How to Prepare Your Home for an In-Home Family Photography Session • DC family photographer
As a DC documentary photographer, I’ve spent the last 10 years photographing families in places where life truly happens: their homes!! It’s no secret that this is my favorite place to capture the beauty of real and unscripted family moments. Maybe because I live far from families and friends, I need to recreate this little nest where I feel my best.
Whether you’re welcoming a newborn or just want to freeze a moment in your family’s everyday routine, an in-home session allows you to document more than your family. It creates a visual diary for your kids. Your home holds the memories and energy of your life, making it the perfect backdrop for a session that captures your family's unique story, just as it is.
How to prep your home for your family session?
Your everyday is picture perfect.
Your home doesn’t need to look like a photo shoot set. I want to capture your family in a way that feels real to you. A few toys on the floor, a lived-in kitchen, or an unmade bed can actually add to the authenticity of your images. It’s the little details of your daily life that will bring your family’s story to life. The goal is to showcase your home as a comfortable, lived-in space, not a showroom.
No need to ‘Marie Condo’ your home
Clear any big distractions like piles of laundry, kitchen counters, bedside tables, and living room surfaces but don’t worry about making everything spotless. A quick tidy-up allows the focus to stay on your family without losing the feeling of home. While there's no need for a deep clean, it’s helpful to tidy up in the rooms where most of the session will take place—typically the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Clearing away items like mail, chargers, and piles of papers can help make the room feel more open and relaxed.
You can add some personal touched like fresh flowers (you can even arrange a bouquet with the kiddos during the photoshoot!), a stack of your favorite books of the moment, the ceramic mug you just purchased at the fair, or your favorite throw on the couch can bring warmth and personality to your space without feeling cluttered.
If there are areas you’d prefer not to be photographed (like a laundry pile in the bedroom), just let your photographer know. They’ll make sure to focus on the spots that matter most to you.
Let in natural light
Good light is one of the most important factors for creating warm, inviting photos and natural light has a soft, flattering quality that’s hard to match with artificial lighting. Try to let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds, shutters, or curtains and turn off artificial lights. Even if a room seems bright, pulling back the drapes can make a noticeable difference. Don’t worry if your home doesn’t get a ton of natural light—we’ll make it work with what’s available.
Personalize with Meaningful Items
Your session is about documenting your family’s story, so feel free to include meaningful items around the house. Whether it's a favorite toy, a cherished blanket for your newborn, or family artwork on the walls, these little touches can add a layer of personality to the photos.
A special corner
If your home has unique features—like a backyard patio, a cozy reading nook, or an open-concept kitchen—be sure to mention them to your photographer. These areas can bring variety to your photos and provide fresh settings to work with during the session. If your kids have a play area where they spend a lot of time, consider including that space as well.
For family or newborn sessions, the best photos often come from the spots where you naturally spend the most time together, capturing the heart of your daily life.
Final thoughts
This is your time to be present with your family, so relax and enjoy the moment. I’m not looking for perfect poses or tidy rooms. The beauty is in the connection, the little moments, and the real expressions. Preparing for an in-home session doesn’t have to be stressful—it's about creating a space where your family feels comfortable and can be themselves. If you’re ready to document those real, everyday moments, let’s get your session on the calendar!
