There’s a growing trend happening in family photography, and it’s all about authenticity. More and more parents are trading stiff poses and forced smiles for real connection, real laughter, and sometimes… real messes. Because the goal isn’t just a perfect picture. It’s a snapshot of your life as it actually feels.
Joyful. Chaotic. Beautifully real.
This session here at The Pod Photography is the perfect example! It started with a clean, classic family portrait setup. But by the end, our Manhattan Beach studio was a riot of color, laughter, and three paint-covered kids living their best lives. It was messy. It was magic. And it’s exactly the kind of creative, personality-filled session we see trending big for 2025.
If you’re looking for family photo ideas that capture the real you—even if that means splattered paint and bare feet—this Manhattan Beach family session might just be your new inspiration.
From Polished to Playful
As with all of our sessions at The Pod Photography, we started with a strong foundation: beautifully lit, and professionally-style portraits that will look timeless for years to come. The family arrived in coordinating black and white outfits, with the three kids wearing personalized tees that read “1,” “4,” and “6.” A simple styling touch, yes, but also totally adorable (and if you borrow this idea, let us assure you that future-you will be so glad those ages are labeled!).
Our Manhattan Beach team snapped sweet family portraits, sibling group shots, and individual photos of each kid. The vibe was warm, easy, and full of personality. Even the family pooch was invited to the party! These kids knew exactly what to do in front of the camera, which makes sense, considering we’ve been photographing them since they were tiny newborns.
And that’s one of our favorite things at The Pod Photography: building real relationships with families over time. Watching your babies grow up and getting to be the ones who document all the magic along the way never gets old.
And just when we thought we had the perfect portrait set… it was time to get messy. The second half of this Manhattan Beach session was a full-on kids’ painting party, designed right here in the studio.
Controlled Chaos – A Custom Session Idea
We set up easels, paint palettes, brushes, and a giant white canvas, with aprons to keep things mostly clean… for a little while, anyway. The idea was simple: let the kids create. What unfolded was pure joy.
The youngest grabbed a brush with total confidence. Her older siblings followed suit, splattering, swirling, stamping, and stepping their way across the canvas. There was paint on toes. Paint in curls. Paint-covered fingers and belly laughs that filled the studio.
And through it all, The Pod Photography’s Manhattan Beach team were there to capture every moment: the big smiles, the sibling chaos, the quiet moments in between. Because at The Pod Photography, our goal is to create an experience your family will never forget. The session itself should be a memory-making experience.
Why This Session Works (And What Makes It a Trend to Watch)
This session worked so well because it combined expert styling and planning with spontaneity and personality. We designed the shoot around this family’s vibe, knowing they were ready for something fun, free-spirited, and creative.
And it’s not just this session. Creative, story-driven shoots like this are exactly what we see trending in family photography for 2025.
What’s Trending in Family Photography for 2025
Families are shifting toward creative, story-driven sessions that highlight personality, connection, and real-life fun. Here are some of the top trends we’re seeing, and already bringing to life in the studio:
- Paint Sessions – Let the kids create their own masterpiece (and a mess) while we capture the joy in real time.
- In-the-Kitchen Moments – Cookie baking, frosting faces, and flour-covered fun. Perfect for milestone sessions or holiday shoots.
- Cozy At-Home Vibes – Pajamas, morning cuddles, and bed-jumping adventures. These sessions turn your real life into keepsake art.
- Backyard Adventure Sessions – Gardening, playing in the dirt, or water fights on a summer day. Let it be raw and joy-filled.
- Dance Party Breaks – Turn up the music in-studio and let kids (and grown-ups) dance it out for the best candid photos.
- Editorial Dress-Up – Princesses in rain boots, superheroes in bowties. Stylized setups that celebrate imagination.
- Picnic-Inspired Setups – Relaxed, styled outdoor sessions with blankets, snacks, and space to play.
More than ever, families want photos that feel like them. Real, expressive, maybe even a little wild. These kinds of sessions aren’t just fun, they’re the future of family photography.
Want to Try a Session Like This?
We specialize in fully customized sessions for families, babies, kids, and pets. Whether you’re dreaming of classic portraits, something whimsical, or a mix of both—like this playful, paint-filled shoot—we’ll help design a session that fits your family perfectly.
Not sure what trend suits your crew? Our Manhattan Beach team knows how to ask the right questions and guide you toward a concept that reflects your style, energy, and season of life. No guesswork, no stress. Just a creative plan that feels like you.
From set styling and wardrobe to props, pacing, and posing, we handle all the details at The Pod Photography. You just show up, have fun, and trust that we’ll capture something truly special: photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
Give us a call today at 310-391-4500 or book online to start planning your family’s dream session!