Hello there! Today we will talk about your home and if it’s suitable to have your family photographed in it.

For me, home is so important! My top dream was to one day own my own home, and I did last year! It was such an achievement for me; I was so happy and grateful. I can decorate it to my own taste, hang art on the walls and have as many pets as I wish. Your home is a reflection of yourself and your story. You have seen your babies grow in it. You are sentimentally attached to it and I want as much as possible to include it in your session. Our goal is to create beautiful family photography to hand on your home’s walls.

Although it’s a place of love and growth, not all homes are suitable for a family session, so I wrote this blog post to help you check if it will work!

1. The Light

Light is so important to achieve beautiful and natural photos. Although I have additional lighting, I much prefer to shoot with natural light. Ideal rooms to shoot in will be the living room, the kitchen and the parental bedroom.

If we shoot in the morning, east-facing rooms will be ideal. If we shoot in mid-day to the afternoon, south or west will be best. A north-facing room won’t be ideal as we won’t get any sunlight. Please be aware of overhanging balconies that may reduce the amount of light reaching the room.

Kuddos for rooms with skylights like in this photo captured during a newborn session in a townhouse in Greenwich.

2. The Space

A small flat will be difficult to use, I need at least 1.5 meters of space from my subject, so make sure the space is big enough. For example, for a 2-bedroom flat, 55 square meters and over should be sufficient for the session, if it’s not cluttered with too much furniture and the area has enough space to walk around the bed and sofa. The smaller the space, the fewer wide shots and the more close-ups and snuggles we will get.

If you are unsure and need help, I can help move things around when I arrive if it helps get better results, such as moving a frame or light furniture.

3. The Decor

Everyone has different tastes and you should live in a space that represents you, however, make sure that it’s not over-cluttered with things that could be distracting in the background.

We should also avoid any strong colours like blue or green that could reflect on the skin. This would be difficult to edit for me in post-production. Neutral tones are best, but I appreciate pops of colour also if it’s not on all walls.

4. Outdoor Space and surroundings

A pretty back garden or front porch would be a great space to use during the session. I love including a traditional family shot in front of your house. It will bring back great memories if you move places and see this photo in years to come. I have a fond memory of my mum’s house when I was little, but we don’t have any photos of us in front of it, such a shame!

Another shot I would love to get is if you have a swing or a tree to climb in your backyard, it would make such a precious playful family portrait.

If you live in a pretty neighbourhood, we can finish the session on a high with fun photos in the streets nearby.

I have made a Pinterest board with some inspiration home for an in-home family session on this link.

My place is suitable! How do I prepare?

That’s amazing! We are going to make awesome photography in your home that you will cherish forever. Now, prior to the session, make sure the space is clean and tidy and any distracting items are put away in a room that we won’t use during the session. Open all the curtains to get as much light as possible prior to the session and pop the kettle on!

Do you wish to book your session at your home? Amazing! Send me an email with a few photos of your home on the link below.

Alba. x