5 Creative Ideas for Unique Family Photos

Family photos do not have to mean stiff poses on a couch or the same park bench everyone else uses. The most memorable images often come from authentic, playful moments that reflect your family’s personality.

Here are five creative ideas to make your family photos fun, unique, and truly yours. There are also tips on how to capture those magical moments.

1. Backyard Adventures

Your own backyard can be full of photo opportunities. Whether it is a garden, a swing set, or just a sunny patch of grass, kids can explore and play naturally.

Why it works: Kids feel comfortable in their own space and you get relaxed, authentic expressions.

Tip: Let them run, pick flowers, or explore. You will be amazed at how those candid moments translate into beautiful photos.

2. Family Picnics

Set up a cozy blanket, bring a basket of snacks, and let your family enjoy a picnic.

Why it works: Everyone can relax and you can capture laughter, little spills, and genuine connection.

Tip: Bring props like a favorite book, tea set, or soft toys to make it feel personal.

3. Cooking or Baking Together

If your family loves spending time in the kitchen, turn it into a session. Flour on noses, little hands stirring batter, and shared giggles create timeless memories.

Why it works: It is interactive, messy in the best way, and filled with emotion.

Tip: Keep the focus on connection, not perfection. Authentic moments shine brighter than perfectly plated cookies.

4. Outdoor Playtime

Capture kids running, jumping, climbing, or tossing a ball. Movement creates energy and natural smiles that posed shots rarely achieve.

Why it works: Play brings out personality and the photos feel lively, genuine, and fun.

Tip: Use prompts like “who can jump the highest” or “show me your silliest dance move” to spark laughter.

5. Include Your Family’s Passions

Think about what makes your family your family. Pets, musical instruments, hobbies, or even a favorite board game can all become the centerpiece of your session.

Why it works: It tells your story, not just your faces. Years later, those images will bring back memories of what made your family special at that moment.

The key to unique family photos is capturing real connection and joy, not just perfect poses. With a little creativity, you can turn your session into a fun experience and get photos you will actually want to hang on your walls.

If you are ready to create personal, memorable family photos in Lancaster, PA, let’s book your session. I will help you bring your family’s personality to life through backyard adventures, picnics, messy baking, and more.

5 Mistakes Families Make When Choosing a Photographer (And How to Avoid Them)

Let’s be honest…planning a family photo session can feel a bit…overwhelming. Between coordinating outfits, getting the kids to cooperate, and figuring out which location will actually look good in photos, it’s a lot.

And here’s the thing: choosing the wrong photographer can make it even more stressful. You don’t want your “special family moment” to end up looking like a rushed selfie.

So, here are five mistakes families often make when picking a photographer and how you can avoid them so your session is smooth, fun, and leaves you with photos you actually love.

1. Picking Someone Just Because They’re Cheap

Look, I get it. We all want a good deal. But when it comes to photography, you really do get what you pay for. A super low price can mean rushed sessions, inconsistent editing, or photos that don’t truly capture your family.

Pro tip: Think about the value, not just the price. Experience, style, and a full-service process are worth it. Your photos aren’t just files, they’re memories you’ll display on your walls for years.

2. Ignoring Their Style

Have you ever seen a photographer’s Instagram and thought, “These are gorgeous!” only to get the gallery and realize it’s not quite your vibe? Happens more than you’d think.

Pro tip: Scroll through their full galleries, not just the highlights. Make sure their style matches your vision whether that’s timeless and bold, soft and candid, or a mix of both.

3. Forgetting the Experience Matters

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle toddlers for a photo session, you know it’s…an adventure. A photographer who doesn’t know how to work with kids can make it stressful instead of fun.

Pro tip: Look for someone who guides you, knows how to get real smiles, and keeps the session light and enjoyable. (Yes, you can have a stress-free photo session!)

4. Not Thinking About Prints and Products

It’s easy to think, “I’ll just get the digital files and figure it out later.” But without guidance, those beautiful photos often sit on a hard drive or phone.

Pro tip: Ask about albums, prints, and wall art. A photographer who helps you turn images into something you can actually enjoy every day is worth their weight in gold.

5. Waiting Too Long to Book

Especially if you’re looking for a fall, holiday, or spring session, waiting until the last minute can be risky. Popular photographers fill up fast.

Pro tip: Plan ahead, book early, and schedule a consultation. That way, you can focus on the fun stuff like outfits, locations, and family laughs…without the panic.

Choosing the right photographer doesn’t have to be stressful. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll end up with photos that feel effortless, joyful, and totally you.

If you’re ready to capture your family in timeless, joyful photos (without the chaos), let’s chat and book your session in Lancaster, PA. I’ll guide you every step of the way from wardrobe to wall art so you actually enjoy the experience as much as the final photos.

The Secret to Getting Natural Smiles in Photos | Lancaster PA Family Photographer | Angie Englerth

The Secret to Getting Natural Smiles in Photos

(Even with Toddlers)

If you've ever walked away from a photo session wondering, “Did we get anything good?”
You are so not alone.

As a Lancaster PA family photographer (and a mom of four), I’ve been on both sides of the camera with toddlers who would rather do literally anything else.

But here’s the truth: natural smiles…the real, belly-laugh kind…are totally possible. And no, it doesn’t have to require bribery or perfectly behaved kids. It just takes a little connection, some silly questions, and a whole lot of play.

It Starts With Banter (The Sillier, the Better)

Want to know my favorite question to ask during a session?

→ “Who has the stinkiest feet in your house?”

It never fails. Someone always shouts “Dad!” and the giggles just roll from there.

As a family photographer in Lancaster PA, I love using humor and conversation to bring out kids’ true personalities. We chat about favorite pizza toppings, pretend birds are landing on my head mid-photo, and even see who can make the best fart noise (with their mouth, of course).

It’s not about making them behave. It’s about making them laugh.
When they’re laughing, they’re relaxed. And when they’re relaxed? We get the magic.

Play Over Posing

I guide families into simple, natural moments.

Tickles. Races. Squeezes so tight they spill into laughter.

Toddlers especially thrive when we lean into what they’re already doing: running, exploring, being silly. I’ll follow their lead and capture the in-between magic.

If you’ve been searching for a Lancaster PA family photographer who can roll with the chaos and still deliver timeless, heartfelt images, I might just be your girl.

Your Energy Sets the Tone

Here’s a secret: kids take their cues from you.

If you're tense or worried about how they’re acting, they feel it.
But if you lean in and just enjoy them for who they are, you’ll be amazed what we can create together.

Trust me with the chaos. I’ve got four kids, and I know how to find beauty in the messy moments.

The Best Smiles Are Never Forced

Some of my favorite shots are the ones that happen in between, the ones you didn’t plan for.

A little giggle at my camera noises.
A glance up at mom during a quiet moment.
A surprised laugh when I pretend to trip over a pinecone.

Real smiles come when we’re not trying so hard.
That’s where the heart is.

Let’s Capture the Real Stuff

If you’re looking for a Lancaster PA family photographer who knows how to turn chaos into keepsakes and bring out the best in even the busiest little ones, I’d love to work with you.

📸 Click here to see session details and availability!