remind parents that your house does not need to look like something from a magazine. The best photos are never about perfect spaces. They are about the little things that make your family yours. When you choose to include activities you already love doing at home, the session feels relaxed and fun instead of stiff.
Here are ten simple ideas that work beautifully in at home sessions.
1. Build a den together
Piling up blankets, chairs, and cushions to make a den is one of those things kids never tire of. Add some fairy lights if you have them, climb inside together, and let me capture the cuddles and laughter.
2. Bake or decorate a cake
This is messy but so worth it. Kids sneaking a taste of the icing, flour flying everywhere, and the proud moment when the cake finally comes out of the oven. These are the photos that will make you smile every time. And with little ones, sink baths make for the funniest photos on the clean up!
3. Share a story
There is something so tender about reading together. Whether it is a picture book in your child’s bedroom or everyone squeezed onto the sofa, story time always feels calm and intimate in photographs.
4. Get creative with paint or chalk
Painting, drawing, or even doodling with chalk outside keeps children absorbed in something they enjoy. The focus is not on posing for me but on their own little world, which means the photos feel natural and true.
5. Play with water in the garden
If it is a warm day, get the hose out or fill a paddling pool. Splashing and running around with water brings out genuine joy and chaos in the best way.
6. Bubble bath fun
Bubble baths are simple but so good. The way kids giggle, splash, and blow bubbles at each other is magic to capture. Wrapping them up in towels afterwards makes for the sweetest end to the series.
7. A good old tickle fight
One of the easiest ways to get natural smiles. Jump on the bed, pile everyone together, and let the tickle fight unfold. The laughter that comes from this is unbeatable.
8. Make and decorate pizzas
Everybody can join in. Kids scattering cheese, you helping with the toppings, then everyone gathered around the table to eat. It is interactive, hands on, and guaranteed to bring out personalities.
I need a photo to go here! Could this be your family?
9. Collect and paint stones
Head out for a short walk to find interesting stones, then come home and paint them together. It is simple but gives you a nice mix of indoor and outdoor photos, plus kids love showing off their finished artwork.
I need a photo to go here! Could this be your family?
10. Play your favourite games
Board games, hide and seek, cards, jumping bunnies on the bed, or even a silly round of charades. These moments are real, imperfect, and very much you. And that is exactly what we want to capture.
Final thoughts
At home family shoots are not about putting on a show. They are about your family doing what you do best, in the place you feel most at ease. If you want to feel a little more prepared, you can also read my guide on how to get your home ready for a photoshoot.
If you are looking for some real family photoshoots at home, you can find those here.
And if you are looking for a Derby family photographer who will happily photograph flour-covered kitchens and wild tickle fights, I would love to chat.