Home Is Where the Heart Is: The Magic of In-Home Family Photography
I’m going to start this post with a question for you. What things do you really want to remember from your life with young children? What are the things you wish you could just bottle up and be able to go back to whenever you feel the need to be reminded of how things were?
Is it the overly romanticised images we often see on Instagram showing families in perfectly colour coordinated outfits walking on a beach with the perfect sunset? And please don't get me wrong these are beautiful images, they are art and valuable. But when you think of flicking through a family photo album is it these pictures that were somewhat staged or would you love to be reminded of your simple everyday? Or maybe it is a mix of both? If It’s the latter then I think my in-home family photoshoots could be the perfect match for you.
Authentic Moments
Home is where you and your children feel the most comfortable, being at home naturally puts you at ease and allows you to be authentic with your family. Your home as the backdrop provides an opportunity to capture your everyday the way it is. Document the cuddles and tickles on the sofa, jumping on the bed, playing with their favourite toys, climbing on the kitchen counter to grab a snack. These are not just photos that provide a snapshot in time, these are telling stories. Stories that you’d struggle to create in a studio setting.
Relaxed and Joyful Atmosphere
The stress of a formal photo studio can often overshadow the joy of the moment. Your children might feel unsettled and nervous, which will make you feel stressed. In the comfort of your home, everyone can let their guard down and simply enjoy being together - yes, the first 10 minutes you might be aware of the camera but trust me after the initial few minutes you will just start enjoying yourself. Kids can play freely, parents can cuddle on the sofa, and pets can join in the fun. This relaxed atmosphere allows for more natural and heartfelt photographs, capturing the warmth and happiness that define your family.
Activities & Traditions
In-home sessions provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate your family's favorite activities and traditions. Whether it's baking cookies in the kitchen, playing board games in the living room, or potting some plants, these activities hold sentimental value and are an integral part of your family story. Documenting these moments adds depth to your photo collection, reminding you of the simple joys.
Nostalgia and Sentiment
There's something profoundly nostalgic about seeing your family in the context of your home. The backdrop of familiar rooms, cherished belongings like their favourite toys, your favourite coffee cup, the fridge covered in your kid’s artwork adds value to your photos. Your photos essentially become time capsules showing your family’s story.
Documenting Life As It Is Mixed with a Bit of Lifestyle
They way I would describe my in-home family photoshoots would be a mix of documentary (undirected capturing of your everyday moments) mixed with a bit of lifestyle (giving a bit of direction, putting you in the best light and giving advice on how to position yourself). For me this works well as it gives you a well balanced gallery with a mix of photos. Some that you would put on your mantelpiece and send to grandparents and others that just reflect your simple everyday. These encapsulating all the small details that you don’t want to forget, like how your children’s face lit up while reading their favourite book, how they twirled and jumped through the house, how they loved the tickles in bed.
In conclusion, an in-home family photo session isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing the heart and soul of your family. It’s about freezing moments that are fleeting, yet profoundly significant. So do invite a family photographer into your home, after all, home is where the heart is.
I'm Maria O’Connor, a family & newborn photographer based in South West London, England. I am a mum of two boys and love capturing natural family moments in my clients’ homes. Are you ready to get in the frame? Contact me today!
