Family photo shoots at home
I definitely feel a little like a hypocrite when I say you should book a photoshoot, because I know that if I wasn't a photographer, it's something I would never really get round to doing. But because I'm a photographer, and I know how important family photos are, I can tell you. You need to book the shoot.
When people think about family photos, they often imagine a location. A field. A park. Somewhere scenic. What they rarely think about is their own home. Most families tell me the same thing. That their house is too small. Too messy. Too ordinary. Not really aesthetic enough. But the truth is, your home is often the most meaningful place you could choose. Not because it looks a certain way, but because of what happens there. You can see examples of this approach throughout my family photography portfolio.
1. Less pressure for children
I find that one of the biggest worry for parents is that they're unsure on how the children will behave. It's not something that happens regularly, so there is an uncertainty around the outcome of a family photoshoot. Something shifts when a family stays in their own space. Children tend to relax more quickly and parents do too. There is no expectation to perform or behave in a certain way and no sense of needing to get it right.
At home, children know where their things are. They know where they feel safe. If they need a moment, they can take one. If they want to show me something, they usually will. This makes a real difference to the photographs. Everything slows down. Moments happen naturally, without being prompted. I talk more about how sessions work and what families can expect in my family photoshoot experience post.
2. Documentary style
There is almost a fun, documentary style that comes with having a family photo shoot at home. Your home is where life actually happens, where children wake up half asleep, where shoes are kicked off at the door, where snacks are negotiated and all the chaos in-between. These are not things that need fixing or tidying away. They are part of the photos.
When I photograph families at home, I am not trying to make the space look like something it is not. I am interested in how it feels to live there, right now, in this season of life. Because I promise you when you look back on the photos in years to come you're going to appreciate seeing your home exactly how it is right now.
3. Ordinary spaces
Believe it or not, ordinary spaces photograph beautifully. I'm wanting to take photos in your Kitchen, hallway, bedrooms and living room. This is where we get the best documentary style, relaxed photos that you'll enjoy looking back on the most. Little things such as a child standing on a chair to help at the kitchen counter or a quiet cuddle on the sofa. These are not posed scenes, but they tend to happen naturally and the more natural you feel, the better the photos are going to look. Years from now, these will be the spaces that feel familiar - the ones that bring back memories you had forgotten you held. This approach works especially well during the early weeks too, which is why many families choose newborn photography at home.
4. Calmer and no travel
Believe it not, not having to travel to the shoot can make a huge difference. It can be stressful trying to get somewhere on time, especially with little children. So save lugging all the bags in the car, the kids and the husband. You just need to aim to have everyone ready for a certain time and then wait for me to arrive. I also rarely expect you to be ready, it's quite nice to walk into a home when you are still getting sorted. That way we can chat and I can get to know the children before taking their photos.
5. Home changes quickly
Even if it does not feel like it now, home changes quickly. Children grow. Furniture moves. Rooms change purpose, change colour. One day the house you are in now will look completely different, even if you cannot imagine it yet. And although that's a good thing - I mean who doesn't love a good house renovation - it's also fun to be able to remember it how it is right now. Photographing your family at home is a way of quietly recording a chapter of your life that will not last forever. It is not about creating something impressive (although I hope to create photos that ARE impressive) it is about holding onto something familiar. The early childhood years pass far more quickly than most parents expect, even when the days feel long.
Is home right for your family photos?
Home is not the right choice for everyone, and that is fine. But for families who want photographs that feel personal, relaxed and true, it often makes sense. If you value connection over perfection and want your photos to reflect real life as it is now, your home may be the perfect place to start. If you would like to see how this looks in practice, you can view my family photography portfolio here or get in touch to talk about booking a session.
