How to prepare for your in home family session
In-home family sessions are some of the most authentic, meaningful sessions I’ve photographed. There is something precious about documenting photos of your family in your own sacred space. These photos are relaxed. Real. Imperfectly perfect.
There are many perks to having photos done in your own home! Babies and young children are more at ease in their own environment. You don’t have the stress of trying to get everyone dressed and out the door. The pace is relaxed. And you get photos of the people who mean the most to you, in the space where your memories are made. So much to love!
This post is meant to be a guide for you, as you plan and prepare for your in-home family session.

What to Wear
Let’s begin with outfits!
Choosing outfits is quite important, as the colors and textures will impact the look of the photos we create together. I highly recommend going with mostly neutrals and ivory/cream for your outfits, avoiding dark or bold colors and busy prints, especially around the face.
- Light colors like beige, cream, light pink, soft grays and blues all photograph well. The goal is for your photos to be as minimal and clean as possible, so choosing outfits that do not draw attention away from your faces is important. Avoid dark colors, and vivid reds or oranges. They will cast colors on your face that cannot be edited away, and take away from the minimal look we are going for!
- Consider light, breathable materials like linen dresses and shirts. Layering different textures also adds a beautiful element to photos. For moms and daughters, feminine dresses and shirts are so pretty in photos. For dads and boys, go for lightweight, quality shirts and pants in neutral colors. Lighter colors also reflect light back on your face, which makes for a more flattering photo!
- Choose clothes that you feel good in from every angle. During in home sessions I take photos from all different angles, both sitting and standing, and so choosing flattering styles that you love on your body will help us to get photos that you adore!



Tips for Mom
If I could tell you one thing moms, it’s this: let go of your idea of perfection. Chances are the kids will act up a bit. The baby might be fussy. Someone won’t be ready in time. You might be fighting insecurities about your postpartum body. The house might not be clean. I promise, it’s ok!
- Choose an outfit for yourself that you love and feel comfortable in first, and choose outfits for the rest of the family based on that. I recommended neutral dresses that are more loose/forgiving, that allow you to move freely. Baltic Born, Anthropologie, and Lulus have great options if you need ideas. If you are newly postpartum, it’s fun to treat yourself to a new outfit that you love and feel like yourself in!
- Don’t stress about the state of your house! I just feel honored to be invited to step into your space and create photos of your family season. I don’t see the laundry piles or the unwashed dishes. All I’m looking for are connections, fleeting moments, family love. (Oh, and I’ll also search out the best light in the house and probably a clean wall. Just a neutral wall with a window is all I need!)
Tips for Dad
Dad, chances are, your wife is more excited about family photos than you are. But she needs you to be on board and 100% engaged in this with her, even if you don’t feel like it!
- Most of the time preparation for photos becomes more mom’s thing…the planning of the outfits, getting the children ready, etc. Do what you can to help her where she most needs it! Cleaning up the house, getting the toddlers dressed, holding the baby so she can get ready herself, all of those things will take a load off of her shoulders and help her to relax and enjoy the photo taking process. And guess what? You might enjoy it more than you think!
- If you do have toddlers, it’s helpful for Dads to be on toddler duty, while mom focuses on preparing/holding the newborn before and during photos. Young children have a short attention span and usually don’t enjoy the camera. I love when Dads can take care of keeping the toddlers occupied in between photos, playing silly games with them during photos, keeping their minds off the fact that they are being photographed.
- Occasionally I ask for smaller furniture/accessories to be moved depending on where the best light in the house is. When Dads are willing and available to help move random nightstands or chairs or kitty houses out of the way for the photos, I appreciate it greatly!

Tips for Newborns
Newborn photos are absolutely precious, but can take time! Don’t stress! I like to bring along my collection of swaddles for your session, along with my own beanbag and reflector to get some beautiful, minimal, cozy newborn photos.
- I recommend keeping your baby awake for about an hour before the session, and then giving them a nice long feeding. When they are fed, tired, and snuggled up warm in the swaddle, they should go right to sleep, which is the goal for those dreamy newborn photos!
- While I’m photographing baby alone, mom can freshen up and change/prepare for her own photos with the family.
If you do plan an in home session with a newborn, I recommend scheduling your session for 10-12 days after the birth.


Tips for Toddlers
Photographing sibling relationships is one of my all time favorite things about family photos. I understand that most toddlers don’t enjoy photos. (I mean if we’re being real, most of them hate photos with a passion!) I have photographed energetic toddlers for years and have experienced the joy of having one of my own, so I have learned a few tricks of the trade. (For tips on occupying toddlers, please refer to “tips for Dads”)


FAQ
Q: What if my house is not “aesthetically pleasing?”
A: The truth is, very few of us live in houses that look like they are owned by lifestyle influencers 🙂 I promise that all I need is nice some window light or the light of a door. I may move some furniture around to accommodate. But don’t worry! Great photos can be taken anywhere with a bit of creativity.
Q: What time is best for an in home family session?
A: I recommend late morning, since kids are usually more cooperative and fresh for the day. Late morning also gives us the most light to work with!
Q: Can we do photos outside as well as inside?
A: Yes! If the weather is warm, I like to use a front porch or deck for some other photo options. A porch swing or hammock, front door, or porch stairs are great places for some lifestyle family photos!
Q: Can my dog or cat be in on the photos?
A: YES! I love when pets are part of your session. Instead of forcing them to pose, I often let house pets explore and come around as they wish, and grab some candid photos of them with the kids, relaxing on the couch/bed, etc. If your pets are part of your family they should be in your photos!
And Finally…
The most important thing you can do is relax, and enjoy the process. When I pick up my camera, I’m not looking for perfection. But my goal is to capture real life in the most breathtaking way possible. This is done through a mixture of good posing and angles, finding good light, editing, and knowing when to click the shutter. Let me take care of making art from your everyday life. Don’t stress, and love on your family during the photo taking process!
It’s going to be beautiful.
Ready to book your own session? View my packages here.
Loved this post? Be sure to check out:
The Keating Family’s In Home Session
Tips for Family Photos that are Candid and Natural

Stay Awhile
Sign up for my newsletter! Travel dates, discounts, photo opportunities, personal content, and more!
About me. Why I do what I do.
For Photographers: You will love this customizable Second Shooter guide for your business. Show your assistants exactly how to shoot for your brand, every time.
Jessica Lapp is a wedding and portrait photographer serving clients all over the state of Virginia, including DC, Richmond, and Charlottesville. Elegant wedding and portrait photography on film and digital, for couples who want to remember the most beautiful season of their lives in an exquisite way. Learn more about the wedding experience here!
Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Wedding Photography Charlottesville
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT!