7 Tips for your In-Home Family Session

If you’re a client of mine, you’ll receive (if you haven’t already) a welcome guide that outlines how to prepare for your in-home session, but I also like to share advice here on the blog as a  little reminder and also a way to access the info on the go! Below are a few of my favorite tips for preparing for your in-home family session (or even an anniversary session!):

– Pull back all the window coverings.

The more light we have to work with, the better! Open those curtains, pull up the blinds (or at least open them fully) and let all the light spill over into your home.

-Barefoot is best!

I know it may feel odd at first to not have shoes on for your family photos, but it really suits the vibe of an indoor session. It adds that touch of comfort of home and helps everyone to relax a bit more.

-Tidy up.

My biggest tips for tidying up are to make your bed (this is a game changer!), clear your nightstands of any unnecessary things (no need for those extra water glasses), and to hide and tuck anything you don’t want photographed into a closet or another room. My last tip for tidying up? Do the major cleaning and tidying the night before so it’s one less thing you have to think about on the session day!

-Plan an activity.

If you’re nervous about what “to do” during your session, think of some activities for your session. Whether it’s pajama themed, baking cookies together, Saturday morning pancakes, sprinkler time outside in the summer, popsicles on the porch, you name it. Having fun activities that are meaningful to your family for you all to do together is always a great idea for sessions!

-Pick outfits ahead of time.

Picking out your outfits ahead of time and setting them aside for a few days so they are clean and ready to go takes one more thing off your plate. Also feel free to email me any of your ideas, I’m always happy to suggest clothing options, colors, etc!

-Prepare your kids

It always helps to give kids a little heads up on photos. Whether it’s sharing that a new friend (me!) is coming over or simply talking to them about the photo process, it’s always great to prepare your kids for the fun we are going to have so they can get excited! (It’s always so fun to show up and have the kids tell me all about their home and toys – their excitement is contagious!)

-Have fun!

I know this should go without saying, but the last thing I want you to do is stress about your session. This is such a fun time together and I want you to sit back and relax. Your job is simply to love on your family and I’ll take care of the rest!

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Amy Nicole Photography has been documenting stories of life and love for over 10 years. Amy is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer based in Charlottesville, VA. She strives to create timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

I’d love to create photographs for your family that feel genuinely you. 

You can learn more orcontact me here!