Is your home too small/messy/dark for an in-home session?

You can create endless beauty with a single window

The short answer is NO.

However… do the words “in home family session” make your palms start to sweat? You love the idea - but at YOUR home?!

Maybe you can’t walk through the living room without crunching hot wheels under your feet. And you never did get around to decorating/painting/remodeling. You’re too tired after a long day at work to devote more precious energy to cleaning. Your home feels small and you can’t image how a session would make any sense in there. Maybe you don’t think art can be created in your home?

As a Columbus, Ohio family photographer working in neighborhoods like German Village, Clintonville and other areas with older homes, these are very normal concerns that I hear about all the time from clients. Here’s what you need to remember - you’re in the hands of a professional.

When I walk into a home here is what I see: kids feeling comfortable who nearly immediately open up to me and want to show me all of their toys, excited a guest has come to play. Parents who have everything they need right there. Dads who seem thankful to invest minimal effort (ha!).

Next I’ll notice the way the light shines in through your bedroom window - it’s softness would be perfect for creating a gorgeous and dramatically lit portrait (window light is one my favorite types of light, second only to sunrises and sunsets). I may also notice the really cool plants you have scattered around the house, fun pieces of artwork, colorful furniture, Lego collections or other sources of inspiration for adding interest to and personalizing your images.

I mean c’mon, look at that light!

If capturing your family at home is important to you, I am going to find a way to make it work - and not at the expense of beautiful images. I’ve done at home photography sessions all around Columbus, including in small homes with barely any light, and I’ve been able to create beautiful images in each one (thanks to my handy-dandy flash and utilizing window light).

We don’t need to take photos throughout the entire house. We will work together beforehand to figure out a) what you want to have captured and b) which rooms have the best light and/or are the spaces in your home you like best in order to minimize cleaning efforts and maximize use of the ideal areas of your home.

We also don’t need to be inside the entire time (or at all - that’s what backyard sessions are for!). Weather is pretty mild in Ohio, meaning that we can usually step outside for some portraits on the porch or even around your neighborhood if desired.

We stepped outside for a walk around this family’s neighborhood to get a mix of indoor and outdoor portraits.

Extra bonuses of an in-home family photography session:

It offers your children a time capsule of what everyday life was like when they were young.

It adds a layer of comfort for kids who are shy, easily distracted, anxious or uncomfortable around strangers, as having someone in your home signifies that they are a trusted friend.

Furry family members are easily included.

It’s a comfortable place for documenting breastfeeding.

Extra outfit changes, snacks, bathrooms, makeup and hairbrushes are right there.

You can’t find a location with more sentimental value.

at home means doggie gets to join the fun

Remember, your home is perfect. It’s where you and your family feel most comfortable. It’s a shortcut to images that feel authentic and natural.

Are you in Columbus and think you may want to book a family photography session at home? Reach out to me so we can set up a low-pressure consultation. If you are deeply concerned that your home may not be a good fit, we can Facetime so that I can take a look at it and give you my professional opinion.

You may also enjoy this article, about what to wear for at home family photosessions: