How to Prepare Your Home for Your Family Photo Session

Having family photos captured at home can be an enjoyable, relaxed, + stress free experience!

When I reflect back to my childhood, a multitude of scrapbook pages formed at the hands of my mother flash through my mind. I tie moments from my life to all the respective photos she took the time to cut out and layer along each of the pages. A majority of these images have our home serving as the backdrop and I truly believe that makes the photographs all the more meaningful. Glimpses of our old plaid couch or the brick stairs that led up the small hill of our home, both feeling like anchors back to my childhood. I love that these components make their appearances throughout the photos of my upbringing. What pieces of your home will your children one day look back on and remember how you lovingly curated this space just for them?

The background of your day to day life is your home and it helps tell the story of this world you’ve built. My hope is that one day you, your partner, your children, and even future generations will be able to look over the photographs we create together and instantly be filled with nostalgia and memories.

I realize that may feel like a lot of pressure to have your home in a “perfect” state, but I promise you that is not necessary! Instead let's focus on these few tips on how to get your house ready for that next family photo session or perhaps even just some thoughts to consider before snapping some of your own photos at home.

Take notice of the light in your home:

Deciding on the time for a session usually revolves around when the light is best throughout your home. If you’re nervous about this aspect of planning I am always happy to help decide. An easy approach is to snap photos of the light you see coming through at various times in the day; by sharing those with your photographer it can be a joint effort at landing on the best time of day. Even if you feel like the light isn’t performing in any impressive way, don’t get disheartened, beautiful photos can be created in all sorts of lighting scenarios when working with a seasoned photographer who can navigate that smoothly so that you don’t have to stress over it.

Decluttering over deep cleaning:

Neither task is required but if you’re going to do one then a quick sweep through to gather junk mail, empty dishes, piles of laundry and other items that tend to stack throughout the home is a great way to make your house feel freshened up and ready to show of the parts of your house that truthfully tell your story. There is no need to reorganize your entire home, sweep in the deepest corners under couches, or even have the sink in your kitchen completely empty. Speaking as a fellow momma, I know the feeling of guilt that accompanies when the rooms aren’t tidied enough, blankets aren’t folded, or the toys are still scattered … but I’m here to give you permission to let all of that go. After all, the messes made by little hands are a part of this story we’re weaving. The most important piece to this tip is to make sure whatever you’d like done to be finished before the photographer’s arrival. You certainly don’t want to spend any of that time picking up instead of experiencing the moments with your family.

Gathering the relics:

Maybe you have a garden where you get to bring in fresh cut flowers to dress the table? Or more likely, if your children are currently clinging to a sentimental item such as a blanket or maybe a specific toy, it’s okay that they make their way into the frame. Parents often are glad to have documentation of these tangible pieces from this season in life. One day when those things have been packed away, donated off, or even no longer in existence; you’ll have the memento in photo form.

Prepping the children:

Since we are going to be spending time in your home, a place of comfort for your children, I find it helpful to prepare your children by telling them a friend and her camera are going to come and take some photos while you play and spend time with one another. You can encourage them to be themselves and let them know they don’t have to look or smile at the camera the entire time. Giving them this permission usually sets the perfect tone well before the photographer’s arrival. Other ways to get your kids on board may be offering them the option to pick their own outfit or share with you their favorite part of the house – any way where they can feel involved and valued is a great connection to making this an experience they’ll love.

Don’t hide the pets away:

Every in-home session I’ve photographed for a family who has a furry family member usually starts with some sort of apology on behalf of the animal. I’m here to tell you it’s okay and no apology needed! Your pets are part of the family as far as I’m concerned. I encourage you to have them involved in our session and I even find after the initial excitement wears off they usually give us time alone if you’re looking for some photographs sans four legged friends. In case you need a little extra encouragement about including your bonus family members, here are some additional tips!

Are you hot or are you cold:

Consider fine tuning the temperature in your home for the duration of our time together. What will make your family most comfortable? If you have a newborn perhaps bumping the heat up a touch will ensure the baby is content even if baring more skin? Or maybe you know your kids are going to play hard so cranking the AC might be a smart move? Changing the thermostat isn’t a requirement but it’s one of those small details that’s easy to overlook.

Trusting your photographer:

This arguably may be the most important tip to ensure a successful in-home photo session with your family. Placing all your trust in the photographer you’ve decided to hire will allow them to do their job and do it well. As a seasoned family photographer who has been invited into countless homes to document families in their truest form, I have developed a thorough method of seeing spaces in artful ways that lend to telling stories in an honest yet aesthetically pleasing process.

These seven components are meant to be easy tips if you’re looking for some sort of checklist for your upcoming in home family lifestyle session. The biggest trick though is to embrace life as it is and enjoy your time spent under your roof with your loved ones. Remember: photos at home are not about photographing your home but instead about being enveloped in the warmth + comfort that your home supplies your family. We will catch elements of the space but the primary focus is on the feelings and emotions this area nurtures. This is your safe space where your kiddos can run free, guards can be let down, personalities can shine! You’ve curated a home filled with people who love one another unconditionally, and that makes it absolutely perfect!