The Best Fun Family Pics Come from Play: Our Favourite Ideas

There’s something deeply special about the kind of laughter that bubbles up when no one’s posing. Fun family pics capture your family’s unique rhythm — the inside jokes, spontaneous games, muddy knees, windblown hair, and all those glorious in-between moments. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories with movement — the kind that make you smile every time you look back.

At The Story of Us, some of our most treasured family portraits are born from the unplanned and playful. We hope these ideas spark inspiration for your own session and show just how much beauty lives in letting go and having fun together.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #1: Beach Adventures at Sunset

There’s something about Perth’s coastline that invites play. Barefoot races along the shoreline, splashing in the shallows, and sandy hugs at golden hour — a beach session is pure joy. We love capturing families wading in together, letting the waves tickle their toes while laughter echoes across the dunes. With soft light and space to roam, these sessions are perfect for letting kids be wild and free.

We hope our guide on Beach Family Photos in Perth will inspire your own seaside story!

fun family photoshoot of brothers and a sister running toward the camera at the beach during sunset hour
fun family photoshoot at the beach during sunset hour and wearing white-denim outift

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #2: Bubble Play

Bubbles have a magic all their own. As they float through the air, children chase them with wide eyes and wild limbs, completely lost in the moment. We love photographing families gathered in a grassy clearing, parents laughing as their kids dart through a shimmering trail of colour. These sessions are lighthearted and always full of spontaneous delight.

fun family photoshoot of father, mother, and two sons playing bubbles happily at the Perth's city park
fun family photoshoot of mother and daughter playing with bubbles at the Perth's city park

Explore more the Seng’s family trip photo session for inspiration!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #3: Playground Fun

Playgrounds are a perfect backdrop for natural smiles and movement. Whether it’s swinging high into the sky, climbing up to whisper secrets from the top of the slide, or racing to the monkey bars, the energy is infectious. We capture the joy in action — parents giving piggybacks, kids mid-air, laughter ringing out between climbing frames.

fun family photoshoot of father, daughter, and son crossing the playground hanging bridge hand-in-hand
fun family photoshoot of mother, father, daughter, and two sons playing mini flying fox in the Perth's city park playground area

See more the fun moment of Carolyn’s family trip to Perth’s city park

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #4: A Stroll in the Park

A gentle walk with your family can turn into a series of beautiful, unposed moments. Holding hands, stopping to pick wildflowers, balancing along a fallen log — we follow your family’s natural pace and rhythm. These sessions often reveal quiet connections and subtle gestures that speak volumes.

Fun family photoshoot of father, mother, and two daughter stopped by at the blooming flowers in Perth's city park during spring
Fun family photoshoot of father, mother, and two sons strolling around the Perth's city park during spring
Fun family photoshoot of father, mother, and a son strolling around the Perth's city park during spring

Get inspired with our springtime in Perth photoshoot for your next family photo session!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #5: Family Picnics

A simple picnic can become a playground of connection. Bring a rug, some favourite snacks, and let the kids run barefoot on the grass. We often capture cuddles between bites, giggles over shared strawberries, and parents lying back with their children nestled in close. These sessions feel relaxed and joyful, with movement and rest woven together.

fun family photoshoot of family picnics at the Perth's national park during golden hour

See more of the excitement of Elise’s family trip photo session during picnic!

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #6: Birthday Celebrations

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a child’s birthday. Whether it’s blowing out candles, unwrapping presents, or dancing under bunting in the backyard, birthday sessions are full of real emotion. We’ve captured families gathered around cupcakes, toddlers smashing their first cake, and siblings squealing in anticipation. Every image tells the story of celebration and growth.

Planning your child’s party and looking for inspiration? Head over to Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas We’ve Loved Capturing!

fun family photoshoot during kid's birthday celebration in pastel beach theme
fun family photoshoot during kid's birthday celebration in safari dinosaur theme
fun family photoshoot during kid's birthday celebration in strawberry pink theme

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #7: Bushwalk Adventures

There’s a quiet thrill to exploring the bush as a family. We follow the trails as you wander, capturing curiosity and connection as the kids discover sticks, rocks, and tiny creatures. The texture of the trees, the rustle of leaves, and the wide open space create a beautiful, grounding energy in these sessions.

fun family photoshoot of father and son exploring Perth's city park and picking some wildflowers during bushwalk
fun family photoshoot of father and daughter exploring Perth's city park and picking some wildflowers during bushwalk
fun family photoshoot of mother and daughter exploring Perth's city park and picking some wildflowers during bushwalk

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #8: Chasing Games and Laughter

Sometimes, all it takes is one game of tag to light up the entire shoot. We’ve seen it unfold in grassy fields, along pathways, even down quiet suburban streets — kids chasing parents, squealing with glee, everyone caught up in the moment. These photos pulse with motion and emotion, the kind that makes your cheeks ache from smiling.

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #9: Playtime with the Family Dog

There’s a special kind of chaos (and joy) that comes with including your furry family member in the shoot. Whether your pup is bounding through the park, getting cuddles from the kids, or gently nosing their way into group hugs, these moments are full of warmth and spontaneity. We’ve photographed families tossing sticks, walking their dog along sun-dappled trails, and even enjoying backyard zoomies. The energy pets bring is infectious — and the connection between children and their animals always shines through.

