Photographing your family at home means everything you need is already there. There’s no rushing out the door trying to get somewhere on time. Kids feel most comfortable and able to be themselves in familiar surroundings.

Home sessions feel relaxed and intimate. They reflect the rhythm of your day. Around the kitchen, at the table, moving in and out of the backyard, doing the small everyday things that shape your family life. They’re especially lovely for newborns or families who prefer a more relaxed, documentary-style session than an outdoor sunset shoot might offer.

How long does it take?

Most family sessions run around 30–60 minutes, sometimes a little longer if we need it. That gives us time for everyone to relax and for me to get to know you all without the session feeling rushed or becoming overwhelming.

Preparing your home (keep it simple)

Please don’t feel like you need to deep clean the entire house. You absolutely don’t. These photos are for you, not a magazine, so just do what feels right for you. If a space has beautiful light (such as near a window), we’ll try to use it.

A light tidy in the spaces we’ll likely use is totally fine:

• kitchen benches and table
• main living area
• main bedroom
• bedside tables
• backyard where kids might play

Clear away anything that you would prefer not to be in the photos and pop it into a box or cupboard so it’s easy to put back later.

That’s it. The goal is simply to keep the focus on you, not the clutter.

What to wear

Wear what you love! Feeling comfortable and like yourselves is far more important than following a formula. Dress your kids in something that they find easy to play and be themselves in.

Clothing that usually photographs beautifully:

• neutral or earthy tones
• natural fibres, soft textures and layers
• clothes you can move in
• outfits that you actually wear in real life

You definitely don’t need to match – aim for complementary tones and textures, but try not overthink it either.
Strong clashing colours and busy patterns tend to take over the frame, so usually best to avoid these (unless that’s your style!). The same is true for logos and bold graphics, or lots of black.

That said… there are no rigid rules. If something feels right and reflects your family, wear it.

Make sure everyone is fed, well and rested

A full tummy makes everything easier for both adults and kids.

Try to:

• plan around naps if possible
• start the session after everyone has eaten
• prepare easy snacks if needed (fruit works well)

If someone is sick, we can simply reschedule – just send me a message to let me know. Real life isn’t perfect and that’s part of what makes it meaningful.

What about the weather?

If the forecast is questionable, I’ll contact you two days beforehand to talk about the options. If you would prefer to reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible – no later than 24 hours before the session start time. If you would like to proceed as scheduled, you will need to provide an indoor option for the session. On the day, I’ll make a final decision about whether the session will be held indoors or outdoors to ensure we get the best possible photos without any mishaps.

What we might photograph

Think of this as simply living your real life while I quietly document it.

For example, around the kitchen we might capture:

• making breakfast or having a snack
• pouring drinks
• sitting together at the table
• wiping faces or sticky hands
• slow cuddles before the day begins

In the backyard we might photograph:

• kids pottering around barefoot
• watering plants
• running under the sprinkler
• chasing bubbles
• climbing trees, cubby houses and trampoline jumping
• playing with pets
• exploring and playing together outside

Nothing complicated. Just the rhythm of your family moving through the day.

About your kids

Your kids do not need to behave perfectly. You could let them know that I’ll be coming by to take some photos and they don’t need to pose or smile unless they feel like it. On the day, I’ll spend some time getting to know them and ask them to show me around, their favourite toys and things they like to do.

Some of the best photographs come from movement, noise, curiosity, and unpredictability. Running, climbing, cuddling, chatting, wandering in and out of the frame. All of it is welcome.

I’ll gently guide when needed, and make sure we capture any must-have photos first. After that, we’ll let things unfold naturally.

You have full permission to:

• play
• cuddle
• laugh
• be silly
• pick them up
• dance around
• just be together

If your kids were perfectly posed and smiling at the camera the whole time, the photos wouldn’t feel like your life.

For families with newborns and babies

Keep your house warm if it’s cold outside. It’s a good idea to pop on a fresh nappy and feed your baby just before our session, or if you’d like breastfeeding images, then we can start with those to help everyone feel settled. There’s plenty of time for feeding breaks and pauses as needed. Your baby’s safety and comfort is most important, so if something isn’t working we’ll just try another option or take a break for a little while.

Ideas for things to do during the session

Simple everyday activities photograph beautifully, like:

• reading books together
• jumping on the bed
• tickles
• feeding baby
• playing on the floor
• watering plants
• making a snack
• snuggling on the bed
• dancing to your favourite tunes
• walking the dog

For families with newborns or babies, quiet skin-to-skin moments in the bath or shower, or breastfeeding on the couch can be incredibly tender and beautiful. This is always optional and only if it feels comfortable for you.

What’s most important

Relax.
Be close.
Play.
Let your kids be kids.

I can’t wait to meet you and spend some time with your family x

What Next: Read my article on how to have a family photoshoot where everyone actually enjoys themselves (including those who don’t like being photographed!).