How to prepare your home for a photo session
As a photographer in Columbus Ohio, I meet a lot of parents who are seeking an easy and natural way to capture their family memories – without the random props, awkward posing, or driving to a strange location with all the kids in tow!
This is where an in-home lifestyle photo session comes into play. I love uncovering the beauty that exists in the everyday home environment. And while every home and family is different, one thing always remains the same: I’ll provide gentle guidance to bring out natural connections and capture your crew enjoying real activities together. Sounds great, right? But if you have no idea what to expect, the thought of a photographer coming into your home can feel… intimidating.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need perfectly behaved kids, expertly styled decor, or 15 photo-ready rooms to get amazing photos at home. Here are my best tips for how to prepare your home (and the people in it) for a great photo session:
1. Get your home “everyday” tidy
You’ll want to put away anything you don’t want showing in your photos, but you also don’t want your home to feel sterile. So find the balance that’s right for you. Something that works is putting things you don’t want photographed into a laundry basket, and storing that basket in a room with no windows. If you want my two cents, a little lived-in clutter is a charming reminder of this stage of your lives, and can reduce the pressure of perfection during the session. This ultimately leads to better photos!
2. Prepare an activity
If there is a game or activity you enjoy doing together as a family, have it mostly set up before I arrive. You could set out some books you want to read together, select the pillows and blankets for your epic pillow fort, or pre-stage your favorite board game to play (bonus points for choosing Twister!) This also applies to any outdoor activities, like kicking a soccer ball around or blowing some whimsical bubbles. Setting up everything beforehand means we’ll make the best use of our time, but it’s also a great way to include your kids in planning and to build excitement before the session.
3. Maximize the natural light
For in-home photography, lighting is king… and this means natural sunlight, pouring through the windows! So go ahead and turn off all lamps, and open all the curtains and blinds before I arrive. I start every session with a brief tour of your home so I can decide what rooms we’ll be shooting in. We’ll use the brightest rooms in your home for the best photos.
4. Gather mementos
Having a photo session in your home is a special opportunity to infuse more of your personality into the final images. Gather up any special items that you’d like captured and I will make sure to incorporate them. Some examples are comfort toys, baby blankets, or special artwork your kiddo wants to show off. This is also a good time to freshen your home decor with keepsakes that show your family’s journey. You could *finally* hang those family photos from last year, display treasures from a recent trip together, or frame some of your kids’ finger painting masterpieces!
5. Pick something comfortable to wear
When you feel good in your photos, you will look good. Please prioritize comfort for all members of your family. An in-home lifestyle session is the perfect excuse to dress down, rather than up. Casual outfits and bare feet lend themselves to more snuggles and playtime, which leads to more loving, connected photos that you will be thrilled with! It’s also a good idea to dress in lighter colors which will bounce more light onto your faces, and stick to small patterns rather than big chunky ones. All the attention should be on your beautiful face and expressions, not on your outfits.
6. Pre-stage some snacks
Snacks aren’t to be used as a bribe for good behavior. I repeat: snacks are not a bribe! But, you will want to have them handy in case anyone gets hangry. Prepare some easy, clean, bite-sized snacks that can be consumed quickly, like cheese cubes, apple slices, clear juice or water. You’ll want to avoid anything that stains the mouth or sticks in the teeth, like red juice or fruits, cheetos, etc. In the worst case scenario though, outfits can easily be swapped for fresh ones! This is one of the great perks of staying at home :)
7. Shake it out
The best photos happen when your kids are 100% comfortable being themselves around me. If you go into the session feeling like a ball of stress, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and they won’t let their hair down. So, please spend 5 minutes “shaking it out” as a family before I walk through the door. Crank up some tunes, have a family dance party, and reassure your kids this is the best day ever! If it would help ease tensions to crack a beer before I arrive, go for it. The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be.
Preparing your home for an in-home lifestyle photo session doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. You can transform your space into a welcoming haven that beautifully showcases your family’s story. Remember, the key is to create a comfortable, well-lit, personal environment where you can all relax and be yourselves. Let go of any expectations of perfection, trust in the process, and get ready to capture joyful moments that will light up your home for years to come. I can’t wait to join you in the adventure!
Hi there. Thanks for stopping by! I’m Daisy, owner of Daisy Zimmer Photography, a Columbus photographer specializing in fun photo experiences that families actually look forward to each year. I hope you loved How to prepare your home for a photo session, and if you are interested in talking with me more about a lifestyle family photo session, let’s connect. Not quite ready, but wanna keep me in your back pocket? No problem! Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
