Updated March 2025 [Originally Published January 2024]

Thinking about booking an in-home family photo session but unsure if it's the right fit for your family?

You're in the right place! In-home family photography sessions capture your family’s unique story in a setting that feels comfortable and personal, your home. No need to stress about unpredictable weather, driving to a location, or worrying if your toddler will cooperate in a public space. These sessions are all about capturing the warmth, love, and real-life moments that make your family special.

Monochrome Image Of A Family With Two Sons Laughing And Tickling Each Other On The Couch

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY CHOOSE AN IN HOME FAMILY SESSION?
How to Prepare for Your In-Home Photo Session
What to Wear for an In-Home Session
How to Make the Session Feel NaturaL
What Happens During the Session?
FAQ: In-Home Family Sessions
Let’s Capture Your Family’s Story

Why Choose an In-Home Family Session?

📸 Comfort & Convenience – No need to pack up the kids and drive anywhere! Stay cozy in your home and let the session unfold naturally.

📸 Authenticity – Your home is where you make memories every day. From the kids’ favorite reading nook to snuggles on the couch, these images will tell your family’s real story.

📸 Weather-Proof – Rain or shine, an in-home session isn’t affected by the elements. No more rescheduling due to unpredictable weather!

📸 Unique to You – No two homes are alike, which means your photos will be one-of-a-kind. They’ll reflect your family’s personality, style, and everyday moments.

Monochrome Image Of A Family With Two Sons Reading Books With Each Other On The Couch

How to Prepare for Your In-Home Photo Session

Pick the Best Spaces in Your Home

Your entire home doesn’t need to be spotless or photo-ready—we’ll focus on a few key areas with the best light. Here’s what to consider:

✔ Find the Light – Rooms with big windows and natural light are ideal. Morning light in the living room? Afternoon sun in the nursery? Let’s use it to create stunning, naturally lit images!

✔ Keep It Simple – A quick declutter of the spaces we’ll use is enough. No need for a deep clean—just tuck away toys, water bottles, Kleenex boxes, and other distractions.

✔ Meaningful Spaces – Where do you love spending time as a family? The cozy corner where you read bedtime stories? The kitchen where you bake cookies? These spots make the best backdrops.

What to Wear for an In-Home Session

No need for fancy outfits—casual, comfortable, and coordinated is the way to go!

Soft, Neutral Colors – Whites, creams, earth tones, and soft blues/greens work beautifully in home settings. Avoid bold logos or neon colors that may reflect on skin tones.

Textures & Layers – Knit sweaters, flowy dresses, and cozy blankets add depth and warmth to photos.

Barefoot & Cozy – Since we’re indoors, you can ditch the shoes and socks and relax!

Need outfit inspiration? Check out my tips for clothing selection for your family photo session.

How to Make the Session Feel Natural

Plan a Simple Activity – Reading a book, baking cookies, playing with the dog—natural interactions create the best candid shots.

Let the Kids Be Kids – No stiff poses here! If your little one wants to jump on the bed or snuggle up with a favorite stuffed animal, I’ll capture the magic in the moment.

Don’t Stress About Perfection – Real life is beautiful, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. A little chaos? A big belly laugh? That’s what makes these images priceless.

Two Brothers Sitting In Separate Bed Bunks Looking At Each Other Holding A Book

What Happens During the Session?

I’ll gently guide you all into natural moments—no forced poses or awkward smiles—while making sure everyone feels comfortable. Sessions typically last 45-90 minutes, giving us time to capture a variety of moments without feeling rushed.

Bonus Tip: If you have a baby or toddler, schedule the session for a time when they’re usually well-rested and fed to keep them happy and engaged.

FAQ: In-Home Family Sessions

What’s the best time of day for an in home photo session?

In home photo sessions are best between 9am and 2pm when there is nice outodoor light, although this does vary some by season. My preference is to use natural light when possible to create the photos that tell the story of your family at home. This also gives us an option for some outdoor photos as well. I’m always happy to work around any baby or toddler nap schedule though, so don’t let that keep you from planning a family photo session at home.

What’s the best season for an in home family photo session?

Since we can have rain during any season here in Portland, any season can be perfect for an in home family photo session because we don’t need to worry about the weather.

In home sessions are particularly beneficial during the colder months, and during heat waves, as we never need to postpone your session due to weather. In the fall and winter we can include a seasonal activity or decorations that hold a dear place in your familly’s story, so those can be lovely times of year as well. Have a favorite flowering bush or tree at home? We can do a photo session at the time this is in bloom to incorporate it into some of your photos.

A Mom And Two Sons Pull Items Out Of The Refrigerator In Their Home

Is there the option to take photos both indoors and outside?

Yes!! I often photograph families outside their front door, in front of their home, or playing in the backyard on swings or a trampoline. Combining indoor spaces and the treasured outdoor areas are a great way to photograph your family.

Where in my home will photos be taken?

This is a great question, and can depend on both preference and light. I find that most often I photograph families in the main living area, the kitchen, kids bedrooms, and the parent’s bedroom. This all depends on ages of the children, what activities you want to do, and also the light. I have the option to use lighting as well when needed so pretty much any location in your home will work to tell your story. Some of my favorite images incorporate a unique mirror, or reflection in a photograph that are found on the day of the session.

Portrait In A Mirror Of A Family Making Pizza Together In Their Home

What do we need to wear for an at home photo session?

What to wear for family photos is often quite stressful for parents, but the great thing about your photos at home is that your clothes can be as casual or dressy as you’d like. I think it’s best to pick a mix of neutral clothes without logos or grafix, something everyone is comfortable in, and within the same color tone pallet. Also, take a look around your home and see what colors will work well for your clothes. As an example, if your home is painted many bright colors, then whites and neutral grays, taupe, jeans etc will really work well.

Young Family Hugs Each Other And Poses In Front Of Their Front Door

Can we include pets?

Photo sessions at home are the easiest way to include pets in the session particularly cats who don’t travel as easily or safely as dogs. Your pets are often quite comfortable at home, and are also safe to be ignored when they are not in photos. Including pets at home is a must in my opinion.

Should we plan a favorite activity?

Including a favorite family activity during your at home session is a great way to plan something together that you can look forward to. Examples include baking cookies, making pizza, playing a game, or having a dance party in the kitchen. Think about one thing you all love to do that you want to document in the story of your family and we can chat about the best way to incorporate this in your photos. For example, the family shown here wanted to make pizza which is a favorite activity in their family. They pre prepared the ingredients in bowls and jars to make the assembly of the pizza quick and photogenic too.

Family Stands At Kitchen Counter And Makes Homemade Pizza Together

Young Boy With Hands In A Bowl Of Cheese Stands At Kitchen Counter Next To Pizza Dough With Sauce

How do we need to prepare our home?

I definitely don’t want any family to stress about doing an in depth cleaning before your photo session…but I would recommend that you tidy up a bit and remove anything that you wouldn’t want in your photos. For example, it can be easy to walk around and collect tissue boxes, and magazines that you would not want to show in your photos. Just take a step back and pick up anything you wouldn’t want photographed. During your session if I find something very distracting I’ll often move it out of the scene.