An outdoor family photography session

Why Your Family Photos Need a Killer Soundtrack

April 3, 2025

Family photography sessions are all about capturing those fun-loving, candid moments, but what if I told you that the key to making them truly unforgettable lies in a killer soundtrack? Music can transform awkward poses into authentic smiles and create memories! 

As a family photographer covering Indianapolis and beyond, I am going to tell you why your family photos need a killer soundtrack…

Music During Family Photos

  • Setting the Scene
  • Choosing the Right Playlist
  • Boosting Natural Expressions
  • Creating Lasting Memories

Setting the Scene

Ah, family photos. You know, that magical time when everyone’s matching outfits, forced smiles, and the inevitable argument about who gets to stand where all come together in beautifully orchestrated chaos!

But do not worry as sessions with me do not look like this! There’s a little secret sauce that can transform your photo shoot from “meh” to “magnificent”: a fun soundtrack. Yes, you heard it right. Music isn’t just for background noise at dinner parties; it’s the unsung hero of capturing those picture-perfect family moments.

An outdoor family photography session

Choosing the Right Playlist

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Picking the right playlist for your family photos is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it’s all about the fit.

Got a family who loves to rock those classic black and white photos? How about some smooth jazz or classical tunes to set the mood? Or maybe the clan is more of a “dance like nobody’s watching” type, in which case, break out the pop hits and let the boogie begin!

You can tailor your playlists for those quirky, blended family dynamics, too. Think pop for the kiddos, some mellow rock for the parents, and maybe a little Motown for the grandparents. It’s a musical buffet, so dig in!

Alright, now for the fun part: curating your playlist. Think of it as crafting a musical journey that matches the emotional rollercoaster that is a family photo session. We’re talking highs, lows, and everything in between.

You might kick things off with some upbeat tunes to get everyone energized. Picture the kids bouncing around to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams while the parents get their groove on with a bit of Bruno Mars. You know, just to loosen everyone up and get those natural smiles going.

As the session progresses, you might want to dial it down a notch. Think about slipping in some acoustic tracks or indie folk – something that makes everyone feel like they’re in a heartwarming movie montage. This is especially useful for those tender moments when you’re trying to capture a loving look between mom and dad or the kids snuggling up with grandma.

And let’s not forget the power of nostalgia. Throw in a few classics that everyone knows and loves. Trust me, there’s nothing like a little “Sweet Caroline” to get the whole family singing along!

An outdoor family photography session at sunset

Boosting Natural Expressions

A great playlist can be the superhero cape your family photos desperately need! Tunes help families relax and enjoy themselves. When “Don’t Stop Believin’” comes on, those genuine smiles and spontaneous laughs start flowing. Who knew Journey could be the secret to capturing real human emotions? Music is like a magical force field, helping to banish the awkwardness and usher in authentic interactions.

So, you’re fumbling around, trying to get everyone to act natural. What do you do? Crank up some Pharrell and watch the transformation happen. The kids stop fidgeting, Mom forgets about the tie disaster, and Dad might even crack a smile. It’s almost like music turns everyone into their best, most photogenic selves. Suddenly, the awkward posing is replaced with genuine laughter and candid moments that are pure gold.

Even the shyest family member can’t resist a good beat. Play something catchy, and you’ll see even Grandma tapping her foot. Music has this incredible ability to break down barriers, making everyone feel more at ease. When people are relaxed, they’re more likely to show their true selves, which is what you want to capture.

And let’s talk about those moments when you need a distraction. Maybe you need to reset the scene, or perhaps the little one is on the verge of a meltdown. Throw on their favorite song, and watch as they instantly perk up. It’s like hitting a reset button, allowing you to capture those sweet moments without the stress.

An outdoor family photography session

Creating Lasting Memories

Remember that time you got teary-eyed listening to an old song that took you back to your high school prom? Yeah, music has that magical power, and it can work wonders during family photos too.

Let’s face it, those perfect photos are not just about capturing everyone’s best angles; they’re about bottling up the emotions of the moment. And nothing cranks up the feels quite like a killer tune.

Imagine the family is all gathered, the sun is setting just right, and then “Brown Eyed Girl” starts playing. Suddenly, Mom is reminiscing about her wedding day, Dad is tapping his foot, and the kids are laughing because, let’s be honest, they have no idea who Van Morrison is. 

That song becomes the invisible glue that makes the moment unforgettable. Years later, when they hear that track again, they’ll be transported back to that sunset, those laughs, and yes, even Dad’s ridiculous dancing.

Then there’s the power of a good old-fashioned sing-along, when the whole family joins in on a song– pure magic! These are the kinds of memories that stick around. It’s the fun, the connection, and the shared experience that turn a basic family photo into a treasure.

And hey, if you’re lucky, you might catch Grandma belting out some Beyonce!

Book Your Family Photoshoot in Indianapolis or Beyond!

Now you know why your family photos need a killer soundtrack! Whether it’s setting the mood, boosting natural expressions, or creating memories, a great soundtrack will bring your photos to life. So next time you’re behind the camera, don’t forget to press play.

Trust me, your family will thank you for it—and you’ll have the most authentic, unforgettable photos to look back on for years to come!

Ready to start creating memories that will last a lifetime? Let’s make it happen! Get in touch with me for your family photography in Indianapolis or beyond. I can’t wait to hear from you.