Duthu Family | At Home Lifestyle Family Session

I absolutely love at home lifestyle family sessions. There is something so special about candid photos right in my client’s home. It really captures them in the moment – and unposed. You can even do this with newborn sessions, like Eden’s!

My lifestyle sessions are all about real connections, smiles, and laughs. Jessica is one of my dearest friends and fellow momma. I have worked with her for so many years on a variety of creative projects, including styled shoots!

She is also the creator behind Strawberry Moth, where she created the cutest illustrated goods for the nest and nursery. I am such a fan of her sweet drawings! I’ve also had the joy of capturing her family over the years, and was so happy to do her most recent shoot right in her home. A family lifestyle session at home is the perfect setting – but I know there can be quite a few questions on what this type of shoot is! So I want to cover my tip tops for a lifestyle family session, right in your home!

Tips For An At Home Lifestyle Family Session

Getting Your Home Ready

I know that the idea of doing a shoot in your home might make you a little overwhelmed. Especially when it comes to cleaning and getting ready! But don’t worry – we don’t have to use every room! I recommend choosing 1-2 spaces or rooms for the session. For her shoot, Jessica focused on the master bedroom and the nursery. This way she only had to rooms to straighten up. But don’t make it so tidy the kids don’t feel comfortable! It’s okay to not stress – having some toys on the floor is okay. This is about capturing your family in your home – and to be as authentic as possible.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the window light in each room to make sure you schedule for the brightest time of day in the areas you’d like to feature. As a photographer, we like to use natural light.

Have Toys Or An Activity Ready

For family sessions, I recommend having some toys ready for the kids. That way they are comfortable in front of the camera and start to play. Another option is to set up an activity! You can bake cookies, have a pillow fight, or play board games. Another option is to do storytime, which can let us get some snuggle shots in bed or on the couch.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Let your everyday outfit be the inspiration for your lifestyle family session. Since we are at home, there is no need for anything formal. Pick colors that will work in the setting. Remember that solids, neutrals, pastels and earth tones all photograph beautifully and will look timeless. Jessica chose a marigold stretchy dress with a patterned sweater. This way she was super comfy and could take off the sweater for some of the pictures. For the kids, she chose a navy blue romper and a gray onesie. This way the kids could play and move comfortably!

Let the Kids Be Kids

When I photograph families, I remind them to just let the kids be kids. Kids tend to feel the most comfortable without too many poses and directions. And as a photographer and momma, I know how to capture them no matter what is happening! I encourage your family to just interact with one another – whether that is them giggling, dancing, or sticking their tongue out. Jessica’s older son had so much fun hanging out with his momma and brother.

Relax – And Enjoy The Moment!

One of the biggest tips I give clients is to just enjoy the moment. I tell them to go into the session relaxed, and knowing that the images won’t be posed. Photos of life happening, right in the moment, are the most meaningful! If you and your family just do you, and enjoy each other, your photos will turn out so incredible, and full of real emotion. It might feel weird at first to have a camera right there – but I promise: within a few minutes you will start to feel so much more comfortable!