An At-Home Family Portrait Session

Putting the video front and center. I’ve been quite enjoying combining little bits of video with the still images, suing them in combination to tell the story.? Watch the video below!

One of my favorite places to photograph a family is right in their own home. ??I love photographing a family in own environment, in a place they feel comfortable and totally themselves.

Practically it?s also easier on the family not to coordinate getting out of the house. As I now know, that part may be the most challenging part of a family portrait. ?

At home playdates and adventure sessions are a way to authentically honor what makes your family unique. ?

The magical moments, the funny little things your children do, the crooked smiles, the feels. Once in a while I might give a wee bit of direction but it minimal. ??I wouldn?t want you to look like anyone other than yourselves. And being in your own home at a playdate, or choosing the place for your adventure session, sets the tone for that. ?

It?s not about being perfect. ?It?s about being yourselves. The beautiful moments that make up our lives happen every day. ??

In this case being ready to go to the park was great – because of all the fun images we got as Mama and daughter were getting dressed and ready to go to the park. ?In the end, those were the best bits. The everyday little steps we take to do mundane adventures – like playing in the park.

I?m there to photograph your family, not your home. ?When I arrive, I?ll scout out the best light, generally windows, and those are the areas that I?ll be mostly working in. ?Don?t worry about spending much time cleaning. I certainly don?t judge the state of anyone else?s home.

Dress for what you are doing. ?Baking cookies, playing in the garden, going for a bike ride. ???Let the activity dictate your outfits for the photo session. Start with wardrobe for the parents first (something you feel comfortable and confident wearing), then then assemble some options for the children (I find giving them agency and buy in over the process goes miles). Logos and words can be distracting.

Be yourselves and enjoy the time you get to spend together!

As a family photographer, it?s the emotions, the connections and the humor that tells your family story. ?Capturing who you are in your day to day life, instead of camera aware posing. With minimal direction from me, these candid moments of joy, laughter, exploration, mischief and capture who your family really is. This is your history. ?Interesting a playdate family session? Or maybe an adventure session? Give me a call and we can start planning.