12 Timeless Mother and Sons Photoshoot Ideas

We’ve got a great list of timeless mother and sons photoshoot ideas for you right here! These work whether you’re a mom looking to take photographs with your son(s), or you’re a son looking to snap some meaningful pics with mom. The bond between a mother and her son(s) is more precious than words can describe. But can photographs do it justice? We like to think they can come close, and we’ll help you get you started ahead.

Wondering where to set a photoshoot with mom? There are certainly plenty of locations out there, but it can be intimidating trying to find the right fit. Thankfully, you have Peerspace, the world’s largest online market for hourly venue rentals. It provides an intuitive search engine that will direct you to the location that suits your needs. With high-quality photographs and reviews from actual renters, you’ll be sure of what you’re getting when you peruse Peerspace’s extensive venue catalog. Plus, when you book a Peerspace venue, you can rely on the Concierge service to handle any extras. Contact them to deliver catering, arrange for a professional photographer, and rent special lighting for your big shoot.

On to the list!

1. Classical portraiture

While not the most adventurous on the list, portraiture is classic for a reason. Mothers and sons portraiture is timeless, dignified, and beautifully captures the bond between them without the distractions of a dynamic setting. A plain or monotone setting with good lighting and a nice camera will bring out your best features.

If you happen to be looking for a studio space in West Jordan, Utah, look no further than this professional and modern studio/warehouse. The space includes lighting and a 20 ft. turntable, to make sure no one gets left out of the shot.

2. Recreating old photographs

If you’ve got some old photographs of mom with the boys as kids, it could be fun to recreate those photographs with an updated spin. No doubt the boys are bigger than they were then, and the updated photographs will be both comedic and endearing.

Don’t have access to the place these old photographs were taken? This light and airy studio space in Los Angeles could be the ideal location for recreating some of your old pictures with props.

It also has hundreds of glowing reviews from Peerspace users. Like this one: “This space was great! I shot photos here and was very pleased with how everything went. The space looked just as advertised and Daniela was a fantastic host/very responsive. I’d definitely use this place in the future again.”

3. Can’t decide on a theme? Do all of them!

Having trouble settling on one of many mother and sons photoshoot ideas? Why compromise and choose only one? Green screens are a beautiful thing. With a green screen, you can work around the travel restrictions and globetrot without all the expense and effort. It lets you pick and choose any number of backdrops or locations. Then, superimpose them behind you to transport you all over the globe during editing. Just remember not to wear green!

If you’re near Portland, Oregon, you may want to check out this affordable green-screened studio in Island Station. A director who booked this space for an interview shared the following Peerspace review: “Our experience with this studio was great. The space is dialed in for green screen, of course, but also well stocked with grip and lighting tools. Roger, the studio manager, was always ready to answer questions and solve technical issues, but otherwise left us to our work – a perfect balance.”

Our 13 creative sisters photoshoot ideas will wow the whole family!

4. What are the kids listening to these days?

Although mom may be of a different generation, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to relate to her kids’ cultural interests. A good way to bond would be to host a shoot in a setting that reflects the sons’ music interests. This mother and sons photoshoot idea could potentially take you anywhere. However, a fun and topical theme for this shoot could be the LED-infused, dark and dreamy setting of contemporary rap music videos.

Looking to pull off this shoot in Mesquite? Look no further than this high-production, multiple-set studio. In fact, it is bound to give your shoot the hip atmosphere you’re going for.

5. At home in grandeur

Is mom more into formal portraiture in a dignified and intimate environment? Don’t have the right space at home for such a shoot? Hosting the event in a furnished and well-decorated old home can really add an element of grandeur to your photoshoot. This more traditional setting is timeless in its modesty and grace, and the perfect setting for a family that embodies those values.

If you’re in the Boston area, you should definitely check out this handsome and classical townhouse with a modern twist. It’s in the historic Fort Hill neighborhood and designed by a professional stylist, so you know it’s going to look amazing in photos.

6. European royalty

Another formal (yet somewhat more ostentatious) idea for a mother and son photoshoot would be recreating the impression of the old-world aristocracy. European royalty is famous for their family portraits, and what better way to elevate the family image than by participating in that classical tradition?

