10 Family Picture Ideas | Lifestyle Newborn Session in Bolingbrook

Time really does fly, doesn’t it? It feels like just yesterday Kelsey and I were sharing laughs in our college sorority, and now here we are with growing families of our own. Life has come full circle, and watching her journey has been such a joy. She and her husband recently welcomed their sweet baby boy, Henry, into the world! Henry decided to make his big debut six weeks early, which meant their first few weeks as a family of three were spent in the NICU. But now, they’re finally settled at home, soaking up all the snuggles and joy—and, of course, getting their lifestyle newborn session on the calendar. (We had to shuffle a few things around after Henry’s surprise arrival, but hey, that’s just life with a newborn, right?) If you’re looking for newborn and family picture ideas, this is the post you need for inspiration! This family is as cute as it gets.

Of course, no family shoot is complete without including everyone—and that means their furry firstborn, Colonel Mustard! Let me just tell you, this pup is a total scene-stealer. Not only is he as cute as can be, but he’s also hilariously trying to figure out what it means to share Mom and Dad’s attention. Spoiler: he’s working on it. You can already tell how much he adores his baby brother. He was front and center for the photos, and I think he might’ve been my unofficial assistant for the day.

Capturing Life as We Know It: Priceless Family Picture Ideas

The session ended on a high note—literally! Dad, Ben, pulled out all the stops and treated us to a private piano concert. Watching Kelsey and little Henry take it in was goosebump-level special. It’s those little, everyday pieces of life that I love capturing most—because those are the memories you’ll hold closest as the years go by. You’re not just capturing a picture; you’re preserving real, everyday memories that will bring you right back to this season of life when you look at them years from now.

Lifestyle newborn sessions hold such a special place in my heart. There’s something so beautiful about families just being themselves—no stiff poses, no forced smiles, just real life. If you’re planning an at-home newborn or family session, let me just say—you don’t need a piano to make it magical. The beauty of these sessions is that they’re all about capturing you doing life together. Here are some fun ideas to make your session extra memorable:

10 Fun Newborn & Family Picture Ideas

Movie and popcorn on the couch

Grab a cozy blanket, pile everyone together, and press play on a favorite family movie. Snuggle up and capture those cozy, giggly moments. Bonus points if we capture buttery fingers sneaking popcorn from the bowl! (They may cause a little anxiety in the moment, but as a fellow mom of littles, I have no doubt we’ll be staring at those sweet, chubby little fingers with happy tears in our eyes 20 years from now.)

Tummy time and feeding sessions

Those early bonding moments are fleeting—let’s freeze them forever.

Sibling playtime

Whether it’s building block towers, reading books, or just being silly, siblings interacting with their new baby brother or sister make the sweetest memories.

Game time

Whether it’s board games, card games, or a round of hide-and-seek, these playful moments make for genuine smiles and laughter. This is a GREAT idea if your family has a wide range of ages. The older kiddos don’t have to sit through all of the newborn photos, and I can keep an eye out for those priceless moments of play and capture them in the moment.

Outdoorsy fun

If the weather’s nice, let’s head to the backyard! Whether swinging, blowing bubbles, or just hanging out, natural light and fresh air always bring something unique to photos. If you have a newborn, picnic blanket shots are always some of my favorites. If we can find a shady area (or even a cloudy day), the diffused sunlight is perfect for showcasing those tiny, perfect details.

Baking together

Who doesn’t love sprinkling flour everywhere (and licking the spoon)? I think squishy dough + little hands = guaranteed smiles. Bonus: It’s Insta-worthy and snackable.

S’mores night

Who says you must wait for the sun to go down to enjoy s’mores? If we can do it safely, get the firepit going and make some melty, chocolatey, ooey-gooey memories! Or, skip the fire and make some on the stove to carry out for your littles to enjoy while I photograph the moment.

Fort Building

Old-fashioned fort building is a surefire way to bring everyone together and create a mix of laughter and love. We can even do a newborn photo of you all together once the fort is complete.

Pillow fight

This idea always leads to big belly laughs and playful memories for families with older kiddos (when newborn naps allow!).

Living Room Dance Party

Turn on your littles’ favorite songs and bust out the moves. If Baby is fussy, Mom and Dad can gently sway along, which usually does the trick!

The Magic is Already There, Waiting to Be Captured

The best part? These moments don’t just make for incredible photos—they also create memories you’ll cherish long after the session is over. And when you look at those pictures on your walls or send them out as cards, they’ll bring an instant smile to your face. Because they weren’t just photos—they were your moments, captured perfectly.

So don’t stress if life feels a little hectic (spoiler: it always is with kids!). Embrace the chaos, pick an activity that feels you, and let’s create memories you’ll treasure forever. Who knows—those candid moments might become your favorite holiday cards or the photos you proudly hang in your home!

Next time you plan a family or newborn shoot, think about what makes your family you—and let’s weave that magic into the session. ✨