How to achieve a stress-free in-home session

Do you already live in your dream home, or are you a military family preparing for another move? Imagine having every home you’ve lived in beautifully documented. Including your home in your family photos adds a special, personal touch. Want to achieve those magazine-worthy in-home family photos you’ve been scrolling through on Pinterest? Read more to discover a few simple tips! In-home sessions are not only for newborn photo shoots, they are a perfect additon to your photos any season you are at!

How to take the stress off before your in-home session

Whether you're the one taking the photos or the one in them, those pre-session jitters are real. Even photographers get nervous before family photos. It’s because we care. We want it to go well. But here’s the good news—once we start and your family settles in, the stress fades. The fun takes over, and that's when the magic happens.

If we’re doing photos in your home, here are a few things to think about before the session:

TO-DOs before having family photos taken at your home:

• 1. Light is everything

  Beautiful photos start with great light. Spend a day observing how the light moves through your home. When is it brightest? Which rooms get that lovely, natural light? Most in-home sessions happen around 10 a.m. because that’s when the light is typically best.

  Walk through your house and take a few quick iPhone snaps in different rooms at that time. Send them over, and we’ll figure out the best spots together. You might assume we’ll shoot in the living room or master bedroom, but if those are the darkest rooms, we may pivot. Instead, we might use the playroom, the kids’ bedroom, a cozy spot in the nursery, or that beautiful space near your back door. Big windows and soft morning light are what we’re looking for.

  2. Clear out the clutter

  You don’t need to deep-clean the house, mop the floors, or get every corner spotless. Just focus on tidying the rooms we’ll be using.

  One week before the session, start simplifying. That might mean taking magnets off the fridge, clearing off the dining table, putting the laundry away, or stashing the extra toys. Anything you don’t want showing up in the photos? Let’s tuck it away.

  3. What to wear

  Outfits matter—especially indoors where the colors and textures of your home come into play. You want your clothes to feel like you, while also complementing your space. Choose soft, solid colors that reflect light onto your faces. Bare feet are best (and no socks, please).

  The goal is to look comfortable and connected. Think about what will look timeless on your walls, in frames, and in albums for years to come.

  4. What to do during the session

  This is your home, your space, your story. What does your Saturday morning look like as a family? Do you cook pancakes, read books, dance in the kitchen, play with blocks, jump on the bed, or paint at the table?

  Think of 1 or 2 activities your kids love—and let’s roll with it. These sessions are about connection, joy, and the little moments that make up your days. And if a meltdown happens? It’s okay. That’s part of life with kids. We’ll take it all in stride.

How does an in-home session work

I typically reserve 60 to 75 minutes for in-home sessions. That gives us time to ease into things, take breaks if needed, and let the moments unfold without feeling rushed. If your child needs a snack, a snuggle, or a little reset—that’s okay. I’ll often keep photographing through those quieter moments because they’re just as meaningful. A teary toddler curled up in your arms might end up being one of your favorite images.

My approach is patient, calm, and supportive. I’ll guide you throughout the session, offering gentle prompts and ideas that help bring out natural connection and movement. But I’ll never push or force anything. If something doesn’t feel right or if the kids aren’t into it, we pivot. These sessions are built around your family—not the other way around.

My goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable just being themselves. When that happens, the real magic shows up.

The most important key to a successful family session

Have fun.
That’s it. That’s the secret.

Whether we’re at your home or outdoors, the best photos come when there’s joy, connection, and a little bit of playfulness in the air. If you're having a good time, your kids will too—and that’s when the magic happens.

Here’s something important: try not to discipline during the session. I know it’s hard, especially when your little ones are doing something unexpected. But instead of saying “no,” let’s gently redirect. We can take a break, grab a snack, suggest something new, or bring out a favorite toy or book. One of the perks of being at home is having all of those comfort items right within reach.

And here’s a reminder just for you and your partner—smile.
Not the posed, say-cheese kind. I mean the soft smile you give your child when they do something silly. The way you look at them when your heart melts a little. That’s the kind of expression that shows up beautifully in photos. So stay engaged, follow their lead, spin around the room, get on the floor, and soak up the moment.

Are you ready to book your own in-home playful session? Fill out the inquiry with as many details as possible, I am so excited to work together!