Tips for a Relaxed In-Home Family Session
Have you ever wanted to have family photos done, but dreaded getting everyone dressed up, bags packed, car loaded, to the location, and keep everyone happy and entertained throughout the whole session?
Enter in-home family sessions. Chances are, everyone is comfortable at home. You don’t have to drive anywhere, you don’t have to have special shoes and hair done. You get to just be.
This family chose to do just that. Stay comfortable, stay home. Best news? They didn’t have to fight with the weather. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and they could instead just enjoy the sounds and views of the rain from inside their home.
My first tip for making these in home sessions as relaxed as possible is to embrace whatever messes or imperfections you might have. All of it is part of your story. My style is to document your life through an artistic lens. The baby bottles on the counter and the toys on the floor? They are all a part of your day to day beauty. They help tell your story. Don’t stress about making your home perfect. If I need to move things to get the best image for you, I will. But let go of any idea you may have of a picture perfect home. You’ve already got it.
Next, don’t worry about making the kiddos smile or look at the camera. In fact, I will hardly ever ask you to look at the camera. Instead, I may position you somewhere with awesome light, and then just have you interact with your loved ones. Cuddle, tickle, play, read a story, whatever it might be. I usually let the kids run the show here. Do they want to play hide and seek? Cuddle? Run around? I follow their lead, and I encourage you to just have fun with your little ones during the session. Don’t stress about if they are smiling or cooperating; just be present and in the moment with them.
Finally, just be comfortable. From the clothes your wear to the activities we do, just slow down and be present. That is what will tell your story the best. That is what will give you photographs you can feel. Do you enjoy making coffee and sipping it while the kiddos play? Does bath time make your baby so happy? Do the things you love with those you love, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Finding a photographer that matches your style and that you vibe with is a huge part in making your session relaxing, too. If you are interested in chatting about your own in home session (just for tips and ideas or just to work together!) contact me here!
Elizabeth DeVoe Photography is a family photographer in Atlanta specializing in a unique, documentary style of photography for families, newborns, births, and more!
