Hello Seattle families!
So, let’s chat about a request that comes up quite a bit in my line of work as a family photographer: how do I take family pictures at home. Yes, that cozy, lived-in space where the toys may outnumber the adults and where that one corner always seems to gather clutter, no matter how many times you tidy it up. Can we even prepare our home in a way that doesn’t feel cluttered for family photos?
I get it. The idea of a photoshoot at home can feel a tad awkward. You might worry about the lack of lighting, the mess, or just how “Instagrammable” your place looks. But here’s the secret I want to share with you—it doesn’t have to be perfect. Honestly!
Your home is a reflection of your life, so I like to remind people of how you want to remember that life in family pictures. The height markings on the walls, the toys that your toddler is loving right now, the drawings on the fridge—all of these perceived imperfections are what make your house a home. And trust me, they make for the most real and heartwarming family photos.
When I come over for a session, I’m not there to judge the cleanliness of your living space or that one room where you have everything hidden because you haven’t had time to organize it. Nope! I’m there to capture you as a family—with all of your blankets, throw pillows, and the kids’ favorite toys scattered throughout.
In fact, those “messy” moments often turn into the most cherished photos. In this recent family at home session, their little boy is really loving his train set – it’s all he could talk about when we talked on the phone to prep for their photoshoot. Since this is his current obsession, we decided we had to theme their family photos around this one activity. There were lots of opportunities for Mom and Dad to connect while their little boy was engaged in play.
So, I kindly encourage you to take a deep breath and let go of the pressure for perfection. Embrace the lived-in feel of your space, and try to focus on the beauty of your family as they are. And if you need a hand tidying up a bit before the shoot, I’m always happy to lend a hand. Just remember, the best photos are the ones that tell your unique family story, mess and all.
Ready to capture some real, authentic moments in your cozy Seattle home? Let’s chat and plan a session that documents the beauty of your everyday life. Because trust me, it’s worth it.
Until next time, keep it cozy, Seattle!
Warmly, Your Friendly Seattle Family Photographer
