With all of the ideas, pinterest boards and options out there – why would doing a family photoshoot at home be a good idea? I think that deciding to do your family session at your home is the best idea – and I’ll give you all the reasons why during this blog post.
My family has done family photos at a variety of locations – fields, a studio, parks – you name it. But this year I really wanted is to take our family photos at home – and that is going to be what we do every year from now on! There are so many incredible reasons why, and I’ll be sure to break them down, so that you can become a firm believer in this idea, too. Let me tell you, it’s completely worth it!
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Have you thought about any photoshoot at home ideas?
I know you have! Even if you didn’t realize that they were ideas you could incorporate into your photos – I’m confident that you have a bunch of great ideas waiting to happen.
My job as your photographer, is to help guide you into the photos that would be a great fit for your family! During the planning process leading up to your session day, you’ll fill out a questionnaire, and we will have a planning call. All of that information gives us great ideas for your session. Read below for my reasons on why a family photoshoot at home is an amazing idea for your family.
Your kids are free to be themselves at home
Let’s be honest, when you are taking photos with kids, you never know how they are going to act. Suddenly, the most outgoing kindergartener becomes a shy shadow. The baby who giggles and smiles all day long won’t even crack a grin. Family photos can make children nervous!
Think about it – do you get nervous before you have to be in front of the camera? I know I do! Kids feed off of our emotions and can tell that something big is going to happen. Add in a person they haven’t met before, new clothes and a new place… that’s a lot to put on little kid. If you have your family photos at home, they are surrounded with a familiar place, hiding spots that help them feel comfortable, and toys that help soothe them. They are able to warm up quicker to the camera – and kids enjoy showing off the things that they love.
If your kids are more sensitive to new places or experiences, staying at home is even more crucial to making sure they have a good time. I am a mom with an autistic son – so I get it. If you have any extra needs in your family – let me know. I’d love to support you in any way that I can.
A family photoshoot at home makes getting ready easier
Please tell me that I’m not the only one that gets stressed about getting ready for family photos! Whether you are wearing a new outfit, or an old favorite – trying to get yourself and several other tiny people ready is overwhelming. You want your hair and makeup to be perfect, you want everyone to be happy and fed, you want to make sure that no one spills on themselves – the list goes on.
Now imagine that you don’t have to back a bag with snacks, diapers and wipes, makeup for touch ups, back up outfits in case of a blow out, a bottle, a picnic blanket, favorite toys – or anything else. In fact, you don’t need to pack a bag at all. When when we do your family photos at home, everything you need is within reach. The mental capacity it takes to make sure everything is packed up and nothing is forgotten adds an extra layer of stress that you don’t need! When I come to your home instead, all of the mental energy can go to something fun.
Honestly, I feel less stressed for you just writing this! If your baby has a blowout, or your toddler spills juice on themselves, no biggie. You can just step into the next room and change them. I can even photograph the other family members while you do that. Having to take your kid back to the car or pull out a changing pad is harder (especially if it’s a cold day!) – trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of kids crying because they had to get undressed while it was a crisp, Fall day. Not fun for anyone.
Your home is part of your family’s story
If you haven’t thought about that before – now’s the time! This is probably my favorite reason about why you should do a family photoshoot at home. Your home (and that doesn’t mean it needs to be your forever home, a home you own or even the perfect home!) is part of this chapter of your family’s story.
As someone who has moved a lot and lived in about 20 different houses (yes, really), I can honestly say that your home in this season is part of your family’s story. Whether it’s the first house you lived in after you were married, or the place you brought your babies home to, or the spot where you dreamed and prayed for – this is part of the legacy you are building and it deserves to be documented.
This home you’re in – is part of your family’s story. Let’s tell it with a family photoshoot at home.
Your house doesn’t need to be perfect
You’ve probably heard it – but it’s true – you don’t need the perfect house in order to have a family photoshoot at home. I’ve heard everything from “my house is too small,” to “we aren’t in our forever home yet,” to “we have too many toys.” But those things don’t disqualify you from having your session in your home. In fact, those are reasons that you should have it there! Those seasons won’t last forever, so you should preserve them now.
All I need is some light and we will be good to go! During the planning process, we will figure out the best location for photos – and it may not be where you think. I’ve shot in stairs wells, offices and kitchens. Wherever there is amazing light is where we will go!
