Are you considering getting a new family portrait? There are so many fun ideas for taking family photos. While taking your family photo indoors can be nice, it can be extra beautiful to take your family photo shoot outdoors. If you are interested in learning how to take your family photos outdoors, read on. Today, I'll be going over different family portrait ideas and how to take your family photo shoot outdoors. Let's get started.
Tips for Taking Family Photos
The key to getting a good family portrait is to take family pictures at the right time of the day. You should also choose a nice background for your family photo. Let's take a look at some tips for taking family photos.
Take Your Family Photos Right Before Sunset
The best time to take pictures is right before the sun sets. Early in the morning before the sun is too high is also a good time to take family photos. However, make sure you choose a time when your kids are energized and ready for taking family photos. If this means doing it after your child takes a nap, then do it at that time. Choose a time that fits into your schedule, but try doing it either before sunset or early in the morning.
Choose a Day That Has Nice Weather
Your family photo shoot will be a disaster if the weather is not nice out. Choose a warm day that does not have any rain, snow, or wind. Make sure you and your family are prepared for cold weather but try to choose a day that has nice weather.
Make Sure Your Kids Are Not Hungry or Tired
If your kids are hungry or tired, the family photo shoot will not be as fun. Make sure your kids are rested up and eat before you take your family photos.
Be Natural
It can be difficult to get the perfect shot if your family is stressed. Remember that this day should be fun and not stressful. Take shots of your kids wrestling each other or your entire family laughing. To get the perfect family photo you don't have to stand still. Have fun and be natural. For some ideas on how to capture a natural family photo, check out the family photo ideas below.

What to Do with Your Family Photos
Once you get the perfect family photo, you may not be sure what to do with it. Here are some ideas you may want to try:
Frame It
Framing your family photo is a great way to display it. If you took multiple family photos, consider using a collage frame. You could also get lots of frames and create a photo gallery on your wall. Consider if you want your family photos on a regular frame or a canvas. A frame of your family makes a great gift to family members.
Make a Photo Album
A photo album is another great way to keep family photos. Anytime you want to show someone your family photos, simply grab the photo album. Each year, you can add more photos to the photo album.
Make Mugs
Mugs with your family photo on it look simply adorable. They make great gifts to family members and can be used for years to come. If you took photos of each of your kids, consider giving them each their own mug with their picture on it.
Get an iPhone Case with Your Family Photo on It
Nowadays, many people choose to turn their family photo into an iPhone case. That way, you can look at your family each time you look at your phone. Also, if you want to show somebody your family photo all you have to do is show them your phone. You don't even have to scroll through your iPhone pictures!
Make a Puzzle
Does your family love puzzles? Then they'll love putting together their own family photo. Each person in your family can put together their own picture, and when everyone is done you can finish the puzzle by connecting your family together.
Make Christmas Cards
Christmas will be approaching before you know it, so now is the perfect time to get your Christmas cards made. You don't have to send them off yet, but it is always good to have them ready. If you are planning on using your family photo for your Christmas card, consider wearing Christmas hats or red and green clothing. You can also use your family photos for other cards such as thank-you cards, happy birthday cards, or get-well cards.

Image Source: Haute and Humid
Family Photo Ideas
When it comes to taking family pics, there is no right or wrong. You could all pose together, or you could take an action shot of your family playing outdoors. Some people even take pictures of their family's shadows instead of their faces. Family photo ideas are endless, it's as simple as that. Now that you know how to take your family pictures, let's dive in and take a look at family photo ideas to inspire you. These family photography ideas are simply adorable, and can even be funny if you want them to be!
Sit Down
A nice way to take a family photo is to sit down with your kids. If your kids are young, you may want them to stand so that they can be seen. Find a grassy area to sit down and take your family photo.

Image Source: Simplicity Photography
Snap Some Pictures of Your Family's Shadows
There is nothing wrong with taking pictures of your family's shadows instead of their faces. It has a unique look that traditional family portrait photos don't have. To get the best family photos, you'll need to do it early morning or in the evening. These times are when shadows are visible. Then, pick a background so that you can easily see the shadows. Try not to have there be too many distractions in the background. It is easier to see the shadows when the background is light-colored and without many distractions. So although it may seem nice to take your family photos by the river, it will be more difficult to see the shadows.

Image Source: Pinterest
Get a Back Shot of Your Family
Instead of getting a front shot of your family, try taking a picture of the back side of them. You could either stand or sit still, or your family could walk. A nice family photo idea is to walk down a road or trail. It doesn't matter too much when you take the photo as long as it is light out. It could look nice if there were shadows behind you. Or you may prefer to take the picture during the middle of the day when there are no shadows. The decision is up to you.

Image Source: Past Book
Spell Out Your Family's Name
This family photo idea is very fun and easy to do. All your family has to do is stand and hold the letters of your family's last name. You don't even have to get your family's faces in it, but you can if you want. Make sure you have a nice background and the lighting is right.

Image Source: Wix
Be Creative
This family photo idea is both creative and funny. As you can see, it doesn't require a special background to do this family photo shoot. This family did their photo shoot in front of a building with leaves on the ground. You could do this photo shoot anywhere you'd like. And you can be completely natural. Just remember to not let go of your kids!

Image Source: Hongkiat
Have Fun!
Remember to have fun when taking your family photos. You don't have to sit or stand perfectly in order to get a nice family photo. Your family can be playing, running, laughing, and being natural. There are so many ideas for getting a natural shot of your family. Just remember to have fun, be natural, and keep smiling.

Image Source: Past Book
Final Thoughts
Taking family photos doesn't have to be a difficult task. With the proper lighting, background, and attitude, your family photo will be taken in no time. The best time of day to take family photos is in the evening, although you could also do it in the morning. These times are also when the shadows are out, which makes it a perfect time to take pictures of your family's shadows. Remember to choose a day with nice weather, and make sure your kids are not hungry or tired when you do your photo shoot.
In this article, I also went over some creative family photo ideas you can try. From standing still to capturing photos of your family running around, these family photo ideas are simple and easy to do. Simply set your camera on self-timer and jump into the picture. I hope this article has inspired you to take family photos this season. Remember to have fun and be natural. So, what are you waiting for? Go grab your camera and have fun shooting pictures of your family.