Popular Backgrounds for Family Portraits in 2025
By Annie Marie
Background choices can be trendy, yet also be timeless...and cool. Families nowdays want something unique and stylish.
That is where a textured background comes into play.
You can change the look depending on how you photograph it. You can also play up the texture by photographing your subjects closer or using a higher f-stop to bring more texture into focus. Or you can bring your subject away, open up and blur the background for a more subtle variation in tones. That’s the best part of these types of backgrounds...the versatility.
Styling is Crucial
I always start with background and the color palette and vibe that we have chosen. For this shoot, I chose Plaster Wall Blue I for a more casual, cool look, yet it is still a simple design that will let the clients stand out. I love the blue gray tones of the background and can easily alter the tone of the blue in post which gives even more variety.
Then I choose a floor that will go with the background. I often choose a floor from Background Town or another background with similar tones. For this session, I wanted to stay within that cool, industrial vibe so I am just using the concrete floors. My plan is to cool them down in post to match the tones in the backdrop.
Then we source clothing that compliments the scene and style of the image. I offer the client suggestions and send a photo of the backdrop. Then it is up to them to put outfits together and send me photos of them so I can make any additions or changes before they show up. The outfits are very important to the whole image, so make sure they follow your suggestions. There is nothing worse than when clients show up unprepared. Have them bring everything pressed or steamed. I have a steamer a the studio ready for any wrinkles if needed. It will save you a lot of time in post if you take care of those details before the session. I tell the clients with kids to have them change at the studio so they don’t get dirty and wrinkled because we all know how kids are (and some adults).
Setting Up Your Studio
I make sure to get to the studio early to set everything up so I can be ready once the clients arrive.
Before the clients get there, I take a photo of the empty set with all the lighting in place. This is important if you need to go back later and use that to digitally replace any backgrounds later.
For this family, I wanted a large light source to feather across them to light them all evenly. I set up a 48” Octabox with my constant light to camera left. I find that having a constant light source allows for a more peaceful environment without lights flashing all the time. Plus with children, I like to shoot faster as they move a lot and I don’t have to wait for recharge time. Then I added a light upper right to add a hair-light as they had darker hair. I chose the upper right because the background naturally has a lighter area on the right side of it and it would look more natural in the images coming from the same direction. I also had a v-flat to camera right as a fill.
Session Tips and Tricks
It’s important to give your clients complete attention from the moment they arrive. I love to take time to get to know them a bit, especially the kids which allows them to relax. I offer them water or a beverage and have them settle in.
I start by getting the images that are most important to the clients. If you have children that may wear down easy, you want to get them right away. Starting with the family or group helps the shy ones get used to you and the lights as they can be close to their parents or siblings. Sometimes you need to let the shy ones have a few moments to warm up and that’s ok. Make sure to schedule plenty of time. After getting the group, I work with each child alone. My goal is to get a few traditional shots and lots of personality images of each that are more candid.
The Aftermath - Post Session
I praise the kids for doing a great job and let them dig through my treasure chest to pick out their toy they earned. I ensure mom & dad that I was able to capture amazing images among the chaos and give them a packet of information for after the session and their order and send them on their way.If you have done your job in educating your clients about your process & products, captured authentic images of their family & children and gone out of your way to make sure their experience was excellent... then I am sure you will have success with a generous order and happy clients who can enjoy their images for years.I love Background Town’s variety in backdrop and floor choices. There is something for every situation and vibe I am going for. This time it was a more modern, urban, cool look that is a great option for studio when you can get outdoors or just don’t have cool areas to shoot in.
Tech Specs
Camera: Canon R6Lens: Canon 24-70R
Light: Small Rig Constant Light (camera left)
Modifier: 48” Umbrella w/diffuser (main light)
Modifier 2: 26” umbrella w/diffuser (hair/rim light)
White V-Flat for fill (camera right)
Adobe Camera Raw
Adobe Photoshop
MEET ANNIE MARIE
Annie Marie is an international award winning Minneapolis based photographer with 30 years of experience in the photography industry. Her goal has always been to capture photographs that have depth, honesty, connection, expression, and life. She truly hopes her images will emotionally connect with her clients and capture memories so they can't be forgotten.
Annie Marie is in her happy place taking photographs, watching hockey, traveling, people watching, and spending time with her amazing family.