Tips to help you prepare for your in-home family session
Preparing the Space:
Consider which spaces you’d most like to incorporate into your session. These will likely be rooms you hang out in the most eg. on the couch, in the kitchen, around the dining table, on mum and dad’s bed, in the backyard etc.
Natural light is the key to beautiful in-home photos. Where possible, pick rooms with big windows or doors that allow plenty of sunlight to flood in.
Declutter and tidy up any unnecessary items, but don’t turn your house into a minimalist space if that’s not how it usually looks. I love capturing your space as it is.
Personalise: Your home is a reflection of your family's personality. Feel free to incorporate meaningful things like drawings, photos, special toys into the background to add a personal touch to your photos.
Choosing Outfits:
Coordinate, don't match: Opt for outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Coordinating colors and styles can create a cohesive look.
Comfort is key: Choose outfits that are comfortable and reflect your family's style. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns that may distract from the overall aesthetic of the photos.
Consider the setting: Think about the colour scheme of your home when selecting outfits. Earthy tones often work well for in-home sessions, but ultimately, choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Feeding Kids:
Timing is everything: A full belly often leads to better cooperation and more enjoyable photos.
Snacks on hand: Keep snacks handy to provide quick energy boosts if needed. Opt for non-messy snacks to avoid any accidental spills or stains on clothing.
Relax and enjoy: If your child needs a break for a snack or a quick cuddle, that's perfectly okay! My goal is to capture natural, authentic moments, so don't stress if things don't go exactly as planned. I’m also really flexible with time.
activities:
It's my goal to capture your family authentically, just as you are. Consider having some of your favourite family activities in mind for me to capture. Whether it's playing a board game, baking a cake, building a fort, or having a playful water gun fight, these moments help bring out the most genuine expressions and relationship dynamics.
Neighbourhood walk: If you're up for it, we can venture out for a leisurely walk around your local streets or to the nearby park. During these walks, I love to incorporate fun games like I Spy or collecting interesting leaves and flowers. It's all about embracing the surroundings and keeping the kids excited and engaged.
Having Fun:
Be yourselves: The best photos capture genuine moments and emotions. Relax, have fun, and enjoy spending time together as a family.
Embrace the chaos: Family life can be unpredictable, and that's part of what makes it beautiful. Embrace the spontaneity and don't worry about everything being perfect.
Get involved: Don't be afraid to interact with each other during the session. Play games, tell jokes, or simply enjoy each other's company. I’ll be there to capture all of those in-between moments that unfold.
What to Expect When I Arrive:
Upon arrival, I'll take a few minutes to introduce myself and get to know everyone. It's essential for me to understand your family dynamics and personalities, which helps create a comfortable atmosphere for the session.
I'll also spend about ten minutes getting to know the kids and introducing them to the camera. This helps them feel less intimidated by the equipment and allows me to capture more natural and relaxed expressions.
Remember, this is your session so, relax, have fun, and cherish this moment in time together. If you have any questions or concerns before the session, feel free to reach out. I can't wait to create beautiful memories with you!