If you’re in the San Diego area, you’ve got to take a look at this beautiful and period-specific French Renaissance-themed studio. It is incredibly sophisticated and offers a slew of exceptional add-on options.

Check out these 10 amazing family photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles, too!

7. Garden photoshoot

Following the last two classic photoshoot themes, if you’re still leaning towards something traditional but weren’t into the last two suggestions, you may want to consider a garden as your setting. Intimate, well-lit but shaded, with the soft flush of greenery behind you, a garden space provides a comfortable setting for loved ones, while also integrating elements of natural beauty.

Are you looking for a garden in Des Moines? Look no further than this idyllic backyard garden.

8. Retro recreation

When we think of images of family and a time in our history where families were central to life, many of us immediately conjure up classic scenes from the 1950s, complete with an airstream, vintage Ford, and formica tabletops. A retro 1950s setting could be ideal for your mother and son photoshoot idea. If you’re in Indianapolis, we’ve got you covered.

This 1950s-themed location is furnished with a period-appropriate camper van and vintage vehicle and is exactly what you’re looking for. 

9. Summer days

Wouldn’t it be ideal if you didn’t have to remember to smile and were smiling already? What brings more joy than thoughts of summer? Finding a large and furnished venue with a pool will evoke a summer vacation atmosphere and may even recall fond memories spent with the family.

In the Phoenix area? If you want to relax poolside for your shoot, then you should definitely check out this desert oasis resort that comes with two pools.

Bringing the whole brood along? Then be sure to read our 12 creative large family photo ideas!

10. Metropolitan overlook

There are few things more memorable than an expanse of cityscape viewed from the height of a loft with floor-to-ceiling windows. Mother and sons photoshoot ideas against the dramatic backdrop of a metropolis will provide quite the timeless and awe-inspiring scene.

For those in Miami, you’re in luck – this modern and chic loft apartment is sure to be the classy setting you’re looking for. It boasts a cyclorama, a full kitchen, and equipment rentals for an added cost. Oh, and those stunning views of Miami, of course!

11. Industrial chic

If you’re a family of minimalists and looking for an in-vogue theme for your mother and sons photoshoot, you might want to check out some industrial spaces as potential venues. A warehouse setting is spare and dramatic, and with the right lighting, it can be quite cinematic.

A great location for such a shoot in Denver is this minimalist Five Points industrial studio. It is designed for professional photographers by professional photographers. Unsurprisingly then, the space not only looks amazing, but the hosts also have lots of gear on hand, too.

In NYC? Then you need to see our 10 best family photoshoot ideas near New York City!

12. Competitive edge

This one is for the mothers and sons of an athletic family. Want to celebrate your family’s achievement in the realm of sport? What better way to do that than by taking your mother and sons photoshoot ideas to your family’s preferred sports environment.

If you’re a basketball family in the Albuquerque area, you may want to check out this rentable court in Paradise Hills Civic. It has a basketball court with two hoops and a weight training room, too.

Bonus idea: Hobbying your hearts out

Let’s be honest: moms and sons don’t always have the exact same hobbies. So for our bonus suggestion for mother and sons photoshoot ideas, we suggest you book a cool Peerspace setting and pretend! For instance, you can book this funky art haven by the beach in Point Loma, San Diego, and engage in some serious crafting.

This can be especially fun with child-aged sons who may be young enough to enjoy crafts. And yet, it can also be a hilarious option for adult sons who look as though mom is forcing them to knit! It can also be a fun series of photoshoots in which mom and son try each other’s hobbies out, leading to lots of laughs and precious photographic evidence.

Is autumn just around the corner? Then check out our 11 cozy fall family photoshoot ideas!

Peerspace brings mother and sons photoshoot ideas to life

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading these mother and son photoshoot ideas as much as we’ve had thinking them up! Have you come up with your own idea? Check out the numerous and varied venues on Peerspace for inspiration and book the appropriate venue for your photoshoot. And don’t forget that the Peerspace Concierge service can help you book a photographer, furnishings, catering, and more to make your photoshoot a memorable, all-day occasion.

Find even more unique mother and sons photoshoot locations on Peerspace