FAMILY IN-HOME LIFESTYLE SESSION DETAILS

MY APPROACH

My specialty is natural light, lifestyle photography. My passion is storytelling.

I like to keep sessions, calm, relaxed and fun. I will take a few smiling at the camera family shots but the real art comes in letting everyone do their thing and capturing more candid, natural, activities as a family.

I’ve moved away from traditional, posed family portraits on location and more exclusively, in-home lifestyle sessions. I do still love outdoor photography so keep in mind, the in-home sessions can become custom indoor/outdoor near the home if scheduled at the right time of day. I simply like to center it around the home and venture out to locations that are meaningful to the family — the backyard, a favorite restaurant or coffee shop, a favorite hiking spot/park/playground, etc.

WHAT TO EXPECT

In this session, I come to the home and artistically document everyone simply being themselves in their own environment — family playing board games or piled on the bed reading together, taking the dogs for a walk, etc. This “day in the life” approach is a documentary-style snapshot of your family’s life at this point in time. It can be as light/complimentary or gritty/realistic as you’d like.

The session should be light and fun and not feel like you’re even being photographed. It can sometimes take a family (those with young children, especially) a little while to warm up to having a guest in the house and a camera in their space, to really settle into their natural activity and candid demeanor. For this reason, I like to leave at least 90 minutes to 2 hours for a session, keeping everyone calm and relaxed. And that is the key to success! (I’m a very patient spectator.)

Really, no need to do anything special in the house. We can move and stage, as needed. I use a lens that blurs the background and I have a highly-developed skill for “strategic composition.” (I’ve mastered it taking photos of my son in my own sometimes-messy home and posting on social media!) I will say, we will be drawn to the spaces with the best natural, window light, regardless. (And might be the place you’d least expect. Keep an open mind and trust my vision.)

SCHEDULING

Anytime midday works for the indoor portion of the session. Just after sunrise or just before sunset are nice times for outdoors. I ask families to seriously think about when the family is at their best. Young children tend to do well in the early morning or immediately following the first morning nap. Older kids often do better in the afternoon or early evening.

BOOKING PROCESS

All session fees include my time during the session, post-production processing of select images, along with digital delivery of high resolution JPGs via a private, online sharing and viewing gallery.

Once we agree on a date/time, I will ask you to sign a standard portrait contract and there is a 50% deposit due upon booking to secure the date (invoiced via PayPal using any credit/debit card). The balance is due on the day of the shoot via cash, check, or credit/debit card on site.

TURNAROUND

I will usually cull, edit, and email low-res “preview” images within 3 days. Standard turnaround for completed edits for download is 14 days.

WHAT TO WEAR

First and foremost, dress comfortably. Classic, clean and casual is ideal.

Outfits can be solid colors and/or neutral tones.

I’ve found varying shades of SOFT, LIGHT blues, browns, grays and/or greens in relaxed fabrics work nicely for the whole family.

Think of “naturally coordinating” within a color palette rather than “matching.”

Give careful thought to necklines and consider what is most flattering with the least amount of distraction.

The beauty of an in-home session is that there can be costume changes, if necessary!

Tidy hair styling, minimal jewelry and moderate make-up is recommended.

AVOID bold or tiny patterns, neon colors, bright REDS, overly formal clothes. Yes, shades of reds and pinks cast unflattering color on skin and can be temperamental in post production, so use this color sparingly.

Graphics, and identifiable designer names or logos divert the eye so avoid these, as well (NO LOGOS).

Also consider your home decor and what color palette might work well hanging on your walls for years to come. Dads (and siblings) – don’t get a hair cut the day before a session. Plan for a week before. ; )