Photography Props That Tell Your Story: Simple Ideas to Make Your Family Session Personal and Meaningful : Kelly Bullock Photography

Let’s be real, family photography isn’t just about smiling at the camera. It’s about capturing the heart of who you are right now. That wild giggle your toddler saves just for Daddy. The way your baby’s fingers wrap around the same blanket you were swaddled in. The chaos, the color, the connection. That’s where the magic lives!!

As a Raleigh family photographer (and a mama who knows the importance of holding onto these fleeting seasons), I love using meaningful, simple photography props to help tell each family’s story. And no, I don’t mean big, Pinterest-style setups that feel more like a styled shoot than real life. I’m talking about the little things, your dog curled up at your feet, a bubble machine in the backyard, or your grandmother’s quilt wrapped around your babies.

In today’s post, I’m sharing some of my favorite ideas for incorporating photography props that add meaning (not distraction) into your session, whether we’re outside chasing the sunset or cozied up at home baking cookies together. I’d love to help you bring it to life. You can reach out to me here or follow along over on Instagram for more inspiration, behind the scenes peeks, and gentle encouragement.

Now, let’s get into all the sweet, simple ways to make your session feel beautifully you.

Photography Props That Add Emotion, Not Clutter

First things first: the best photography props are the ones that mean something to you. They help tell your family’s story in an honest, connected way. That might be your toddler’s beloved stuffed animals, the picnic basket you always take to the park, or a hand-knit blanket that’s been passed down for generations.

When a prop has emotional weight, it does more than “look cute” it anchors your photos in a specific, real moment. And years from now, you’ll feel that memory rush back the second you look at the image.

In the Warren family’s morning session, it felt just like one of their real family talks. Full of laughter, movement, and connection. And while photography props can be as simple as a favorite blanket or toy, they can also be clothing accessories! In this case, Mama wore the cutest hat, adding a fun pop of personality to the whole session. It was such a sweet reflection of her style and made the photos feel even more like them.

A cozy Moses basket holds a plush bear and duck in a bright nursery with a wall banner and framed artwork above. Example of natural photography props.

A fluffy white bear and soft dog plushie rest side by side on a cozy white pillow inside a baby’s crib.

A light wooden shelf holds a copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit next to a soft, cream-colored teddy bear. Example of natural photography props.

A couple kisses sweetly in a sun-dappled forest while holding their baby; the mother wears a wide-brimmed white hat.

Parents walk together on a sunny day, pushing their baby in a stroller along a sidewalk in front of their white home.

A mother, father, and baby stand together in the forest; the mom smiles brightly, adjusting her white sun hat.

A dad laughs while carrying his baby on his shoulders, as the mom looks up joyfully, holding onto her hat.

A family of three stands on a sunny path near a stream, smiling and close together, surrounded by lush greenery.

The family sits by a small stream, baby in the middle, as mom and dad help him explore the water’s edge.

How (and When) to Use Heirlooms

Heirlooms are such a beautiful way to tie generations together in a photo. A worn-in baby blanket, a cherished toy from your childhood, or a quilt made by Nana, these pieces can gently weave the past into the present.

I usually recommend keeping it simple:

One or two small heirlooms are perfect
Make sure it’s something you’d naturally interact with (like wrapping your baby in a special blanket or rocking them in an heirloom chair)
Bonus points if it adds texture or softness to the image

These pieces shine brightest in in-home sessions, where your family is relaxed, and your story already lives in every corner of the space.

Pets Are Always Welcome

Fur babies are part of the family too, and they absolutely deserve a spot in your session!! Whether it’s your fluffy pup snuggled up on the couch or a curious kitty winding around your ankles, pets bring real warmth and comfort to your photos.

If you’re worried about them being wild, don’t stress. We’ll keep it low pressure and fun. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep their attention just long enough for a sweet snuggle or tail wagging moment!

For Baby Bodie’s newborn session, we included the family dogs—and you could totally tell how curious they were about their new baby sister! The images were soft, heart-melting, and such a sweet reflection of their complete little pack.

A joyful family with two dogs and a newborn poses in their cozy living room, seated in front of a fireplace.

A mom holding her newborn smiles as two dogs greet the baby; dad kneels nearby, watching tenderly.