Everyday rhythms create the most meaningful photos
In the time leading up to your family photoshoot at home, I send you a questionnaire that covers all of the important info I’ll need on the day of your session. This also allows me to learn about your rhythms and things that are important to your family. Together, we’ll craft some activities that you’re family will enjoy and help to tell your story.
If every Saturday you make chocolate chip pancakes together, that’s something we should do during our session! If every evening you do a shadow puppet show at bedtime, let’s try that! One day, you will look back on these moments and they will mean everything to you. What’s better than having photos that help to preserve this chapter? A family photoshoot at home can help make this season one to remember.
Let’s preserve this chapter of your family’s story
This season is worth remembering. With a family photoshoot at home, we are doing more than just taking photos – we are helping to preserve your family’s legacy. As a mom, we are usually the ones taking the photos – we are behind the camera, and not very often in front of it. This family photoshoot at home is your opportunity to be in front of the camera. This is your chance to get in the photos with your children! Years from now, your kids will want to see photos of you with them, not just photos of themselves.
The photos that will be the most valuable to you and your children years from now, will be this family photoshoot at home (trust me!). You will long for photos that show how your family truly was during this season – not the posed and stiff smiles that are looking into the camera – but the giggles when they grab your face for a kiss. The excitement when their dad throws them in the air. The laughter when their older sibling tackles them to the ground.
Those are the moments you will want to hold onto and preserve forever. Let’s start preserving your legacy, today.
FAQ’s
What should we wear for our family photoshoot at home?
We can chat about this together! It depends on your vibe and what type of clothes you like to wear as a family. You don’t need to wear a dress if you hate wearing dresses – and you don’t have to wear jeans if you aren’t comfortable in them. The goal is to dress how you would normally dress. That doesn’t mean you have to wear leggings and messy bun (but you totally can if you want to!) – I’m just giving you permission to wear what makes you feel great during your family photoshoot at home – whatever that might be!
Do I need to deep clean my house before my family photoshoot at home?
No deep cleaning is necessary before your family photos! You are welcome to be as messy or as clean as you’d like. With 3 kids five and under, I’ve truly seen it all. There is no need to clean your whole house. If you’d like to straighten up the room we will be photographing in – that’s really all that’s needed.
However, if deep cleaning gives you joy and peace – then have at it my friend! Just know that there is no expectation to have everything perfect before your family photoshoot at home.
What if I need to feed my baby or my toddler needs a snack?
Absolutely ok – and we can even document those moments. I love when a mother requests a few breastfeeding photos (bottle feeding or pumping photos are amazing, too! My youngest was never able to breastfeed, so I’ve done pumping, breastfeeding and bottling feeding. You’re crushing it mama, however you feed your baby!).
Snacks or meals for toddlers or older kids are super fun to photograph as well. Special treats or favorite snacks are more than welcome during your family photoshoot at home.
What if we need to reschedule our family photoshoot at home?
Life happens, kids get sick – I get it. We will chat about some other options and make sure we get a new date on the calendar as soon as possible.
What if house my is dark and doesn’t get enough light?
Myth. I promise that your home is perfect. Depending on which way your home is facing, mornings might have better light than evenings – or vice versa. We will just work together to find the perfect time of day and room for your family photoshoot at home. After more than a decade behind the camera, I’m really good at finding spots that work. I have never met a home that I couldn’t photograph in. Do I have to be more creative sometimes? Sure, but that just makes your session even more fun!
Can we shoot if it’s overcast or raining outside?
If it’s truly storming, I think we should reschedule if we both of the ability. I adore light soaked photos and would love to give you that for your family photoshoot at home. But I am also realistic and realize that sometimes that may be the only date you have open. If that’s the case – that’s ok! We will make it work, I promise. And it’s great that we are shooting in your home instead of a random field – no one will get wet (another good reason family photoshoots at home are a great idea!).
How do I book a family photoshoot at home with you?
Start by filling out my contact form right here or by clicking the button below. I’ll be in touch in less than 24 hours and we can start dreaming up your family photoshoot at home together! I always start with a phone call so that I can hear your vision and that you can get all of your questions answered at once. Nothing is more frustrating than having to respond to 10 emails in order to get all of your questions answered. I try to keep the back and forth to a minimum. After we chat, I’ll send all of the info your way so that you can pay your deposit and sign the contact. After that, we start planning!
