where your family’s story unfolds
Your home is more than just a backdrop. It’s the heart of your family’s story! It’s where your kids take their first steps, where bedtime routines unfold, where the little details of daily life happen. That’s why at-home photography sessions are my specialty. Unlike traditional studio portraits, at-home sessions allow me to document your family exactly as you are, in a space filled with meaning, comfort, and real-life moments.
If you're considering a family session, here’s why an at-home session might be the perfect choice for you.
more comfort, less stress
For many families, a photo session can feel overwhelming. Getting everyone dressed, keeping the kids happy, making sure no one spills on their outfits before heading out, arriving in good spirits and on time... it can just be too much. But when your session happens at home, there’s no rush and no pressure. Your kids are already comfortable in their space, which means they’re more likely to relax, be themselves, and warm up to the camera naturally. If they get upset or overwhelmed, it'll be easier to regulate their emotions from within their safe space. No pressure to pose or sit still—we’ll document them playing with their favorite toys, cuddling with you on the couch, or running around in the backyard.
And the best part? No packing, no travel, no stress. If you're still getting ready when I arrive, that's totally normal! I'll settle in, say hi to your pets, and do some lighting tests with my camera. We can document you getting ready if you want — or if you need me to watch your little one(s) while you finish up, I've got you.
preserving your real-life memories
At-home sessions are all about storytelling. These aren’t just photos! They’re a time capsule of what your life looks like right now. The way your toddler lines up their stuffed animals on the couch, the way your baby’s nursery looks before they outgrow it, the way your family piles onto the bed for Saturday morning cuddles... these moments are worth remembering.
Your home will change as your kids grow, but these images will bring you right back to this special stage of life.
the freedom to be yourselves
Studio sessions can sometimes feel stiff and posed, but at home, there’s no pressure to act a certain way. Your kids can play, dance, climb on the furniture, or show off their favorite books. You can relax in your favorite cozy sweater and let your personalities shine! You can feed your baby in peace. And if they suddenly get naked (some kids are like that), that's no big deal. Did they poop EVERYWHERE? It happens. You won't be smacked with an outrageous studio cleaning fee.
If you want a mix of indoor and outdoor photos, we can hang out in your backyard, wander your neighborhood, or visit a nearby park for some variety. At-home sessions are incredibly flexible and follow you through the natural flow of your day.
This isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about being yourselves in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
no need to clean or “stage” your home
Worried about toys on the floor, dishes in the sink, or laundry that hasn’t been folded yet? Don’t be. Your home doesn’t need to look Pinterest-perfect for your photos to be meaningful. In fact, I encourage families to embrace the mess! It’s part of your real, lived-in space, and it tells the story of your family’s daily life in a way that perfectly curated settings never could.
The truth is, when you look back on these photos years from now, you won’t be focusing on whether or not your house was spotless. You’ll remember the way your toddler scattered blocks across the floor, how your baby’s high chair always seemed to have a bit of a mess left behind, or how your living room was filled with baby supplies. These are the signs of a home filled with love and life... and they deserve to be celebrated, not hidden away.
You also don’t need to worry about which rooms will work best for photos. I’ll navigate the lighting and composition, helping you choose spaces with the most flattering natural light. Whether that’s your cozy living room, the nursery where you rock your baby to sleep, or even a sunlit corner of the kitchen where your kids love to snack, I’ll find the best spots to capture your family just as you are.
So, let go of the idea that everything has to be “perfect” for your session. Perfection isn’t real life. Your family’s unique, beautiful chaos is!
unique & meaningful images
Because every home is different, no two at-home sessions ever look the same. Your photos won’t feel like they were taken in the same studio setup as everyone else’s—instead, they’ll be filled with details that are personal to you.
Want photos on the couch where you spend most of your evenings? Let’s do it. Snuggled up in bed reading bedtime stories? Perfect. Hanging out in the backyard while your kids dig in the dirt? Absolutely. Your home is the setting of your life, and that makes your photos one of a kind.
what if my kids don’t want to participate?
That's totally fine. Your kids are allowed to set boundaries with me! I never force participation, but by the end of the session, they’ll almost always be confidently engaging in the photos (often without even realizing it).
I approach these situations with patience, play, and creativity. Instead of posing them right away, I focus on engaging them in ways that feel fun and natural. This might mean letting them show me how their favorite toy works, having them “help” me take a couple of photos, or giving them a sense of control over the process. I even try to bring a kid-friendly camera to sessions so they can take their own photos of things that matter to them—like their parents, their room, or even their favorite stuffed animal. Giving them a chance to direct and explore helps ease them into the experience and makes the session feel like a fun activity rather than something they "have" to do.
I also have plenty of stealthy tricks. Many of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves, completely unaware that I’m even taking pictures. These unscripted moments are where their real personalities shine through.
If you already know that your child is hesitant about photos, let me know ahead of time! I can suggest strategies to get them comfortable before I even arrive. In these cases, I also recommend booking at least a two-hour session if possible, giving them plenty of time to warm up, settle in, and feel at ease.
FAQ
What if my home is small or doesn’t have great light?
That’s totally fine! I can get great photos anywhere, and I’ll work with whatever lighting your home has. If you’d like to incorporate natural light, we can take some photos right in front of your home or head to a favorite outdoor spot nearby for part of your session. There's no need for big windows or open spaces. Meaningful moments matter more than location!
Should we coordinate outfits for our at-home session?
You can, but you don’t have to! If you’d like a cohesive look, I recommend sticking to a few complementary colors. Neutral tones, black, white, and earthy colors always photograph beautifully! Fabric texture also makes a difference. Soft knits, linen, or flowy fabrics can add a ton of depth to your images.
Most importantly, wear something you feel great in. If someone is uncomfortable in their outfit, that feeling will show in the photos. The best wardrobe choice is whatever helps you relax and let your personality shine through.
How long do at-home family sessions usually last?
Session lengths are super flexible depending on how much of your family’s story you want to capture:
1-Hour Short & Sweet Sessions: Perfect for a quick milestone session (especially for newborns).
2-Hour Relaxed & Creative Sessions: Recommended minimum for most at-home sessions to allow time for breaks and natural interactions.
4-Hour Storytelling Sessions: Great for documenting more of your routine and capturing a wide variety of moments.
8-Hour “Day-in-the-Life” Sessions: A full storytelling session covering your entire day.
12-Hour Weekend Coverage: Split over two consecutive days, ideal for capturing both daily life and a special outing or event.
If you’re unsure what length is best for you, let’s chat! We'll find the session that works best for you.
Can we include pets in our photos?
Absolutely! Pets are part of the family, too. Whether your dog wants to join in on the snuggles or your cat prefers to observe from a distance, they’re welcome to be part of the session. I love capturing those little moments like your pet curled up next to your child, following you around the house, or just being their quirky selves.
your home, your memories, your story
At-home family sessions are more than just convenient. They create genuine, storytelling images that reflect your family’s life in the most natural way possible. They allow your kids to feel at ease, embrace real moments, and capture the beautiful, fleeting details of this season of life.
If this sounds like the kind of family session you’re looking for, let’s chat! I’d love to help you document your family’s story right where it happens.
