Pulling Back the Curtain on In-Home Sessions
I like a good mystery as much as the next person (there were a few on my recent blog about books!) but how your in-home photography session is going to play out should not fall into that category.
While we all know to expect the unexpected with babies and young kids in the mix, being prepared and having a game plan is everything. In that spirit, I’m pulling back the curtain on my in-home sessions. Have a peek with me so you know everything about how they go down. Well…almost everything. 😉
A Warm Welcome…and a Wash
First thing’s first: Once your door opens, I’m coming in for a hug. Yes, I’m a hugger, and yes, I’m hugging you – even if we’ve never met before.
I’m genuinely excited to meet you and your family and I believe more in show, not tell. Soon after, I’m hitting the sink to wash my hands. Because GERMS.
Happy to bring myself and my camera to this party, but nothing else is invited in. Certainly not cooties.
The Grand Tour
Once we’ve all been introduced and I’ve washed up, it is going to be kiddos-first for a few minutes.
I love to let your little ones show me around your home. Yes, mamas, it’s very likely they’ll open a pantry or closet that you maybe hoped wouldn’t see the light of day during this session.
I have three kids of my own, and I totally get it. I can promise you, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. Most likely at my own house.
Light Chasing
While I’m on the tour, I’m accomplishing two very important things: a connection with your kids, and finding the best pockets of light in your home.
So let your kids be silly with me and know that even if I lead you to an unexpected place, it’s always for light. And light is the single most important factor in a great photograph – second only to YOU.
Getting Started
When it’s time to get started, know that I will lead the way. As I’m doing so, I carefully gauge the energy in the room.
If you have a kiddo who’s super excited to get in the frame, you better believe I’m starting with them! If you have a child who’s a little more shy, I got you there, too – in those cases, I start with full family shots from a bit of a distance to warm everyone up, and so your more reserved one can watch and learn and take time to let their guard down.
Child’s Play and Chatterboxing
Throughout the session we will swing back and forth from snuggles to playfulness, quiet to loud and hushed to hysterics.
Yes, it’s very likely I will get your kids a bit riled up. This is all part of the fun. When kids know they can let loose, they’re so much more up for being still and calm for the shots where that’s needed later. Trust me on this!
As for me and you, I’ll be talking to you. THE. WHOLE. TIME. It makes the whole session more relaxed for everyone involved (me included!) and, most of all, I want to get to know you. Getting to know my clients is one of my very favorite parts of the job.
For the Road
After an hour or so, it will be time to wrap up.
I’m always a bit bummed to see a great session with a wonderful family come to a close, but then I can get onto the next best thing: culling and editing your photos and sharing them with you. So it will be more high fives and hugs all around, and I’ll be on my way.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions about in-home sessions, please drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.
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