How to prepare for an in-home family photo session
— Family photo sessions at home are meaningful and easier than you think —
Home is where your family is the most relaxed and comfortable. It’s the place where you have built your beautiful and messy life together. It’s where you spend the most of your time and it’s the place where everyone is their true selves.
Being in the comfort of your own home is the perfect space for authentic, loving, and connected photographs. Plus, you don’t have to consider the weather or challenges that might come with an outside session.
With your home as the backdrop every room and every background adds that personal touch to the story.
— Is my home photo worthy of an in-home photo session? The answer is yes! —
These are the comments I often hear.
”Our house isn’t very pretty. Our house is small. The kids have toys all over the place. I don’t know how it will look in pictures. I think our house is dark”.
As long as you have some windows we can make it work. I’ll be looking for those pretty pockets of light and I’ll also bring a couple lights if we need to brighten things a bit. Your house doesn’t need to be spotless or styled to work. Just remove extra clutter from coffee tables, night stands or any rooms you think you’d like to photograph in. I’ll check the lighting when I get there and we’ll see what’s best. One time I did a whole newborn session all with the light from the front door. The basement apartment was almost windowless and the light from the door was beautiful and warm.
Walk your home, turn off your lights and see what rooms have nice window light. Open the blinds and curtains and see where the morning light is bright and soft.
I’ll help you find the best photo spots in your home. Often times they aren’t the rooms you’d expect.
— Lived in homes photograph really well —
Don’t worry about making your home Pinterest perfect. Actually, lived in homes tell your story. Don’t feel like you need to clean your house, instead just remove the clutter. Drinking cups from night stands as well as remotes, chargers and electronics. Tidy up the coffee table and remove that pile of junk mail from the kitchen counter.
Make the beds, but keep the bedding simple. A lot of pattern can take away from your family. Remove or flip over a busy bedspread or duvet. A soft palette blends in instead of drawing the attention. And you’ll want the focus to be on your family, not the bedding.
The natural backdrop of your home is perfect just the way it is. Someday you’ll love looking back at how your home is today.
— Simple activities for natural in home photos —
If you’d like to plan an activity or two for the photo session here are some suggestions.
Read a book.
Play a board game or cards.
Make cookies, or decotate them.
Play on the floor with the kid’s toys.
Paint finger or toe nails.
Let the kids jump on the bed.
Bubbles in the backyard.
Whatever speaks to your family is always a win
— What to wear for an in-home family photo session —
Soft neutrals and earth tones are always my recommendations. Creams and brown tones photograph well. Texture looks great. Soft colors work well with natural light and help the focus be on the people, not the clothing. Avoid bright reds or neon shades, which can reflect color onto the skin. Embrace barefeet or socks. Stay away form logos as they also draw the eye. Go for comfort and wear things you’d normally wear while hanging out at home.
Be yourselves and dress for squishy moments that are full of connection.
Be ready to have fun.
Let go of expectations.
Embrace the crazy.
Go with the flow.
No worries if someone needs a snack or a break. You have everything you might need, you’re at HOME!
Don’t expect your kids to be perfect. Don’t discipline them, instead act like they are the most adorable things ever.
and don’t forget….I know how to run a session, rest assured I’ll keep things light and moving along.
-Recap-
How to prepare for an in-home family photo session
Look for good light. Turn off the lights and open the blinds
Remove clutter and use neutral bedding