In-home family sessions are some of my favorite to photograph. They’re cozy, meaningful, and a beautiful way to document real life in the spaces where you spend the most time. Whether you have toddlers bouncing off the walls or a brand-new baby in your arms, these sessions are about connection over perfection. Here are a few tips to help make your session special and stress-free.
1. Don’t strive for perfection
Kids will be kids. If someone’s running around with no pants or someone else decides they only want to be upside down, it’s okay. Some of the most cherished photos come from those in-between moments where no one is “posing” at all. Let them be themselves. Those are the memories you’ll want to keep.
2. Don’t lead with bribesBribing your kids can send the message that the session is something to suffer through. Instead, talk about the session like it’s something fun. Let them know they get to show me their favorite toys or help me find the best light in the house. If a bribe comes in at the end as a little reward, that’s totally fine. But let’s try to make the experience enjoyable from the start.
3. Embrace the realness of your homeIf you have little kids, there’s a high chance your home won’t look like a magazine spread. That’s normal. That’s life. You don’t need to deep clean every corner. Just tidy a couple of areas near natural light sources. Clear a coffee table or make the bed. A little decluttering goes a long way, and it’s okay if your home looks like you actually live in it.
4. Be patientNot every kid warms up right away, and that’s okay too. Sometimes I’ll start with just one child, or the baby, or even a few quiet shots of mom and dad while the others get used to having me around. Most kids come around when they realize we’re not doing anything scary. Give it some time and trust the process.
5. Build in enough timeRushing never helps. Set aside a good block of time for your session so we don’t feel pressure if someone needs a snack break or time to settle in. The best moments often happen once everyone has relaxed a little.
6. Let’s step outside if we canEven if you don’t have a big yard or a landscaped garden, don’t worry. The photos in this blog post were taken in a little patch of green behind a parking lot. All we need is some open shade and a bit of space. If the weather is nice, a quick step outside can give us a little variety and some sweet natural light.
7. Choose outfits that feel like youMatching outfits can be fun, but what matters most is that you feel comfortable and like yourself. Stick with soft textures, neutral or earthy colors, and clothes that allow you to move and snuggle freely. Bare feet and well-loved clothes are welcome here.
8. Bring on the chaosDon’t worry if someone gets messy, if a meltdown happens, or if we have to pause for a snack or nursing break. It’s all part of the rhythm of family life. These sessions aren’t about forcing a perfect image. They’re about remembering what this season feels like.
9. Include the petsIf you have a furry family member, bring them into the frame. Pets are part of the story too, and they often help kids feel at ease.
10. Most importantly, relax and enjoyYour kids will take their cues from you. If you’re relaxed, they’re more likely to be too. You don’t need to perform. Just be present. Snuggle on the couch, play a game, read a book together, or share a snack. I’ll take care of the rest.
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In-home sessions are about telling the story of your family in this moment. Let’s make it a story that feels honest, playful, and full of love.
