Why to have & How to Prepare for an in-home photo session
In home photo sessions tell your family story
Family photo sessions at my client’s homes are some of my favorite sessions. This is the place where your family grows, relaxes, and has even been education over the last year! Documenting the shelter that kept you and yours safe and secure during the pandemic is something to celebrate. I also want you to know that you don’t need to have a perfectly styled home to plan a photo session there.
So…now you may be thinking…what do we need to do if we’re having a session at home? How do we prepare?
If you have chosen to take lifestyle family portraits in your home, please think ahead about a few locations that you are interested in having photos taken. Where do you spend most of your time? Where are you most comfortable?
Living Room, Kitchen, Master Bedroom, & Kids Bedrooms
I primarily photograph families in their most used spaces, such as the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and kids bedrooms…but this is all somewhat dependent on the light available in each room since I am a natural light photographer. Prior to your session we’ll chat about the type of light you have at different times throughout the day to ensure we hold your session at the best time for the available natural light. The kitchen and living room are great spots as they are areas where you spend a ton of time relaxing and enjoying life together. They also often have unique windows or other architectural features that are cool to include in your images. The master bedroom often has lovely light and the bed is big enough to accommodate everyone cuddling and snuggling up together.
Why take photographs in the kids bedrooms?
Sometimes kids are a little shy at the start of their photo session when meeting a new person. After we get to know each other a little bit in the safety of their home, they are often so happy, proud, and relaxed to show me their bedrooms, a place that the love and treasure. Also, taking pictures with your children in their rooms really creates a time capsule of images showcasing who they are and what the love right now. You and your kids will look back at these images of moments frozen in time with such fondness as they grown and their bedrooms evolve with them.
Remove anything you wouldn’t want photographed
I would recommend removing any clutter that you wouldn't want in your photos prior to the session. This will help to keep the session running smoothly without interruptions during shooting time. Sometimes I consider moving furniture to decrease distractions in the photo, and to place your family in the best light within your home. If there is anything that you wouldn't want moved just let me know, but this would only be temporary during the session. I try to maintain the look of your home as much as possible, but occasionally moving things slightly will really enhance the final outcome of a photo.
That being said, Please don’t stress about cleaning
I don’t want you to over stress about cleaning your home prior to the session, just do know that things you see will be visible in the frame. No need to do a deep scrub or anything…and no judgment from me either. I have two daughters, a cat, a husband and am running a business!! So my house could use some tidying as well ;)
No Weather Forecast Concerns
Another benefit of scheduling an in-home lifestyle photo session is that we don’t need to worry about our rainy and now occasionally hot Portland weather! In home sessions can be held during any season, and rain or shine!
what to do next, if you’re interested in an at home lifestyle photo session in The Portland area
Steps to booking your session:
Reach out via my contact page, and let me know the type of session you are interested in.
2. I’ll email you my client intake questionnaire, session agreement, and invoice for your session deposit/fee.
3. We’ll chat via phone or email (whichever you prefer) about what you’d like to capture at home, and determine the best time and day for your session.
4. It’s that simple!!