Make a simple photo corner, try six playful picture prompts and choose together which photos to keep, print or leave happily on your own device.
Illustrative artwork from the game, rather than a photograph of a real outing or session.
A sheet on a wall can become a remarkably convincing studio once somebody writes “official photographer” on a piece of paper. Choose a comfortable backdrop, make a couple of large paper props and try a handful of poses. The point is the shared silliness, with photographs as an optional souvenir of it.
Suggested for ages 2+ with adult support, this gives people several ways to join. Younger children can choose a prop or copy an expression; older children and teenagers can direct a shot or design the scene. Ask about being photographed before starting and again before sharing. An unwilling model can become an excellent photographer, sign designer or audience of one.
A little planning before the fun
Time to allow
Allow about 60 minutes for setting up, a few short photo rounds and choosing your favourites. Keep the posing brief and take breaks before smiles become contractual obligations.
Budget notes
Use a device, clothing and backdrop you already own. No new spending is required. Printing a chosen photograph later is an optional extra to price separately.
These are planning suggestions, not live prices or bookings. The shorter and longer versions give you room to adapt the activity to your day.
Tick off what you have gathered, or print a fresh checklist. Ticks are for this page only.
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A camera or phone with enough battery and storage
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A plain wall or light sheet secured safely
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Large paper or card props with smooth edges
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Pens and paper for studio signs and prompts
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A stable device position or a willing photographer
Make it happen
1. Ask the models and choose the corner
Check who wants to appear and what they are comfortable keeping. Pick a well-lit space with a clear floor and no private information in the background. Use a plain wall if hanging a sheet would be awkward. Keep the device stable and within adult reach, rather than building a tower of books for a more flattering angle.
2. Make just enough props
Draw two or three large props such as a speech bubble, an enormous bow tie or a detective’s eyebrow. Adults help with cutting and any attachment. Choose comfortable handheld pieces instead of anything tied round a face or neck. Let people pick their own look; an elaborate hat is less amusing when its wearer did not agree to it.
3. Take a relaxed test picture
Let the photographer show where the frame ends and take one practice photo. Check that everyone can sit or stand comfortably and can actually be seen. If using a timer, test it before the group assembles. A first picture can be ordinary, giving shy participants a predictable start before the studio introduces its more unusual editorial direction.
4. Try three prompt cards
Choose from the printable ideas and let each person direct one photo if they wish. Take a couple of shots, then stop and change roles. Keep movements small and floor-level; expressions can do the storytelling. Someone can pose with a toy or prop instead of showing their face, and anyone may step out without pausing the entire studio.
5. Hold a kind contact-sheet review
Look through the photos together and let each person approve images featuring them. Delete unwanted pictures without debate. Choose a favourite to keep privately or print, and agree separately about sharing. Put props away for another day, clear the backdrop and give the studio a closing announcement. Nobody needs a forty-minute discussion about which forehead looked most natural.
Make it work for you
Ages 2–4
Offer one familiar toy, a short turn and an adult close by. Photograph comfortable play rather than insisting on looking at the lens. Let a child stop as soon as the game no longer feels enjoyable.
Older children and teenagers
Offer control over framing, lighting, a film-poster theme or a deliberately deadpan portrait. Let them choose whether to appear at all and approve their pictures; their role need not be enthusiastic prop-wearing.
A camera-free studio
Act out the prompt cards without taking pictures, or sketch each pose. A seated studio works equally well, with props within reach and the background placed around the person rather than requiring them to move.
Before you begin
Keep supports stable, exits clear and props comfortable. Respect each person’s choice about being photographed, keeping images and sharing them. Check backgrounds for addresses, school details or other private information before any agreed sharing.
Silly Face Studio shot cards
Print these six prompts. Pick three, take turns directing and skip any idea that does not appeal.
1. The band has just released a very serious album cover.
2. Everyone has spotted a tiny dragon behind the camera.
3. You are advertising the world’s most ordinary spoon.
4. Copy an approved old family photograph.
5. The weather report has become surprisingly windy: use expressions only.
6. Take one calm picture exactly as you are.
These prompts are included when you print the plan and checklist.
Keep the photo people like being in. A happy memory does not need unanimous eyebrow coordination.
How did your family get on?
Tell us which step helped, what needed explaining or what you would do differently. A small, specific suggestion is more useful than a gold star—though we do enjoy a gold star.
Your email app opens so you can choose what to send. Please leave out private details, children’s names and photographs of other people.
Let the envelopes choose your next adventure
Choose activities your family would enjoy and let a little mystery settle the final decision. The sample game lets you try it before creating your own board.
Prepared for Deal or Date · Updated 28 October 2026
These plans expand activities from our game catalogue. Text and illustrative artwork were prepared with AI assistance, then checked for catalogue accuracy, clear steps and practical variations before publication. They are suggestions to make your own, rather than accounts of personal trips or product tests.