In Home Family Portrait

Annual In-Home Family Portrait Session Prep Guide

Welcoming a new family member? Or maybe you just want to freeze a moment in time with your loved ones? I highly recommend making in-home family lifestyle portraits an annual event. Think of it as important as scheduling your annual doctor’s visit. These fleeting moments deserve to be remembered just as much as those milestone birthdays or holidays.

A West Ashley family welcomes their new baby.

Comfort Meets Candid

One of the best things about in-home sessions is the comfort. You’re in your own space, which means everyone is more relaxed—and we can include your pets! These sessions are a little peek into your everyday life, and capturing them means you'll always have lasting memories of these fleeting moments. It’s like hitting the pause button on life, just for a while, so you can look back and remember how special this time was.

Natural Light, Natural Moments

I absolutely love working with natural light! The best time for these sessions is during daylight hours, ideally between 9 a.m. and noon. We’ll embrace the natural light from your windows, turning off overhead lights (because, let’s be honest, they tend to cast an unflattering orange glow). Even on cloudy days, you’ll be amazed at how much beautiful light comes pouring in, creating the perfect environment for your photos.

Candids Are My Jam

While we’ll certainly get a few posed shots, the heart of an in-home session is capturing those unplanned, candid moments. Whether it's building Legos with your kiddos, baking cookies together, or having a tickle fight on the bed, the most genuine smiles come from doing what you love. If you’ve got an activity that’s a favorite for your family, we’ll capture that magic as it happens. Trust me—those spontaneous snaps often turn out to be the favorites.

Make the Most of Your Space

We don’t need to photograph every corner of your home. In fact, I recommend picking just a few key spots with great natural light. Whether it’s your living room, kitchen, or even the front porch, these spaces will shine in your photos. And don’t worry, we can absolutely head outside to the backyard or garden for a few outdoor shots as well.

A Session as Unique as Your Family

The beauty of in-home lifestyle sessions is in the fluidity. We have up to 90 minutes, and while I’ll guide you with direction and suggestions, the session is meant to capture the real-life moments happening around you. That’s the magic. I always encourage families to provide a short list of must-have shots, but beyond that, we’ll let the session naturally evolve.

Year-Round Fun

The great thing about in-home family portraits is that they’re perfect any time of year. Some families love scheduling sessions around the holidays to capture the festive decor. Others opt for spring or summer, when the light is bright and warm. Whatever season you choose, the natural light will always be our guide!

Fast Turnaround

I know how eager families are to see their photos, and I pride myself on having a speedy turnaround time. You’ll receive your full gallery within two to three weeks, so you can start sharing and framing those precious moments sooner than later.

Questions? I’m Here to Help

With 20+ years of experience photographing families, I’m always here to help guide you through the process. Whether you're wondering what to wear, which rooms to shoot in, or what to expect during the session, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible!

If you're ready to book or just want to learn more, reach out. Let’s capture those everyday moments that make your family special!