As a lifestyle photographer who specializes in family photos, I love it when my families welcome me into their home for their photos. Whether we’re celebrating a new tiny family member or simply capturing a day in the life of your family, – I’m honored to be there. Before entering your home, I like to offer advice and tips to clients to ensure they feel comfortable, confident, and at ease during their session. If you’re planning an at-home lifestyle photography family session, I’ve gathered a few simple tips to ensure you feel prepared for your photos!

Declutter the Key Spaces for Your Lifestyle Photography Family Session

Before the stress sets in on making your entire house picture-perfect, consider the spaces we’ll be in for photos. For newborn photos, focus on the nursery and your bedroom. These are the most common spaces to capture photos of new arrivals, close and cozy, as they are some of the areas of your home where you’ll spend the most time with your baby. For lifestyle family photos, consider where you envision these photos will be taken. Are you and your family going to be in the kitchen making cookies? Perhaps working on a puzzle in the dining room? Or maybe even playing in the backyard or jumping in a pool? Focus on the key spaces you’ll utilize for your photos, and forget about the rest. As a mom of twin boys, a little clutter doesn’t bother me!

Choose Simple, Comfortable Clothing

Coordinating everyone’s outfits is another important step while preparing for your in-home family photos. But I don’t want it to be stressful! Each client who books me is given a complete session guide which includes wardrobe tips, as well as a link to a custom styling tool to help coordinate. Whether you are selecting items from your own closets or needing to pick up a few new pieces.

But in short, the most important tip I can give you is simple: stick to simple, neutral and comfortable clothes. No need to be fussy or dressed to the nines! These photos will be taken in your home, and it’s critical that you all feel comfortable and confident in these moments. The magic of in-home photos is often found in the natural and organic moments captured doing everyday activities as a family. This magic can be lost if you’re dressed up in clothes you wouldn’t normally wear.

For more detailed ideas and inspiration for family outfits, head to my blog post, Do You Have to Match Outfits for a Family Photo Session?

Natural Light is Best for Your Lifestyle Photography Family Session

When we’re beginning your photos, I always try and look at the lighting possibilities. You may see me looking at your windows and blinds. Not only does this encourage great lighting, but it’ll avoid harsh shadows from overhead lights. Open curtains or blinds to let in that beautiful natural light if possible. Golden hour is a particularly popular time for taking photos outdoors, but with indoor photos we can be more flexible! We’re bringing that light indoors by opening curtains or blinds while creating our magic inside from the sun’s glow.

Focus on Personal Touches

When preparing your home for your lifestyle photography family photos, consider bringing out some personal items to incorporate in the photos. Consider items like a favorite book, artwork, or family heirloom! These photos being taken in your home already add a personal touch; by including more individual items, we add another layer of intimacy to the images. Newborn photos are a great time to incorporate personal touches as well! I love capturing all the special touches you have worked on for baby’s arrival!

Prepare Kids & Pets

Lastly, don’t forget to prepare your kiddos and pets. If we’re in your home, your pets will be around! Have your kiddos and pups out for a walk or play outdoors together. This is a great way to get energy out and help everyone be prepared for their upcoming photos. When working with younger children, I incorporate a lot of games and fun activities into our time together. Oftentimes, this helps them feel comfortable and allows their personalities to shine for the camera. The most exciting part of these photos is capturing your family as they are, not putting on a show for me! Lifestyle photos are meant to capture your lifestyle – whatever that looks like!

For a more in-depth guide to embracing a child-centric session, check out my blog. A Guide to Embracing a Child-Centric and Discipline-Free Session.

The most important part of preparing for your lifestyle family photography session is to be present and enjoy yourself. I’m there to capture the beautiful moments spent together as a family and help create a legacy for your family through photographs.

If you’re ready to book your upcoming family photos, check out my schedule or drop me a line!