How to prepare your home for an in-home session
Home is where the heart and soul of your family live. In-home family sessions are a perfect and special way to capture the warmth and authenticity of your family's everyday life because, letās face it, your home is your familyās happy place. Not to mention, itās your little oneās safe space so theyāre instantly comfortable when I step into their own home!
As a Raleigh In-Home Family Photographer, I've had the pleasure of documenting countless beautiful moments within the comfort of my clients' homes. Prepping for an in-home session might seem slightly overwhelming (especially if your home is anything like mine and covered in an endless amount of toys), but with a few simple steps, you can get your toy-covered home prepped for your in-home session so you have stunning, natural, light-filled images. Here are five recommendations I give my clients to help you get ready for your in-home family session.
01. Turn Off All Lights
One of the most important steps to take before your in-home family session is to turn off all artificial lights. While it might seem counterintuitive, natural light is your best friend when it comes to photography. Artificial lighting (both overhead and lamp lighting) creates harsh shadows and yellow color casts that detract from the natural beauty of your family. By turning off all lights, you allow the natural light to shine through, which is so flattering. As a Raleigh In-Home Lifestyle Family Photographer, I always recommend this step to my clients to ensure the best possible lighting for their session.
02. Open Blinds and Curtains
Once you've turned off all the lights, the next step is to open all blinds and curtains. Natural light not only creates a beautiful, natural look, but also enhances the overall quality of your images. Open windows allow the light to flood into your home, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. This natural light helps in capturing the genuine emotions and interactions of your family. As an In-Home Family Photographer in Raleigh, I promise you that natural light is worth its weight in gold during your session!
03. Clear the Clutter
A clutter-free environment helps your in-home family photos because it removes anything that will distract from whatās important in your images - you!! If you donāt want it in your photos, then simply move it away from your windows to the other side of the room or, better yet, please unwanted toys and items in the closet or bathroom. Take some time to tidy up the areas where you plan to have your photos taken.
This doesn't mean your home has to be spotless by any means, but removing unnecessary items can make a significant difference. Focus on clearing countertops, coffee tables, and any visible surfaces. This includes putting all dirty dishes in the dishwasher! Weāll be spending your session by the windows, so a clean and organized space on that side of your room allows the focus to remain on your family and the moments you're sharing. As a Raleigh In-Home Family Photographer, I always advise my clients to declutter to create a visually appealing and distraction-free environment and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to do right before your session! And donāt worry, if I get there and I see something that should be moved outside my frame, I will take care of it for you!
04. Prepare Meaningful Family Activities
Incorporating meaningful activities into your in-home family session can add a personal touch to your photos. Think about things that you have as a core memory or family tradition during this season of life - these are things that you will want to look back on in 10, 20 and 30 years with your little ones and reflect on. As your In-Home Family Photographer in Raleigh, I will help you in preparing for this activity after reviewing your in-depth questionnaire, but think about things like baking, breakfast in bed, dancing, wrestling, making lemonade, playing in the hose outside - anything! These special activities help tell your family's unique story. I love when clients include core memories that reflect their family's personality and create a deeper connection to the images.
05. Set the mood
Music is proven to reduce stress and create a more enjoyable environment. Go ahead and put on your familyās favorite songs to get everyone relaxed and in the mood for some fun!
Bonus Tip!
Have everyone eat a snack! Everyone is always happier when running on some food energy, especially toddlers (and dads too)!
Preparing for your in-home family session doesn't have to be overwhelming. As a Raleigh In-Home Family Photographer, my goal is to capture the genuine love and connection within your family, and these steps will help create the perfect environment for beautiful, natural photos. Remember that being photographed in your home isnāt about perfect decor or a spotless home, itās about the comfort it brings you and your family to truly be yourselves. At the end of the day, itās not worth stressing about making your home perfect. Beauty is found in the perfectly imperfect and itās part of this beautiful season of life youāre in with little ones! So letās embrace it!
Hi there! Iām Kelly Bullock, your family, newborn and maternity photographer in Raleigh, NC. I specialize in in-home photography, where I preserve the beauty in this chaotic season of motherhood with little ones. This time is fleeting, but with my help, you can cherish it forever through images and heirloom artwork that will last for generations to come. I can't wait to get to know you!
