LIFESTYLE IN-HOME FAMILY SESSION PREP GUIDE


  • .I absolutely LOVE in-home sessions SO MUCH! I love them because they get to showcase your sweet family (and pets too!) in the comfort of your own home! In-home sessions are such a fun little glimpse into your everyday life…and capturing them provides you with the lasting memories of these sometime fleeting times!
  • The best time for in-home sessions are during daylight hours, usually in the morning or early afternoon (starting your session between 9am - 2pm usually gives the best light and happiest family members!). I realize sometimes with big siblings/babies/family members this time frame is not always possible, but I will do my best to work with whatever time works for your family.


  • I LOVE LOVE LOVE natural light and I love capturing your family in the natural light in your own house!! We will be embracing your home’s natural light (open up those window blinds!), turning off the overhead lights (they love to cast an orange glow on people it seems) and taking advantage of the natural brightness as much as possible (another reason why I like doing these sessions during the bright part of the day). I’ll pop you all next to windows as much as possible for those pics — we will take full advantage of the light coming into your house, as you can see in the picture to the right. Even on the cloudiest (and even rainiest too!) days, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much the outside light comes in to give you the best possible pictures!


  • Candids are my jam for in-home sessions. While we absolutely will get some posed pics, the majority of your session is truly capturing those candid, unposed, documentary moments that are naturally happening. Have an activity that you always do together?! Let’s capture it! Your kiddos love legos, a certain toy, or puzzle?! Let’s play! Want some genuine smiles and laughter? Tickle fight on the bed it is!


We have up to an hour for in-home snaps, so my biggest advice is to have a few ‘must have’ pics you’d like to get (yes! we can definitely capture an activity like baking cookies or playing in the backyard!), and then let our time together kind of evolve into whatever unplanned candid snaps happen! My most favorite pictures of my own family are the ones that were unplanned and just kind of happened, and I find that is the case for most of the families I snap too! I will give you guidance/direction and suggestions as needed, but truly the beauty of these in-home sessions is the fluidity of capturing life during this time at your house!

  • What to wear? Definitely check out my 'What to Wear’ guide for some tips, but my biggest advice is to be comfortable! These are pictures in your home, so you want to make sure your outfits fit that feel. I also tell families to make sure the outfits they select jive well with the aesthetic of their home — coordinating is key! You want your outfits to complement each other and your home well.


  • In-home sessions DO NOT need to include your entire home! We do not have to do pictures everywhere, so please don’t feel like this needs to be a ‘whole home’ showcase for photos (although if you’d like to do pictures everywhere, we totally can!). I usually suggest picking a few spaces you are wanting photos in (again, highly recommend picking spaces with good natural light!) and we go from there! And these spaces don’t have to all be inside — we can do pictures in the front/backyard, porch, etc… truly wherever you’d like on your home’s property, inside or out.


  • How long do in-home family sessions last? Typically, around 60 minutes. I know how precious family time is in GENERAL, so I don’t want to overtake or overstay my welcome with that for your family, so I try and be quick and efficient in getting you all of the snaps you want but still capturing your home life and telling your story. Providing me with a list of some shots you’d like to get definitely helps too! While you probably provided some on your contract, you can always email/message me other ideas as well that may arise.
  • When will I get my pics? I try and have a speedy turnaround time for my clients, especially when it comes to families cause I know how much you want to see those pics! I try and have teasers up on my social media pages the same day as your session (if requested!), and then have your full gallery back to you via email within 2 weeks.
  • When in doubt, ask me! I’ve been photographing families for almost 8 years, and I can absolutely help guide you with any questions you have in regard to what to expect at your family session, what to wear, etc… I am always happy to help my wonderful clients!