5 Best Props for Family Photos -

Without the right props to add fun and visual interest, your family pictures might look like generic studio shots that collect dust rather than become cherished keepsakes. Since becoming a family photographer in 2001, I’ve curated the best props for family photos that you can use during your photo shoot.

Best Props for Family Photos

Thoughtfully selected props, including activity-based items like sports and art equipment, can encourage natural interaction. Seasonal elements such as holiday decorations can add timeless charm. Incorporating coordinating items like matching blankets, vintage items like teepees, and meaningful, sentimental objects such as family heirlooms creates layers of visual and emotional depth in your photographs.

A child giving his stuffed toy to her mother while taking their photo session

Whether it’s to reflect your family’s interests or mark significant milestones, the right props can visually enhance your family pictures. As a professional family photographer in San Diego, I often use these props to make each session more enjoyable and visually pleasing.

Category	Examples	Best For
Activity-based props	Books, art materials, sports equipment	Lifestyle photos, candid shots
Seasonal accessories	Holiday lights, spring flowers, beach toys	Outdoor sessions, annual photos
Coordinating items	Blankets, matching accessories, umbrellas	Holiday cards, announcements
Vintage items	Teepee, wagon, vintage car, antique chair	Themed shoots, rustic settings
Sentimental objects	Family heirlooms, old photographs, special toys	Generation photos, milestone celebrations

1. Activity-Based Items

Scheduling family time and supporting your children’s interests can encourage and strengthen family bonds. One way to do that is to schedule a family photo shoot that uses activity-based objects as props to show the individual interests of family members.

Here are some ways to use activity-based items to show joy and connection in family pictures:

Books: Have family members read together, capturing quiet and interactive moments.
Art materials: Set up a mini art station where everyone can draw or paint.
Musical instruments: Play or sing together for photos with lots of movement.
Sports gear: Capture action shots of a friendly game or activity.
Picnic items: Have a picnic with blankets, baskets, and favorite snacks to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

2. Seasonal Props

Seasonal items are great for setting a scene and capturing the mood of the time of year. For example, fall adds lively colors and textures to your pictures, whereas winter props bring a festive touch.

In spring, bright blooms and colorful umbrellas can add cheerful and lively vibes to your pictures. Meanwhile, summer is about having fun, where props like beach balls and bubbles can make your images look energetic and full of life. Here are some ways I use seasonal items in family photography sessions:

Arrange pumpkins and leaves around your family to highlight the fall setting.
Hold snow globes or pose with sleds to convey winter joy.
Use a flower bouquet or umbrella as a centerpiece in spring photos.
Capture action shots with beach balls or kids blowing bubbles for summer fun.

3. Coordinating Accessories

Having coordinated items in your family photos can provide a sense of harmony and unity in your pictures. These are also great for marking special occasions or sharing big news. You can use phrases like “We’re expecting!” or “Happy Holidays!” to convey your message.

Here are some ideas for using coordinating items as props for family photos:

Write messages or important dates on letter boards.
Use a chalkboard for fun, personalized notes.
Hang an announcement banner for special messages.
Wear matching accessories for a unified look.
Choose color-coordinated items for visual harmony.
Dress in family jerseys for a fun, sporty theme.

4. Vintage Objects

These vintage objects can be charming and versatile props. They work well in gardens or parks and can be used to pose young children. The rustic look of items like a wooden wagon, vintage car, or a teepee adds warmth and nostalgia to photos.

Teepee: Place it in a sunny spot for natural light. Add blankets and cushions inside for comfort. Let kids peek from the entrance for a playful effect.
Wagon: Fill it with flowers or toys to create an interesting backdrop. Have children sit or stand inside, depending on comfort. Use it for dynamic shots, like pulling the wagon gently.
Vintage car: A vintage car provides a classic and timeless feel. You can pose around or inside the car for different angles and looks.

5. Sentimental Items

Children with a great level of family connection are 49% more likely to flourish in life. One way to establish a family connection is to pass down and bring items that have a deeply personal touch within your family for generations.

These items often tell a story and bring cherished memories to life. Here are some ideas to incorporate these into your shoot:

Family heirlooms: Consider using a vintage piece of jewelry or a small antique passed down through generations.
Wedding photos of parents or grandparents: Including a photo of your parents or grandparents on their wedding day can create a beautiful connection between the past and present.
Children’s favorite toys: Whether it’s a dearly loved teddy bear or a set of colorful blocks, these items bring out a child’s personality in the photos.
Family recipes: Use a cookbook that holds special recipes from your family.

A family using their phones as props on their photo shoot

Conclusion

Whether it’s a personalized sign or something quirky, the right prop can set the mood and make your photos more genuine and engaging. As your photographer, I will shoot these carefully crafted photos, offering you treasured family heirlooms that spark joy and memories for generations and make the time invested in prop selection worth the effort.