There is something special about having photographs taken in your home. It is the only place I have my family photographed. It is where those fleeting golden moments happen, you know the ones. The ones where your heart starts to glow, the moments we dreamed of before we became parents. They don’t happen often (in my household!), but when they do, they are powerful. The snuggles in bed on a Sunday morning, chuckling in the crumpled sheets. Those squeals of delight under the sprinkler in the backyard. There are countless memories being made each and every minute, and to have photographs to remind you of this time in your lives, in your home, with your people, is priceless.
I totally understand that the idea of getting your family ready for a photo session at the same time as preparing your home is asking A LOT. So please let me help a little …
Generally, the main spaces I photograph in are the parent’s bedroom, the kid’s rooms and the main living area, so these are the areas you should focus on when preparing for your session. All that is needed generally is a simple de-clutter, move things that won’t add any visual value to your images. This might be phone chargers, alarm clocks, dirty dishes, washing baskets, paperwork, or water bottles. If you want, feel free to add some fresh flowers and throws on the couch. If we are photographing in your bedroom, clean off your bedside tables, a little lamp is all we need or a small vase of flowers.
Your bed linen is just as important as your outfit selections, is it complimenting the style of your family? This could be a great opportunity to treat yourself and blame the photographer! I love a messy bed with a snuggly family lost in the sheets. I love a kid’s room with their very favourite toys scattered around the place. Ultimately, I will only shoot in the areas with the best natural light and I will explain this more once I am in your home and can assess the light.
The key to these in-home sessions is not to overthink it! If I see something that is distracting, I will remove it during the session. I have photographed in the smallest and messiest of homes with one window for light, in half renovated homes with building construction around us and in the types of homes that come with their own interior designer. They are all perfect because they each tell your unique story.
