Your guide to an in home photography session

Jan 22

Tell the story of your family at home

In home family photography sessions are some of my absolute favorite ways to document the story of a family, as they really make for unique photos of where you spend the majority of your family time!

Monochrome Image Of A Family With Two Sons Laughing And Tickling Each Other On The Couch

Monochrome Image Of A Family With Two Sons Reading Books With Each Other On The Couch

What you need to know to prepare for your family photos at home

So…you’ve been thinking that a session at your home may be really fun, but you are unsure of exactly what that will entail, what the session will look like, and what you need to wear etc. That’s what this guide is here for. To help you know everything you need to know about an in home family session before you even plan your next one.

Two Brothers Sitting In Separate Bed Bunks Looking At Each Other Holding A Book

What’s the best time of day for an in home photo session?

In home photo sessions are best between 9am and 2pm when there is nice outodoor light, although this does vary some by season. My preference is to use natural light when possible to create the photos that tell the story of your family at home. This also gives us an option for some outdoor photos as well. I’m always happy to work around any baby or toddler nap schedule though, so don’t let that keep you from planning a family photo session at home.

Portrait Of One Brother Standing Behind The Younger Brother With His Arms Wrapped Around His Chest In Front Of A Window In Their Home

Portrait Of A Young Family With Two Sons Standing Together In Front Of A Window In Their Home

What’s the best season for an in home family photo session?

Any season can be perfect for an in home family photo session. They are particularly beneficial during the colder months and rainy months as we never need to postpone your session due to weather. In the fall and winter we can include a seasonal activity or decorations that hold a dear place in your familly’s story, so those can be lovely times of year as well. Have a favorite flowering bush or tree at home? We can do a photo session at the time this is in bloom to incorporate it into some of your photos.

A Mom And Two Sons Pull Items Out Of The Refrigerator In Their Home

Is there the option to take photos both indoors and outside?

Yes!! I often photograph families outside their front door, in front of their home, or playing in the backyard on swings or a trampoline. Combining indoor spaces and the treasured outdoor areas are a great way to photograph your family.

Young Boy Plays Soccer In Front Of Goal In Their Yard

Whole Family Jumps On Trampoline In The Backyard

Dad Pushes Younger Son On The Swing Set While Boy Smiles

Where in my home will photos be taken?

This is a great question, and can depend on both preference and light. I find that most often I photograph families in the main living area, the kitchen, kids bedrooms, and the parent’s bedroom. This all depends on ages of the children, what activities you want to do, and also the light. I have the option to use lighting as well when needed so pretty much any location in your home will work to tell your story. Some of my favorite images incorporate a unique mirror, or reflection in a photograph that are found on the day of the session.

Portrait In A Mirror Of A Family Making Pizza Together In Their Home

What do we need to wear for an at home photo session?

What to wear for family photos is often quite stressful for parents, but the great thing about your photos at home is that your clothes can be as casual or dressy as you’d like. I think it’s best to pick a mix of neutral clothes without logos or grafix, something everyone is comfortable in, and within the same color tone pallet. Also, take a look around your home and see what colors will work well for your clothes. As an example, if your home is painted many bright colors, then whites and neutral grays, taupe, jeans etc will really work well.

Young Family Hugs Each Other And Poses In Front Of Their Front Door

Can we include pets?

Photo sessions at home are the easiest way to include pets in the session particularly cats who don’t travel as easily or safely as dogs. Your pets are often quite comfortable at home, and are also safe to be ignored when they are not in photos. Including pets at home is a must in my opinion.

Mom Holds Black Cat While Older Son Pets His Back

Black Cat Sits On Gold Chair In Living Room

Should we plan a favorite activity?

Including a favorite family activity during your at home session is a great way to plan something together that you can look forward to. Examples include baking cookies, making pizza, playing a game, or having a dance party in the kitchen. Think about one thing you all love to do that you want to document in the story of your family and we can chat about the best way to incorporate this in your photos. For example, the family shown here wanted to make pizza which is a favorite activity in their family. They pre prepared the ingredients in bowls and jars to make the assembly of the pizza quick and photogenic too.

Family Stands At Kitchen Counter And Makes Homemade Pizza Together

Young Boy With Hands In A Bowl Of Cheese Stands At Kitchen Counter Next To Pizza Dough With Sauce

How do we need to prepare our home?

I definitely don’t want any family to stress about doing an in depth cleaning before your photo session…but I would recommend that you tidy up a bit and remove anything that you wouldn’t want in your photos. For example, it can be easy to walk around and collect tissue boxes, and magazines that you would not want to show in your photos. Just take a step back and pick up anything you wouldn’t want photographed. During your session if I find something very distracting I’ll often move it out of the scene.

If you’ve had a family photo session at your home, please feel free to share your favorite part of the process or of the photos in the comments. And, if you are interested in planning your next photo session at home, contact me today!