As a boy mom, I have a front-row seat to the most incredible show of love, mischief, and endless joy.
I was born in the ’80s. Before camera phones, social media, and the internet. A time when we hung out without a care in the world until the streetlights came on. And through all of those times, there were a lot of moments that weren’t chronicled. For those rare occasions that someone was able to snap such pictures, it was with a Polaroid, disposable camera, or we had to take our film to get developed. However, I don’t have any of those pictures now. I don’t even have a baby photobook. They were either lost or damaged over the years. That’s why I take pictures of my kids any and every chance I get now. I am always thinking of mother and son photoshoot ideas so that I can capture all of those unforgettable moments.
My mother-son photoshoots hold a special place for me. There is no better way to capture the incredible bond, emotions, and milestones shared between a mother and her son. It’s a fantastic way to show the visual testament to the love and guidance that define our relationship. Family photography creates lasting memories that celebrate the beauty and significance of motherhood and sonhood.
What is a mother and son photoshoot?
A mother and son photoshoot is a dedicated photography session where a professional photographer captures the special bond and relationship between a mother and her son(s). The purpose of the photoshoot is to capture meaningful and memorable moments between the mother and son(s) in a series of photographs.
Life is fleeting, and memories can fade over time. For me, being able to capture moments with loved ones through photographs or videos, is a labor of love. Beautiful photos are a great way to preserve those precious memories and create a visual record of our experiences together.
I should also mention that you don’t have to get professional photos. Some of the best options have been with a camera phone. My first time doing a mother-son photo shoot was of my newborn child in the hospital.
What are some classic poses for mother and son photoshoots?
These classic poses can serve as a starting point, but feel free to adapt and modify them based on the individuals’ personalities, preferences, and dynamics. Every year I try to get a family portrait and I always have high hopes when our shoots start. I come up with creative ideas and thoughts but kids do what they want. I often find that we get the best pictures when the whole family just freestyles and has fun.
Embracing each other: Have the mother and son stand facing each other, arms wrapped around each other in a warm and loving hug. This pose is a good idea to show the strong bond and affection between them. It’s also a beautiful moment for great Mother’s Day photoshoot ideas.
Holding hands: Capture the interlocking hands of the mother and son. It’s a special moment to show the support, guidance, and connection they share.
Kissing on the forehead or cheek: The mother gently kisses her son’s forehead while he closes his eyes, leaning in towards her. This pose showcases tenderness, care, and the mother’s nurturing role.
Tips for a successful mother and son photoshoot session:
Choose outfits that complement each other but do not match exactly. This is always the first thing I tell people. Even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with matching. I find the pictures stand out more when everyone isn’t too matchy-matchy.
Be Patient and Flexible. Working with young kids requires patience and flexibility. Be prepared for unpredictable moments and be willing to adapt to their mood and energy levels. Allow them to be themselves and capture their genuine expressions and emotions.
Capture Candid Moments: Candid shots often produce some of the most authentic and memorable photos. Let kids engage in their activities naturally, whether it’s playing, laughing, or exploring. Be ready to capture those spontaneous moments that showcase their true personalities.
Be Prepared with Props and Snacks: For your photo session have some small toys, bubbles, or favorite snacks on hand. It’s a great idea to help keep the child engaged and cooperative during the session. These can serve as distractions or rewards to maintain their interest. I probably don’t even have to tell anybody this. Because every mom with young children has a reserve of snacks every time they leave the house!
Mother and son photoshoot ideas:
Playful Outdoor Adventure: Capture the joy and laughter as you and your son explore a scenic outdoor location, such as a park, beach, or forest. Outdoor shoots offer more space and freedom for kids to move, run, jump, and explore. This freedom allows them to express themselves naturally. Showcasing their energy, spontaneity, and playfulness, resulting in genuine and joyful moments captured in the photographs.
Matching Outfits: Coordinate your outfits with your son for a stylish and adorable photoshoot. Dressing in matching colors or patterns can create a cohesive and visually appealing look. Even though I personally don’t do too many matching outfits. I absolutely love coordinating with my kids. And I have seen some really adorable photos that other moms have taken.
Silhouette Embrace: Golden hour shoots, which take place during the hour after sunrise or before sunset when the sunlight is soft and warm. The soft, golden light of the golden hour creates a dreamy atmosphere that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and beauty. One of the best things is it adds a special quality to the images, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.
Candid at Home: Document the everyday moments and activities you share with your son at home. It could be cooking together, reading a book, or playing games. These great photos will reflect the genuine love and connection between you. Candid shots work really well for our family. And we get some amazing photos when we aren’t even thinking about it.
Dress-Up Fantasy: Have a fun photoshoot where you and your son dress up as your favorite characters or explore a specific theme like superheroes, pirates, or fairy tales. During Halloween, I do family costumes. This also works great because I use it as an opportunity to take great cosplay-style pictures.
Urban Exploration: Take to the streets of a vibrant city or an interesting urban setting. Explore colorful walls, street art, or architectural landmarks while capturing the bond between you and your son in an urban backdrop. I love street-style photography for my own social media channels but it’s always nice to incorporate my kids into that.
Water Fun: Head to a pool, beach, or sprinkler park and capture the pure joy and excitement as you and your son splash around and enjoy water activities together. Capturing a playful moment is a great way to get some fun and lighthearted shots.
Hiking Adventure: Go on a nature hike with your son and capture the beauty of the surroundings while sharing special moments along the trail. This is a great opportunity for candid and breathtaking photos. These natural backdrops and the natural setting add depth, texture, and visual interest to the photos.
Reflections: Find a picturesque location with a reflective surface, such as a lake, pond, or even a mirror. Use the reflections to capture unique and artistic shots of you and your son. These creative photos are great for capturing a serene mood.
Why do you need a mother and son photoshoot?
The mother and son photoshoot allows for the celebration of the unique connection, love, and shared experiences between a mother and her son(s). Photos are also a means of storytelling. We are able to keep memories alive and pass down our heritage. It is an opportunity to capture and preserve those precious moments and create lasting memories through beautiful photographs. I often look back at the baby pictures I have taken with my boys and it provides me with comfort. It reminds me of this amazing journey that motherhood has been.
[…] that fits everyone in the family can be tricky. Every year I have been really successful at coordinating all of us. It takes time and tons of scrolling through Pinterest but it’s always worth it. However, If […]