Preparing for your in-home family session
all your questions answered
If you have never worked with a professional photographer before, it may be difficult to know what to expect. Will the kids cooperate? What should I bring? Will we get the perfect shot? I’m here to make sure your session is fun and stress-free.
Each session is as unique as your family. A Day in the Life session is designed to do just that; to capture your family as it is right now. Whatever makes your family unique is what will be shown through your images. Through a simple questionnaire that I will have your answer, I can learn more about your family and customize your session just for you!
Bay Area Photograpy
Everything you need to know about your Bay Area In-Home Family Session
As a Lifestyle Photographer, I want your session to be fun and stress-free., but most of all, I want it to be real. We will capture moments in your home that are part of your family’s story. Moments that will become your family legacy.
Oakland Photographer, serving the surrounding Bay Area
Let’s get started
If you’re like me, you hated homework when you were a kid. But now that your session is booked, I have some homework for you.
I want you to take a few minutes to really think about what makes your family unique. What rituals or traditions do you share that you want to remember and, perhaps, pass on to your children? When my kids were little, I always read them bedtime stories and sang to them. It’s something that I still try to do when I’m with my granddaughter. So, what is it that you do as a family? Maybe you make pancakes every Saturday morning. Or maybe bathtime with the little ones is your special time.
Whatever it is, let’s plan to capture those moments. I promise those are the moments that you’re going treasure.
Choosing what to wear
I like to think of in-home family sessions as “A day in your life.” So, there’s no need to stress about what to wear. Just come as you are. If your idea of fashion is jeans and matching socks, that’s okay. Maybe you’re more refined and never leave home without looking your best. That’s okay too.
If you really want to show the little ones’ personalities, how about letting them choose what to wear?
These images aren’t about what you’re wearing. They are about what you’re feeling.
But if you still want some tips on what to wear, here are a few. Neutral colors are timeless and photograph beautifully. Bright, neon colors can cast a color glow onto faces.
But what about the kids?
Let’s face it; your session is likely to revolve around the kids!
What do I mean by this? Little ones are unpredictable, so it’s impossible to plan for everything. Kiddos need a snack? That’s okay! I’ll just keep shooting. After all, don’t you want to remember those dirty little faces?
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Now that my kids are grown, I realized that my favorite photos are not the ones where we were all smiling and looking at the camera. My favorites are the ones where they are just being kids! So my goal is to capture your little ones being themselves. You’ll thank me later.
Tips for making sure your kids are at their best
• Allow time at the beginning of the session for the kids to warm up.
• Make sure your session is the highlight of the day.
• Make sure there are no hungry tummies.
• Plan sessions around nap time so little ones will be rested.
• Let them help pick out an outfit. They will be more comfortable. Don’t worry if they choose something you wouldn’t. Let them express themselves.
• The best way to ensure that your kids are at their best is just to relax and have fun.
You may be wondering how I’m going to capture authentic emotion and connection during your session. As a former pediatric nurse practitioner, I’ve spent my entire career working with children, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ll let you in on a little secret. The key to capturing connection is to have fun! Yep, that’s it.
Play is a crucial aspect of children’s learning as it helps them understand the world and build relationships. As kids grow and develop, their interests and social connections transform, shaping their unique identity. Hence, every milestone, favorite toy, or activity holds significance.
As a photographer, I aim to capture these precious moments as they are worth cherishing and remembering. When parents actively participate in their child’s play, they can create meaningful memories and a relaxed atmosphere during the photography session.
So think about what your little ones love to do right now and the activities that you do together. Focusing on those things will ensure a magical session capturing moments you will cherish.
Session day is here!
Your big day is finally here! I’ll be at your home at the agreed-upon time. (Actually, I’m always a few minutes early.)
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, and there’s no need to rush. It usually takes a few minutes for us to get acquainted and comfortable with each other, especially if there are little ones.
If we haven’t already discussed what activities you might be doing, we will do that when I arrive. Activities during your session can include cooking, playing games, or snuggling on the couch watching TV. Really, anything that you love doing can be incorporated into your session. Expect to laugh, dance, and have fun-filled family time!
As a natural light photographer, I’ll be sure to find the areas in your home with the best light. Plan to have all of the blinds and curtains open and the lights off.
Don’t worry if the kids are wild and crazy. I aim to capture your family, crazy kids, and all! I want you to look back at our time together and remember what a great time you had as a family.
Have peace of mind knowing you hired a professional and are in good hands.
“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.”
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