in home family pictures
Arizona summer. So hot.
Soon we're all going to start eating popsicles and sitting underneath the ceiling fan.
I do very few on location family photo sessions in the summer in Arizona. It's just too hot and miserable. Cue: family photos at home! Just because it's hot, doesn't mean we rule out family photos altogether. We go indoors.
I love studio sessions, but I always recommend doing family photos at home!
if FAMILY PHOTOS STRESS YOU OUT...
Ugh family photos... there's so much to do, so much to think about, kids to keep happy, timing to get right... Forget all of that! Half of the stress with family pictures goes out the window when you plan your session in the comfort of your own home.
If you haven't considered doing a photo session at home, read on to find out why you should!
Plus a bonus tip at the end.
1 - convenience
Last year I found a swim teacher for my kids that CAME TO MY HOUSE. I didn't have to pack up all the kids and all the swimming gear to drive in traffic, only to make it home to start a late dinner. It eliminated so much time and effort on my part, and the kids loved it!
Convenience. That's why at home sessions are amazing. One of the number one reasons people procrastinate doing family pictures is because of the prep, the time, and the travel. Hello at home family session! No packing snacks or diaper bags. No buckling car seats or fussing about making kids go to the bathroom before you try to leave 10 minutes earlier than planned because you realize there's no gas in the car.
You can sign me up anytime for less prep, less time, and no travel.
Well, not like, see the world travel. DO sign me up for that anytime please.
2 - a deeper meaning
Can you think of a home that you wish you had more photos of? Your childhood home or maybe your grandmother's house? I would love to have professional lifestyle photos of me and my family in the home where I grew up. Not that it was thing then, but it is now!
Home is where it all happens. The little teaching moments, the giggles and the snuggles, the meals, games, homework, deep conversations. It's one of the most treasured places in this world. Stunning landscapes are beautiful, and it's worth it to get those types of family pictures as well, but so many people miss out on taking photos in their own homes where they spend so much of their time and share their love and memories.
Professional family photos in your own home capture more about your life than just your relationships.
3 - fun activities
The nature of in home sessions calls for family togetherness and interaction. I LOVE capturing families doing real life activities together that they do even when I'm not there. Implementing activities creates photos that are more real and documentary.
Here's a short list of some fun ideas:
- Baking something together
- Playing games or doing puzzles
- Having a pillow fight
- Playing in the yard
- Reading a book together
- Building a blanket fort
- Playing with toys
- Sipping hot chocolate or fresh lemonade
4 - comfort
You don't even have to wear shoes! You can take a break and have a snack if you want to. Turn on some music, read some picture books, bake some cookies... Home sessions are so low pressure and easy going. You have everything you need for the kids if they start to fuss.
Also... husbands LOVE chill photo shoots at home.
5 - shoots are during the day
Sometimes it's the best feeling to clear things off your calendar so you can relax in the evening. I love when I don't have anywhere to go at night so I don't have to think about it all day. If daytime is your go time, you would love a home session.
Lighting is best between 10:00-11:30 in the morning, so I like to start around then. If someone's day job causes a scheduling problem on a weekday, we can just book a Saturday.
6 - bonus: "But my house isn't perfect"
Listen. I know what a house with a family full of little kids looks like. I know what it's like to have anything and everything scattered around the entire house all over every surface and section of floor. I also know what it's like to not have the latest home style trends or freshest decor. So many people can relate, that's what makes a home special and lived in. There is absolutely zero judgment here.
Depending on the light and the activities we have planned, if any, I ask clients to have 2-3 rooms CLUTTER FREE for their session. Not spotless, not dusted and vacuumed, just decluttered. You really don't have to clean your entire house before I come over. We won't take pictures everywhere, and I won't be inspecting behind closed doors.
Just take the time to remove those background distractions so you can remember your home at it's best.
a new era for family photos
In home lifestyle pictures have been around for awhile, but it is still hot and trending in the photography industry. People love the simplicity and the authenticity of these types of sessions. Life is messy and crazy, but there is so much beauty in between, and that's what people want to capture.
If you're looking for a low stress but meaningful alternative to traditional on location family pictures, doing your session at home would be great option for you! No matter what your house looks like. I promise your photos will be beautiful and treasured for a long long time.
You can book an in home session directly to my calendar using the link below.
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