Often, when we think of family photography, we think of studio portraits or that they are best done outdoors. However, there are so many great reasons to do your photo session right from the comfort of your own home. In this blog, I want to give you 7 benefits of doing your family photo session at home. You might feel objections coming up, like my home is a mess, looks old, or we are doing building work. But it is not about portraying your family home or life as perfect. Family photos taken at home are beautiful, honest, and will really reflect your beautiful everyday family life. We spend most of our lives at home, and it’s part of our memories, so I would love for you to consider doing your photo session (partly) at your house.
1. The home is where you all feel most comfortable
Being in your own private space will help you feel more relaxed immediately. It can be scary to have someone take pictures of you, as it is something very intimate. That feeling of safety at home will, in turn, help you feel more comfortable. You will be able to show me who you are and let me into those most meaningful and intimate moments of family life. Those moments that you want documented most.
At home are also all the things that will make you feel more comfortable physically. Feeling cold? Grab a sweater. Hungry? Open the fridge. Feeling Tired? Have a nap in bed. That way, you and everyone else will feel happy…and even if that’s not the case, then the home is the best place to have a cry or be sulky.
2 The home is a place imbued with memories
The home is where you spend most of your time, so this is also the place that carries most memories. It is a wonderful thing for your children to see the home they lived in when young. That old cookie jar that was always on the counter, their toys scattered on the floor, the posters on their bedroom walls or the sofa that was so comfy to lie on. The home does not need to be perfect or clean; it is just perfect the way it is in all its imperfections. So, if you do not want to have an indoor session because you feel your home is too small, too messy or too old and ugly, then just know that in your child’s mind it was the place where they felt happy, loved and have most of their childhood memories, which are absolutely priceless to have in a photo.
3. No disruption of your daily life
Doing a family photo session might seem like a hassle in your mind, that you have to plan and clear your diary for. However, in my documentary photo sessions, you can go about your life as usual. You can do your everyday tasks if you wish, from grocery shopping to mopping the floor.
If your child is small and still has a set routine and needs naps and meals at specific times, then that is much easier at home. There are no interruptions to your usual routine with your kids, and these routines make great, honest family photos too!
This is also why at-home sessions can work so well for neurodivergent children, or anyone who finds new places and cameras overwhelming. Read more about my neurodivergent-friendly family photography.
4. You do not have to worry about the weather
During an indoor family photo session, the weather outside does not matter. Of course, when it is bright outside, there will be more light indoors. But also, on a grey and dreary day, we can still create soulful family photos at home. If you really only would like an outdoor photo session, then we would have to postpone it with rainy weather. However, there is no need to postpone your photo session due to weather when it will be indoors. Since my family photo sessions start from 3hours, you can also decide to have a mix of being at home and outside. If the weather is rainy, we can try to avoid the rainy spells. We then go out when it is dry to jump in puddles or go to a local playground or park.
Worried about the weather? Read what happens if it rains on your family photo session.
5. You can include your pets in your family photo session at home
Often, pets are really part of a family, so it’s always wonderful to have them in your family photos too. Dogs can be taken outdoors with you, but most other pets really are bound to home. They can be included during an indoor family photo session with cuddles, playing, cleaning their cage, feeding or just sitting in the background of your photos. Just go about your day as usual, and I am sure your pets will be a part of that too.
Love the idea of photos at home?
My documentary family sessions are built around your real life, at home, outdoors, or a mix of both.
6. No need to get out of your PJs
If you like, you can just roll out of bed and stay in your nightwear all day. I actually love to photograph the process of getting ready in the morning. Helping the smaller kids get dressed, putting your own make-up while your child watches you, feeding your baby first thing in the morning both in PJs. The beauty of documentary family photography is that you do not have to be or look different than you are. You can dress however you like!
If you’d still like a few outfit ideas, have a look at my guide on what to wear for family photos.
7. There are so many fun activities to do during a family photo session at home.
Not only do kids have all their favourite things and toys at home to play or cuddle with, but there are also so many great activities that you can undertake as a family at home. The first thing to ask yourself is what your favourite indoor activities are. Choose something you love to do or do often. Anything is possible, from baking cookies, reading a book, playing games, building a den, or making crafts…you name it! The best thing about documentary family photography is that I capture the uniqueness of your own family and what you love doing together (or alone). You do not need to change your plans for me at all.
For lots more ideas, indoors and out, read what activities to do during your family photo session.
These are 7 reasons why I really like family photography at home. It will give you images that show the intimacy of family life, the beauty of the everyday, and photos that will really make you say ‘This is us’.
But My Home Isn’t Photo-Ready…”
This is the worry I hear most, so let me put your mind at rest.
- Small home? No problem. Small spaces bring everyone close together, and I am very used to working in smaller homes.
- Dark rooms? I work with natural light and know how to make the most of it. Opening the curtains is usually all we need, and I’ll often follow the light around your home.
- Messy? Please don’t tidy too much! A few toys on the floor and the cereal box on the table are part of your family’s story. Your children won’t remember a spotless house; they’ll remember home.
- Building works or an old kitchen? It really doesn’t matter. In years to come, those details will make you smile.
If you’d like, we can also do a mix of home and outdoors: start with breakfast in pyjamas, then head out to your local park or woods. My family sessions last around three hours, so there’s plenty of time for both. Not sure where to go? Here’s how to choose the right location for your family photos in London.
At-Home Family Photo Session FAQs
What should we do during an at-home photo session?
Whatever you’d normally do together: baking, reading, playing games, bath time or building a den. You don’t need to plan anything special. For more inspiration, see what activities to do during your family photo session.
Can we do part of the session at home and part outside?
Yes. Many families start at home and then go for a walk to their local park or woods. My family sessions last around three hours, so there’s time for both. Read how to choose the right location for your family photos for ideas.
Can you photograph a newborn or baby at home?
Yes. Home is the most comfortable place for a new baby and their parents. Have a look at my natural newborn photography in Bromley.
Do mini sessions work at home too?
They do. My one-hour mini family sessions and Christmas mini sessions can both take place in your home.
Would you love a family photo session at home?
I photograph honest, unposed family life in homes across South-East London, including Bromley, Dulwich, Crystal Palace and Greenwich, and I’m happy to travel all over the UK and further afield. See my family photography and prices, or get in touch.
Still comparing photographers? These tips on how to choose a family photographer in London might help.
