When you are planning your upcoming family photo session and figuring out all of the details, what comes to your mind when you’re deciding on location?
Do you think of outdoor locations such as this or do you prefer to an in home photo shoot?
Since lifestyle family photography can happen either at your home or within the Washington, DC area the decision is up to your family and what helps to capture and tell your story.
Still thinking about which one is for you?
In this blog post I am sharing some benefits of in home family photography.
Children are comfortable in their natural environment
Your family will have a great experience being in front of the camera if your children are happy! Your home is a perfect place for family photos because it’s a familiar place with all of your family items.
One secret that tends to help children relax in front of the camera is that I ask the children to show me around the house. Kids love to show off their rooms! I’ve found that is a nice way to make a child comfortable and they are more likely to engage with family.
In home sessions don’t have to be rescheduled due to weather challenges
Another benefit of doing the session at your home is not being dependent on the weather. We will use the best pockets of light in your home to tell a story. I also bring a flash at every in home session as a back up option if we are really struggling with light!
No need to chance the rain, wear big coats and clunky boots, we can stay cozy right at home!
3. Your home is unique
The ways you decorate your home and the colors you use are an indication of your style and what is important to you. I am always looking for color, texture, pattern, and uniqueness and what elements are better than these for your family photos?
Do you have an accent wall and want to show off some art or wallpaper? Let’s use that as a backdrop during your family session!
4. Toys help to tell a story
As you can see in this in home family session, our goal was to take family photos. We started out with portraits of family members and when we noticed the kids wanted a break we were able to move onto something else without the pressure of “performing” in front of the camera!
I loved the Bluey and Bingo play scene (IYKYK) so it absolutely had to be photographed and included in this family’s gallery!
Children are only little once and it’s so important to document these little stages of life.
5. light can be used differently
One of the differences in homes and outdoor settings is that with outdoor settings we are dependent on where the sun is placed, how high or low in the sky, and location. For in home sessions I’m able to use light in a much different way and it tends to lead to a different creative style.
Lighting in home can be bright or can be dynamic and dramatic. It all depends on the home.
If you have a large bay window in your home there is a 99% chance we will take photos in front of it.
6. Kids rooms
The last benefit I wanted to include in this list is the kids rooms! This was one of the girls’ rooms and I was so in love with the blue of the room and how it contrasted with the bed and rainbow blankets.
I loved the idea that the girls brought the toys and it created such a beautiful connection and playful interactions between family members.
Was this helpful for you? As you were reading were you thinking about different areas in your home that would work for your next family session?
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