It’s no secret…for the last year I’ve promoted in-home family sessions like a girl with a megaphone. My passion for family portraits at home is only growing because I know three things. One, your family’s personality is likely to shine best when they’re in an environment they feel most comfortable. Two, the setting adds important details to the overall story your photos tell. What better way to tell your family story than in the place your family lives? Three, your photos will feel even more special to you in 10, 20, or 30 years if they help you remember what that season of life was really like. Your home life plays a huge part in what you’re experiencing right now. I want to give you the gift of preserving these moments, these memories, this slice of life you’re currently in.
If you, too, see the value of in-home sessions and you’re excited to imagine what it could look like for your family, this blog post is for you! Here are 4 tips to unlock the magic of your home session.
- Let the light in.
Apart from the interactions you will share, there is one other primary factor that will impact the beauty of your portraits. Some of you may be surprised to hear it has nothing to do with how updated or beautifully decorated your home is. The most important ingredient for a home session is light. I need one room with light pouring in through the windows. That’s it. Light is what I prioritize over everything else. Pull up your blinds and open those curtains because light will make your in-home portraits magical.
- Be open to letting interactions unfold.
Think of me as a movie director, not a script writer. I have a vision for your session (one we collaborate on together as I get to know you). I will help set up your family and guide interactions, but I’m not likely to tell you exactly how that interaction should play out. Instead, I give space and freedom to allow interactions to unfold. The reason is simple: I want your photos to be as true to you as they can be. If you feel like tickling your toddler, go for it. If your child loves to be upside down, that’s okay, too. This is your story. I’m just here to capture it in the best light. You’ll have my full support. Trust me, I’m ready to help so you know what to do with your awkward hands. But when I step back, I trust you’ll see, the magic of your natural interactions shine brightest.
- Get comfortable.
Your home is a cozy setting so I encourage you to get comfortable. No one sits around at home in a suit. Perhaps a flowy dress or jeans will give you freedom to move around and play with your children. If we can tell your story best with snuggles in bed, maybe pajamas are the dress code of the day. If your baby runs around the house in a diaper all day, maybe keeping him in a diaper is the right call. The best part about being home is that you get to be your authentic self. I’m always asking, “How can we include more of that authenticity in your family portraits?” If we get it right, the magic will come through.
- Treat your home like a home.
There is so much life in a home. Let’s incorporate some of that life into your session. If you like to bake together, maybe we take photos as you work in the kitchen. If your children spend more time building a fort with your couch cushions than sitting on them, go ahead – build the fort. If you want to remember what giving bubble baths, or summer days in the garden, or making homemade play dough was like, we can center your session around those activities. Think about ways your family loves to spend time at home and I promise, you will see the magic in your ordinary life.