A chocolate Labrador with soulful eyes looks directly into the camera, with its owners blurred in the background.

A German Shorthaired Pointer with a red collar sits attentively on a rug in a softly lit living room.

Both dogs gather closely as mom holds the baby and dad gently interacts with them in a sun-filled living room.

A sweet dog leans in close to sniff a sleeping newborn swaddled in mama’s arms while dad looks on with a smile.

A curious dog gently sniffs a newborn in a floral crib as both parents' hands rest protectively on the baby.

Two dogs curiously sniff and look at a swaddled newborn held by mom, while dad gently pets one of them.

Simple, Seasonal Props That Feel Like Childhood

Each season has its own magic, and some of the most joyful props are the ones that reflect the rhythm of your real life. Think:

Spring: Sidewalk chalk masterpieces, wildflowers, rain boots.
Summer: Popsicles, floaties in the backyard pool, scooters on the sidewalk, or a picnic basket with food and lemonade.
Fall: Cozy blankets, apple picking baskets, crunchy leaves tossed in the air.
Winter: Baking cookies, matching pajamas, hot cocoa mugs with sticky marshmallow faces.

The Midgette family’s summer session was pure joy. Popsicles dripping down their chins, chalk drawings on the driveway, scooters, and a bubble machine that made everyone giggle, grown-ups included.

A joyful family plays with bubbles on their front porch steps, with kids reaching up and parents smiling behind them.

Three children sit on the driveway drawing with pastel chalk, scooters parked behind them near white brick steps.

Little hands and feet are covered in chalk dust as kids collaborate on a colorful sidewalk masterpiece.

Three kids smile and clink their purple, pink, and white popsicles together while sitting on white steps.

Three barefoot kids sit on white steps holding chalk, with colorful chalk drawings scattered across the sidewalk below.

Dusty, pastel-streaked feet dangle over chalk rainbows and swirls, surrounded by scattered pieces of chalk.

In-Home Props That Reflect Your Daily Life

I adore in-home sessions for so many reasons, but one of the best parts? You don’t have to bring a thing, your home already tells your story.

But if you want to highlight a special family rhythm, here are a few favorites:

Making a family recipe together (flour everywhere = bonus!!)
Playing on the backyard swing set
Building a pillow fort or reading a favorite book on the couch
Snuggling on the floor with your dog and a stack of board books

In the Ruiz family’s session, we captured them baking a beloved family recipe together. Flour flying, little hands helping, and smiles all around.

The Askeland kids giggled nonstop on their backyard playset. Climbing, sliding, and racing barefoot through the grass. That’s the kind of memory you feel in your bones when you look back.

A family of four gathers around a copper mixing bowl, baking together in a sunlit kitchen full of smiles and morning light.

A mom and her two daughters stir ingredients in a mixing bowl set on the kitchen table, light pouring in from the big windows.

A mom gently guides her daughter’s hand as they add ingredients to a stand mixer; both are focused and cozy in soft, neutral tones.

Two young girls lean over a shiny copper stand mixer bowl, curiously watching the dough mix inside.

One girl sits at the top of a green slide while her sister smiles on the way down; both wear pastel dresses and play barefoot in the sunshine.

A mother kisses her daughter’s cheek as she holds her in her arms on a rope swing; the dad stands smiling in the background.

A young girl in a pink dress swings joyfully as her smiling parents stand beside her in the sunlit backyard.

A dad holds his daughter steady as she climbs a wooden ladder up to a playhouse in their backyard.

A playful dad kisses his daughter’s bare foot mid-swing under a clear blue sky, with houses and a playset in the background.

A giggling girl rides a round blue nest swing while her smiling parents stand behind her in soft focus.

Final Thoughts: Props With Purpose

At the end of the day, photography props should never be the focus. Your connection, your love, your real life together, that’s the heart of the session. The right prop just adds a little extra sparkle, a layer of meaning that deepens the story you're already telling.

So bring the blanket. Pack the popsicles. Let the dog tag along. And most of all, show up as you are. That’s where the magic lives.

If you’re dreaming about a session that feels truly you, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Whether we’re making cookies in your kitchen or chasing light through the fields, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

I’d love for you to follow along over on Instagram or you can join my email list and receive my free outfit guide, seasonal tips, and early access to booking dates: right here.

Let’s make something beautiful together!!