In-home sessions can be some of the most meaningful sessions we photograph. They’re full of real connection, familiar spaces, and little moments that would never happen anywhere else.
I wanted to put together a post with practical in-home session advice, so I’m sharing one of my own favorite tips along with tips from photographers inside my Family Photography Collective. There’s so much good insight here for family photographers who want in-home sessions to feel more natural, connected, and true to life. There is advice for both family and newborn in-home sessions. Enjoy!
Tip 1: Choose a few simple activities before the session
“One of my favorite ways to make an in-home family session feel natural is to plan 3-4 simple activities ahead of time. I like helping families think about what they’d actually do together at home, then building the session around that. Reading books, baking, dancing in the kitchen, building a fort, jumping on the bed, or even sharing a snack gives everyone something to do, which usually leads to more connection and more natural photos.”
Me, Becca Jean Photography
Tip 2: Use angles that make the viewer feel part of the moment
“My advice would be to get interesting perspectives. So often photographers just have the family perform in front of them but I enjoy getting in the action. Shots where you really feel like you’re in the moment, not just watching it.”
Daniel Walsh, Wesley D Photography
Tip 3: Add depth for more intimate in-home photos
“Add a layer of depth by stepping back, and capture a doorway shot or with something in the foreground, truly giving the family a moment just for them, it feels like you aren’t even there, and they are only focused on each other.”
Emily Traynor, Emily Louise
Tip 4: Pay attention to the in-between moments
“My advice is to never stop watching for special in between moments. This one wasn’t prompted, we were transitioning to another area of the house so the parents wanted to reswaddle the baby and his sister jumped in to help. It turned into my favorite shot of the entire gallery.”
Kristina Robinson, Kristina Robinson Photography
Tip 5: Find the best light and let the moment happen
“My top tip for home sessions would be, find the best light in the home and guide your family into it. Then wait for the moments to unfold and shoot through them.”
Lidiya Baltova-Kalichuk, Lidiya Kalichuk
Tip 6: Include pets in your in-home family sessions
“I love including pets in in-home sessions! They’re an important part of the family and add so much personality to the images.
One thing that really helps is asking my clients ahead of time to have a small treat bag ready for me. I keep it in my pocket so I can quickly grab their pets attention without disrupting the flow of the session. It helps in getting those alert ears and cute head tilts.”
Tristin Tracy Barbaria, Tristin Tracy Photography
Tip 7: Give kids attention right away
“I always give the kids a lot of attention when I arrive. If I have photographed them before, I’ll say “how old are you now?, you look so big!” I ask them if they remember me from last time and how much fun we had. I also ask them to show me their toys and their rooms. Kids love that and it always makes them feel comfortable. And then we have fun. If kids are happy then mom and dad are happy.”
Kathy Williams, Kathleen Williams Photos
Tip 8: Let families relax and be themselves
“Giving the kids (especially toddlers) space to play and be themselves creates some of the most magical moments.”
Joy Bijedic, Being Joy Photography
“This was a newborn session but I love the feel of it. My humble advice to in-home family sessions is to let the family be themselves, just guide them a bit. The little moments are the special ones.”
Osiris Coté, Osiris Photography
Tip 9: Create a calm atmosphere for newborn sessions
“I think of a newborn session in a very big sisterly way. Entering someone’s newborn bubble is not the time for being super energetic or particular. The biggest thing, in my opinion, is to allow space for flexibility if baby needs to be changed or is sad, back up and give the parents space to do what is needed. (Keep photographing though!) Reassure Mom (and dad) that their baby is doing great, and you aren’t bothered. Be a quiet peaceful presence, and if you’re comfortable with it, you can ask questions about how newborn life is going. I always ask about the labor and delivery, sleep, feeding, all the things!”
Susannah Treadway, Susannah Raye Photography
Tip 10: Show up with a thoughtful gift for newborn sessions
“I recently decided to start bringing a small gift with me for all newborn sessions! the few days after having a baby are so special and not many people get invited home. I feel like it’s such a privilege to be one of them, and enter the newborn bubble, that I should never show up empty handed. It can be something small for the mom, food if you know her preference, something to treat herself, little gift for the baby AND the older siblings. Something local is also very popular.”
Eva Burrow, Eva Burrow Photography
In-home family session tips for photographers
All of the advice in this post aside from the first tip from me, came from photographers inside my Family Photography Collective, my monthly membership where we share ideas, support each other, and keep getting better together. If you want that kind of community, plus monthly education for your family photography business, come join us!
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