10 Family Photo Ideas to That Are Easy as They Are Fun

Life is messy—embrace it! Take inspiration from blogger Kristen Duke who turned her families holiday card portrait session into a full-on paint fight.

An over-sized vintage frame from a thrift shop, a wall with fancy wallpaper or a DIY backdrop cloth, and now you're models!

Try a "golden hour" shoot. The golden hour is the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light just before sunset. (Depending on the ages of your kids, we know everyone has too much energy at one time of the other!)

Everyone loves a good book and soft bed—and every parent has both which makes this idea extremely simple. Just pile up the pillows and get in a cuddle puddle.

Cool. Modern. Classy. I give you, the silhouette shot. Despite how professional it looks, your iPhone camera and just the right sunset is actually all you need.

Best way to get the biggest, most beautiful smiles? Take an "action selfie" of the whole family enjoying a fun activity. Think boat rides, hay rides, or even just a ride down the slide at the playground.

Swing into downtown or the nearest city to your neighborhood, find a cool background, and let the art make your portraits pop.

If you do hire a professional, don't forget to ask for all outtakes as well as the shots where everyone is smiling. Those candid moments can sometimes be the most precious to look back at and remember.