Looking for thanksgiving photoshoot ideas that go beyond a picture at the dinner table? A pumpkin-filled bench, a pretty pie or a handful of fallen leaves gives you plenty to work with.
These photos include solo poses, family moments and little details worth capturing before dinner.
You can keep it simple or go all out with a decorated backdrop. Pick a setting you love, then borrow a pose or a few colors from the ideas below.
Thanksgiving photo ideas worth saving
surrounded by pumpkins
We’re starting off strong with this cute pumpkin patch portrait. I love the blue jacket against all those orange pumpkins, plus the green vines overhead.
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For a similar photo, sit with a pumpkin in your lap and turn your face slightly away from the camera. Leave a little room in the frame for your boots.
a blanket of fallen leaves
How pretty is this overhead angle? The pale outfit stands out against the orange and brown leaves without needing any extra props.
Ask your photographer to shoot from above while you sit low and look back toward the lens. Keep the edges of the picture filled with leaves.
pie front and center
If you’re looking for a photo that doesn’t require a face-forward pose, go with this pie close-up. The rust-colored top and pale apron make such a pretty background for the orange filling and white topping.
Hold your cooled pie out in front of you and let the camera focus on its ridged crust.
pumpkins down the table
I am obsessed with this table arrangement. The little white pumpkins, long tan squash and amber-colored glasses look gorgeous together.
Take your photo along the length of the table to include the whole centerpiece. For your own setup, use secure candleholders with flames kept clear of the greenery.
a red cardigan on the bench
Don’t want to build an entire backdrop? No problem!
A park bench and a bundle of greenery give you a simple place to start. I love the red cardigan with the light-blue jeans here.
Try looking to the side with one leg bent on the bench. A bag beside you can stay in the shot, just like this tan tote.
a little harvest seat
How cute is this bale seating setup? The black-and-white checked pillows and tiny truck design are my favorite details.
For your own harvest photo corner, borrow the arrangement of pumpkins along the back and white flowers at either side. You could use a sturdy bench as the seat.
reaching for an apple
Give your hands something to do with an apple-picking pose. The red cardigan and matching headband look so pretty beneath the leafy branches.
At an orchard that allows picking, hold your basket low and reach toward an apple with your other hand. You don’t have to look at the camera for this one.
yellow flowers and little pumpkins
Those big yellow flowers make such a sweet backdrop for this little portrait. The brown-and-cream stripes and small pumpkins keep the colors simple.
For your own version, skip the rolling display cart and use a stable, child-safe seat at ground level with an adult close by. Place the flowers beside it rather than within grabbing distance.
foreheads together in the field
This is one of my favorite poses for a couple. There’s no elaborate setup, just joined hands, touching foreheads and a field of golden-brown grass.
Try standing slightly side-on to the camera so both faces stay visible. The red plaid and brown top are a lovely pairing without matching exactly.
the snack board from above
Who says every holiday photo needs a person in it? This board has so much to look at, from the little orange pumpkin to the figs, crackers and a bowl of olives.
Photograph yours from above before serving. I’d keep a few orange napkins at the edge of the frame, just like the ones here.
a tiny turkey milestone
That little turkey hat is adorable! The brown outfit and bright leaf border give this baby milestone photo its Thanksgiving theme.
For a safer version, leave out the roasting tray and utensils. Place your baby on a firm, flat play mat with an adult beside them, keeping decorative leaves and other loose props out of reach.
string lights over a bench
If you want a full photo corner, this one gives you plenty of inspo. The slatted backdrop, draped plaid throw and yellow flowers look so pretty under the strings of lights.
Leave the middle of your bench open for sitting. Then group pumpkins and flower pots around the sides rather than filling every bit of space.
a close-up of the pie
This is another pie photo, but the crop is a little closer. I love the uneven strips of crust and the scalloped edge of the pale dish.
Hold a cooled pie near your waist and angle it slightly toward the camera. A brown top and blue jeans let the dessert take the lead.
apples at the tailgate
How sweet is this group portrait? The dog gets a spot right beside the apple baskets, with everyone gathered at the open back of the vehicle.
For your own family picture, park safely and sit close together with your little one securely held. Borrow the red and green plaid colors without making everyone wear the same outfit.
plaid among the trees
Don’t want pumpkins or baskets in your picture? Try a simple woodland portrait with a plaid wrap around your shoulders.
The brown, cream and rust checks look lovely against the pale tree trunks. I’d keep the straight-on pose and let the fringe show near the front.
setting the holiday table
Some of the prettiest photos can come before the table is finished. Here, she looks down as she arranges tall stems in a dark vase.
Ask someone to take a few pictures as you add your centerpiece. Keep the pumpkin-shaped dish and place settings in the frame to tell the rest of the story.
passing a colorful leaf
I love this playful angle. A red-orange leaf sits between the photographer’s hand and the seated woman, with a carrier of drinks tucked beside her.
Try the same reaching pose from a safe spot beside a path. Keep the camera slightly above you so the scattered leaves and your outfit both show.
cowboy boots and pumpkins
Calling all cowboy hat fans, this pumpkin portrait is so cute. The cream hat, orange sleeves and tall brown boots work beautifully with the pumpkins behind her.
For a similar pose, sit sideways with your knees together and rest your chin on one hand. Don’t crop out those stitched boot details.
leaves in the air
Want a little movement instead of another still pose? This close-up catches leaf pieces floating in front of the camera, with cupped hands beneath her face.
For your version, gently toss a few clean leaves forward rather than blowing fragments toward your eyes. Ask your photographer to take a quick burst of pictures.
a thankful little pup
Last but definitely not least, we have this adorable puppy portrait. I love the orange bandana beside the pumpkins!
The turkey decoration in the background makes the Thanksgiving theme even sweeter.
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Get down to your pet’s eye level for a similar shot. Keep the decorations secure and leave enough space for your pup to sit without brushing against them.
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And as you know, I seriously love hearing from you - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, feel free to share it here in the comments or send me a message. I'm always excited to connect with y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Luna