New Jersey Family Photographer | What to Expect From an In-Home Photo Session
1) The Cozy Spots
One of my favorite things about photographing families at home is finding all the spots where everyone naturally likes to hang out.
The big bed is a classic for cuddling, piling everyone together, reading a book or letting the kids jump up and down while their parents watch with big smiles. A rug on the floor can become a place for everyone to stretch out, play, wrestle or snuggle together. And the couch always works for a classic portrait or another point of connection.
Key word here is “cuddle”. We definitely want some of those intimate moments documented.
The goal isn't to make your home look like a photo studio though. I want to photograph your family in the places that capture the chaos and love that is being at home with family.
2) Let the Kids Play
Kids love to show off their favorite things and I’m here for it.
Their bedrooms and playrooms are the perfect spots to let them do what they already love to do. They can have a tea party, practice an instrument, hug their stuffies, play in the bath or just let them take over their favorite corner of the house.
These activities give kids something to focus on while I move around and photograph the little things happening naturally…a sibling moment, a child’s unique way of organizing things or that look a kid gives when they're completely absorbed in what they're doing.
3) Transitional Corners
Good light is always a plus, and homes with bright windows give us many options.
Maybe everyone gathers on the floor or in the window seat, a baby is being held close, or the kids are playing with a toy by the window or screen door. I usually use this spot for a few quick portraits, which can be captured from both inside and outside.
It’s a simple little change of perspective that can give us a completely different look without ever leaving the house.
And don't forget the stairs! Sitting together on the steps can make a great little portrait. Walking up and down can capture movement within the house. It reminds us of the daily activities of putting on shoes, taking the dog out and that short window of time when a child crawls up the stairs or holds the banister with two hands.
4) Do Something Together
Some of my favorite indoor photos happen when everyone has something to do.
Make pancakes or cookies in the kitchen. Let the kids wash dishes or look through a photo album. Paint together at the table. Build a new Lego set or with Magna—Tiles. Even have a dance party or tickle fest. Whatever your family actually does together at home is fair game.
These activities give everyone a reason to interact and that's when I can step back and let the photos happen. You don't have to look at the camera the whole time. Sometimes the best images are the ones where everyone is too busy laughing, concentrating or making a mess to notice me.
5) Take It Outside
If your home has a porch or backyard, we can easily take the session outside for a bit too.
A swingset, hammock, patch of grass or even just some space to run around can give us a whole new set of images without going very far. Kids can chase each other around, jump on a trampoline, lie in the grass or collect sticks while parents join in.
Kids love burning off a little energy and this motion makes for some great memories to be recorded.
Bonus: The Details
Some of my favorite photos happen between all of these things.
A baby being carried from one room to another. A dog waiting for a treat. Someone grabbing a snack from the kitchen. A nook in a child’s room that shows their favorite things to collect. These are the little actions and pieces of everyday life that make a home feel personal.
Your house doesn't need to be perfectly decorated or spotless. It's your home, and that's what makes it worth photographing.
If this sounds like your kind of fun, reach out to schedule your next family or newborn session in North Jersey and I’ll capture what makes your family and home so special.