I have been photographing families in their homes for 10 years now. And while it seems second nature to me, so many people are new to the concept.
When a new client reaches out to me and asks where I think the perfect location for a family session is, I will always, ALWAYS encourage them to do it at home.
Why?
Because your family lives at home. Your memories are made at home. And your home is unique to you. Unlike the random field that everyone else has their photos taken in.
Still don’t believe me? Let me just spell it out for you and tell you what an at-home family photo session is like…
Should you decide that I am the perfect photographer for you, this is what you can expect to happen when I show up at your house on the day of your photo session:
I knock on the door and greet you with a smile. You will most likely be barefoot and have a cup of coffee in hand. And you will be feeling really good about your choice to stay home because you didn’t have to drive anywhere for the session.
Your adorable kids will likely come to the door to see who rang the bell. I will kneel down to meet them, ask them their names, and see which one wants to give me a tour of the house. Meanwhile, you are probably headed off to turn on your favorite playlist and light a candle. And maybe pour another cup of coffee.
I am getting a (very professional) house tour from your little ones and they are making sure to point out favorite things and funny things along the way. Seriously, I have some hilarious stories about these tours over the years.
While I am getting the house tour, I am looking at spaces from a photographer’s eye. I am looking for spots with the best light and creating a game plan for your session.
By the time we have made it back to square one, you have probably applied a fresh coat of lipstick, grabbed your husband, turned off the TV, and are ready to get started.
Over the next hour or so, we will wander around your home to those well-lit spaces I picked out earlier. In each spot, I will pile you together and play games with your kids. You can definitely expect snuggles, whispers, tickles, books, and dancing.
I always have a few ideas to try while I am testing the waters with your kids. But really, I am watching to see how they respond and ultimately, let them take the lead. This is where some sessions get really quiet and others get wild and crazy. Your kids are in charge (to a point of course).
Before you know it, the hour is up. Your kids, and spouse, are probably getting hangry and need a break. And that is when we stop. The best part? You have potties and snacks and favorite toys at your fingertips. Because you never left home.
You don’t have to drive back home with screaming kids in the car. You don’t have to deal with traffic or rushing home for naptime. All you do is walk me out and you are done.
Easy. As. That.
So tell me, did I convince you that your next session should be at home? If so, let’s chat. You can reach out to me here so we can start getting you on the calendar. Still need a bit of convincing? That’s cool too. Send me an email and I will be happy to tell you even more about why photos at home are complete magic.