Check out some of our favourite photos that we’ve taken of family and their fur babies in our Pet Photography Perth Guide – Outdoor and In-home Ideas!

fun family photoshoot during trip to Perth's national park with two dogs

Take a look at Anthea’s family photo session with their dogs

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #10: In-Home Playtime Moments

Home is where your family’s story unfolds daily — and there’s so much fun to be found in the familiar. Think jumping on the bed, building forts in the lounge room, or baking cookies together in a sunlit kitchen. These sessions feel especially relaxed for little ones, and they celebrate the everyday magic of your life just as it is.

fun family photoshoot during playtime at home

Find inspiration about angles from the Mullally’s family in-home photo session

fun family photoshoot of playtime together at home

Let’s have a simple photo session at home but meaningful like Tahnee’s family photoshoot

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #11: Family Picnics in the Backyard

If the park feels too far, your own backyard is perfect. We’ve photographed everything from afternoon tea under fairy lights to trampoline bounce-offs and veggie garden explorations. The backyard is full of comfort and character — a place where kids can be themselves completely. And you don’t even need to pack a thing.

fun family photoshoot of family picnics at the backyard during sunny hour

Photoshoot Idea for Fun Family Pic #12: Christmas Traditions

From hanging ornaments to unwrapping gifts, these festive moments are meant to be cherished. We’ve captured families decorating together, sharing quiet moments by the Christmas tree, and celebrating the season in their own unique way. It’s a season brimming with togetherness — and the photos become treasures to revisit year after year.

We hope our Heartwarming Christmas Photoshoot Ideas for Families in Perth inspire your own festive shoot!

fun family photoshoot during christmas at home
fun family photoshoot during christmas at home

Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Fun Family Pics

  • Let your kids know the session is all about having fun.

  • Avoid over-scripting the day — spontaneity creates the best images.

  • Bring snacks and water (and spare outfits if needed).

  • Choose a time of day when your kids are well-rested.

  • Be playful yourself — kids take their cues from you.

  • And remember, it's not about perfection. It’s about connection.

What to Wear for Fun Family Pics

The best outfits for fun family pics are the ones that let you move, play, and feel like yourselves. These sessions are all about connection and energy, so comfort matters more than coordination — but that doesn’t mean you can’t look beautiful too.

Here are our top tips for dressing the whole family:

  • Choose comfort first. If your kids can’t climb, run, or roll around freely, they’re going to feel restricted — and it’ll show in the photos.

  • Keep colours soft and harmonious. Earthy tones, warm neutrals, and gentle patterns help keep the focus on your faces and interactions. Think mustard, rust, sage, denim, and cream — but don’t shy away from a fun pop of colour.

  • Coordinate, don’t match. Everyone in jeans and white shirts? Not necessary. Aim for a mix of tones and textures that work well together, but still reflect each person’s style.

  • Avoid big logos and writing. They can distract from the real star of the show: your connection.

  • Add layers and accessories. A textured knit, linen overalls, or a wide-brimmed hat can add interest to your photos — and help little ones feel cosy if it gets chilly.

  • Think about bare feet. For in-home or beach sessions, shoes can often be left behind altogether — relaxed, grounded, and oh-so-adorable.

And remember, no outfit is worth stressing over. What matters most is that you feel relaxed, connected, and ready to play.

Get more inspiration from our guide on family photo outfits!

Best Locations for Fun Family Pics in Perth

Where you choose to have your session can make a big difference to how relaxed and playful it feels. The best locations aren’t necessarily the most scenic — they’re the ones that feel familiar, fun, and full of room to move.

Some of our favourite places for fun family pics around Perth include:

  • The beach at golden hour — wide open space, soft light, and endless room for sandy play.

  • Bush trails and nature reserves — perfect for exploring, climbing, and spontaneous adventures.

  • Local parks — relaxed, accessible, and great for combining walking, playing, and picnics.

  • Your own backyard — a beautiful choice if your little ones feel most themselves at home.

  • Inside your home — the most personal setting of all, with beds to bounce on and stories to tell.

We’re always happy to suggest Perth locations based on your family’s vibe — whether you’re up for a bit of travel or prefer to keep it close to home. The most important thing? Choosing a space where you can be fully present and playful.

What to Expect During a Fun Playful Photoshoot with The Story of Us

A fun-focused shoot flows differently than a posed one — and that’s part of the magic. We’ll begin with a few soft, guided moments to help everyone settle in. From there, we follow the mood. If the kids want to run, we run. If there’s a moment of quiet connection, we pause to capture it. There are no rigid time blocks or forced smiles. Just space to be yourselves, gently held by a photographer who sees the beauty in your now.

Book your Perth family photography session and capture the fun

If this guide has sparked a few ideas, we’d love to help you bring them to life. At The Story of Us, we’re all about capturing families just as they are — joyful, connected, and beautifully real.

Explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity, Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.

We can’t wait to help you tell your story!

FAQs about fun family pics

  • We keep things light, flexible, and fun. Sessions are guided by your child’s pace — we follow their energy, not fight it. Whether they need to run, snuggle, snack, or explore, there’s room for it all. We also bring little prompts and games to spark laughter and connection along the way.

  • Absolutely! Dogs are part of the family, and they bring so much joy to a session. Whether it’s a gentle stroll, backyard play, or a game of fetch at the park, pets add energy and heart to your photos.

  • We offer two family photography packages: The Little Chapter (45 minutes) and The Wild Chapter (75 minutes). Both are designed to be relaxed and unhurried, with plenty of space for natural moments to unfold.

    If you have young children, we often recommend The Wild Chapter, as it allows extra time for your little ones to explore, settle in, and play — making the whole experience feel more like a carefree afternoon at the beach.

    For more details on the packages, please check out our family portfolio.

Next
Next

Newborn Photo Outfits & Props Ideas from Families We’ve Photographed