While everyone’s faces smiling at the camera will always hold a place within lifestyle family photography, those are not the best family moments caught on camera. And speaking from 7+ years of experience as a family photographer, usually it’s the unexpected moments that families end up loving best in their photo galleries.

Portrait of photographer Elise Souders , who loves unique family photoshoot ideas. — Before we dive into family photoshoots ideas that feel honest rather than stiff -

**Hi, I’m Elise. I’m a Bend, Oregon photographer that specializes in storytelling photography for Central Oregon families.** I look for the scenes that are more than just a nice picture - they are the memories that you will treasure forever. If that sounds good to you, then you’re in the right place.

Think of some of your favorite family snapshots. Is it everyone’s face smiling at the camera, or are they candid family pictures you snapped in a moment? I’m willing to bet some of your absolute favorite photos are the unprompted memories that are special to your family.

How to get a candid portrait during professional photography sessions.

The first step to getting a candid portrait during a photo session is to stop focusing on the camera. Most of the time when someone is staring at the camera, it’s either because they were taught to automatically smile for the camera or they feel uncomfortable, so they watch what the camera is doing.

Creating a space where people feel comfortable being photographed can be challenging. With over seven years of professional experience, I’ve learned that setting a relaxed tone goes a long way in creating candid family pictures. My favorite way to do this is by selecting a location where your family actually loves to spend time and centering the session around an activity. This method works both with lifestyle portrait sessions and documentary family photography.

If the idea of an unposed session feels a bit intimidating, you can dive deeper into my full breakdown on prepping your family for a documentary style session to get comfortable before stepping in front of the lens.

Fun Central Oregon family photoshoot ideas.

Living in Central Oregon, we’re incredibly lucky to have close to 300 days of sunshine a year, beautiful scenery all around, and some really cool cities to explore. There’s no shortage of things that can be done in town, out in nature, or around your own home.

Candid family photo blowing bubbles at home by Elise Souders, Bend, Oregon Photographer

Candid family photo ideas: fun at home

If you’re wondering why you would take photos at home when Central Oregon is so breathtakingly beautiful - I get it. I’m a nature girl at heart myself. But as a photographer, I’ve seen the magic of how kids can open up and show their personalities when they feel comfortable at home. If your goal is more than a pretty picture, setting up a session at home can set yourselves up for candid family pictures that will make your heart glow.

Some of the best family photoshoot ideas keep hands busy and minds off the shutter. Simple, classic family routines translate beautifully on camera:

Baking together: Focus on the fun of flour-covered hands, kids sneaking bites of chocolate chips, and the chaotic cleanup rather than a perfect end product. The point of putting ingredients together is having fun while making something - not a treat you’re actually going to eat.
Simple games & music: Playing something simple like “I Spy” or strumming a guitar on the living room rug naturally brings everyone close together. These activities inspire interaction and create space for cuddly moments naturally.
Bubbles & backyard play: An easy, always pleasing activity for babies and toddlers that keeps them moving freely in the environment that they feel safest in. Add in some water and bam, it’s the perfect summer afternoon photos.

Candid family photo ideas: fun in nature

If you are stuck on how to coordinate outfits for our high-desert weather, check out my guide on styling in Central Oregon for any season for practical wardrobe tips that will keep you comfortable and feeling ready to play.

Whether you want to splash along the Deschutes River at Tumalo State Park during the heat of summer, hike along the wetlands near Dillon Falls on a cool autumn afternoon, or grab a sled and head down snowy hills in the winter - nature gives your family a playground where forced smiles completely disappear.

Candid family pictures running in an open field by Elise Souders, photographer

Candid family photo ideas: around town in Central Oregon

Coming from a background of being married to an active duty U.S. Marine, I’ve lived in seven states across the east coast, west coast, central part of the country, and overseas in Hawai’i. I’m not lying when I say Central Oregon has some really cool cities, parks, small businesses, and events happening.

Bend: Grabbing pastries at local favorite M’s Bakery in the Old Mill District before heading to Miller’s Landing Park. Spread a big picnic blanket and enjoy a laid-back morning with treats while the kids laugh as they watch the geese on the river.
Redmond: A relaxed afternoon at Sam Johnson Park. We can set up a picnic blanket in the shade and let the kids open up over melting popsicles after they run off their energy on the Hope Playground. It’s a space where they are already in 'play mode,' making it incredibly easy to capture real, unforced family connections.
Sunriver: Book a night stay-cation at the Sunriver Resort and enjoy a golden-soaked stroll along the resort's nature paths in the evening with your family while you watch the sun sink slowly to the horizon. You can still have a simple lifestyle session in a beautiful location that creates beautifully candid and genuine moments.
Sisters: Catching gorgeous early morning light against the iconic western-style storefronts, parents slowly sipping a cup of coffee from Sisters Coffee Co. while your family enjoys quality time without the hustle of tourists.

Candid portrait of family tickling toddler toes by Elise Souders, Bend Oregon Photographer

Read the room: the real secret sauce to creating a candid portrait.

Reading the room means paying attention to what’s unfolding during the session - and knowing when to stop what’s not working. If an activity or game falls flat - or worse, creates friction - then it is time to pivot. Changing course could look like switching to a different idea, letting the kids lead for a bit, or taking a step back to allow something quieter to settle into the moment.

I always do my homework before a session to learn about your family - your routines, your kids’ personalities, and what you value - so that I come in to the session with a game plan and the flexibility to change as needed. The result is a family photo session that feels easy and true to you, not forced. The resulting photos reflect who you are in this season of life and become a treasured core memory - not just a pretty picture sitting in a frame.

How to prepare your mindset (and your partner) for candid family pictures.

If you've ever had a family photo session that felt awkward or uncomfortable, you're not alone. I've spent the past seven years refining my process for photographing families because I know what it feels like to be floundering in front of the camera with my own family.

Instead of focusing solely on finding family photoshoot ideas, try changing your mindset from “this needs to work” in your session to “whatever happens, it will be okay”. So many parents worry about their children misbehaving or not smiling for the camera. But as a photographer, I don’t worry about those things. I was a camp counselor for nine summers, and I am also a parent. I have seen and experienced a whole range of situations and big emotions.

And you know what? Imperfection does not ruin your family photoshoot. When you look back at your photos a decade from now, you’ll want to remember the messy, chaotic, and beautiful reality of what your family really felt like in that moment of time. So when you and your family are prepping for a photography session - make sure both parents know that it’s okay if things get a little bumpy.

If you've found yourself unhappy with a session or didn't truly love the photos you paid for, you might not have found the right photographer yet. If you want a gallery filled with honest, candid family photo ideas brought to life rather than an hour of forced posing, you might just need a different approach. Let’s capture how your family actually feels in this exact season. If this sounds good to you, get in touch to check availability and book a family portrait session.

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