Choosing the type photoshoot that’s right for your family is important. It is the key to successful professional photos – whether that be maternity, newborn or family. Today I want to discuss the question ‘What is an in-home session?’
What is an in-home session?
So firstly, what actually is an in-home session? You guessed it! It’s a photoshoot in the comfort of your family home.
The place you feel most relaxed. Where your most cherished moments happen together as a family. Where the little things are the big things that shape who you are in this world.
It’s your childrens safe space. Where they can be themselves. Think of a lovely Saturday morning at home. Cuddles in bed. Tickle monsters. Hide and seek under the blankets. Baking. Gardening. Swimming in the pool. Chasing each other with the hose.
When you look back at photos from your own childhood, what do you think of when you see photos of yourself playing in your bedroom? Memories of riding your bike up and down the street until the streetlights came on. Family dinners.
In-Home sessions capture the very essence of the way you are raising your family. The chaos of stepping on legos for the 10th time that day, or wiping sticky handprints off the glass wrapped up in a whole lot of love, play and giggles.
Who is an in-home session for?
The simple answer to this question is anyone and everyone!
All of my newborn sessions take place in the comfort and convenience of your home. Allowing the time and space to nurture and feed your new baby while taking care of yourself – the new Mother. No need to head out if you are feeling a little unsure, all of your home comforts around you. Just cosy down on your couch or bed and breathe in that beautiful newborn smell.
You can also have your maternity photos taken at home. Especially wonderful in the heat of Summer here in Cairns. Relaxed and natural sessions with the added comfort of air con.
What age families are suited to in-home sessions?
The great thing about in-home sessions is they are suited to families of all ages and sizes!
Whether you have just had your first baby and want to have a newborn session in-home, if your children are school age and you’d love to have your family photographed playing in your pool or if your children have grown and you’d love photos of you all relaxing together, in-home sessions are perfect!
Over the years, I have also found these are great sessions for little people (or big) who struggle in new or overwhelming environments. They know the sounds and smells of their own space so nothing comes as a surprise and can set off any hard feelings. I have spent my entire career working with children from many backgrounds (including but not limited to – children within the dental environment and living with children in foster care in my own family home). I also studied child development. You can trust me when I say I have experienced many situations with children who require extra care and time to build trust. I find this can be built up quicker in the home environment because a child feels that if I am being welcomed into their home, then I am a safe person to be themselves around.
What type of home do I need to have?
Anything with four walls!
The beauty of these sessions is that they capture you and what you love, with who you love! This is about photographing your family naturally in the comfort of your own home.
Before your session, I might get you to send me some photos of your home if you have specific areas you’d like your photos taken. Otherwise, when I arrive, I will have a look around and depending on the natural light available, I will make recommendations accordingly.
Areas I commonly use are – the couch, the master bed, the front porch, the backyard. The most common fear I hear is that people think their homes aren’t good enough. Rest assured, you’d be surprised what can be created with a little imagination. If you are unsure, just pop me a message with a few photos, and I can give you some ideas.
Tell me about newborn sessions in-home
Having a baby brings about a variety of emotions. It can be feelings of excitement and joy but also can be overwhelming and intimidating. Whether it is your first baby or your 5th, sometimes the idea of leaving the house can feel hard.
Maybe you have a caesarean booked, or your labour resulted in an emergency caesarean. Moving about can be hard and you aren’t allowed to drive for 6 weeks post birth.
Perhaps you have other children with sensory issues that really struggle outside of their home environment.
All of these things need to be considered when it comes to the success of your newborn in-home session.
Because of the relaxed nature of a newborn in-home session, age isn’t an issue. I can come to your home within hours of you getting home from the hospital if you like to capture siblings meeting the baby, or, if you missed out having a newborn photoshoot during the first few weeks, you can schedule it later too. The session is tailored to you and the needs of your family.
Tell me about in-home sessions with older children
During the wet season in For North Queensland, we have long periods of consistent tropical rain (and humidity). Families still like to keep up with their regular family photoshoots but it can be impractical to schedule these out on location.
The solution? Have them in your home!
If quality time is your love language, then in-home family sessions are for you!
We chat together about your favourite activities and memories you share with your children and arrange your session around these moments. Whether it’s baking, swimming, reading books, changing nappies, making treats in the mud kitchen – there is fun to be had and beautiful memories to be photographed.
I am on holiday in Cairns, The Tablelands or Port Douglas – Can I have an in-home session?
Of course! Cairns, The Tablelands and Port Douglas have an abundance of beautiful properties. Whether you will be staying in a resort or have rented an air B&B, you can have an in-home session. As before, we will discuss your families needs and memories you’d like to remember, and plan your session to suit your beautiful family. I can’t wait to welcome you to Far North Queensland – it really is beautiful! I am based on the northern beaches of Cairns, so please feel welcome to contact me to discuss travel options.
Do I need to have a tidy home for an in-home session?
Pinterest may have you believe so, but I’m going to go against the grain and say absolutely not. Raising children is messy. As soon as you have tidied up one area, they have made memories in another and you are back to square one.
I have three young children myself, and know how hard it is to keep a tidy home.
I have spent countless hours documenting my children in my messy but magical home, and believe I know all the tricks for making a messy home look tidy!
I do not judge and my focus is helping you create wonderful memories with your children, while photographing you engaging with them.
What should I wear to my in-home session?
If you are anything like me, you value quality time with your family. If you are great with style, go for it. If you are not, please don’t let this hold you back.
I think the internet has us think we can only book a family photoshoot if all our ducks are in a row. But oh we are missing so many beautiful moments in following that narrative.
I can offer you guidance in what to wear, you can borrow from my studio wardrobe or there is endless inspiration on Pinterest. (You can follow my boards here)
My biggest advice with what to wear, is go with what you feel comfortable with. Jeans, Chinos, Shorts, Dress, Skirt – it can all look great. Be true to yourself and your family.
I hope this has helped you in deciding whether an in-home session suits your family. If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments below.
I’d love to be considered to photograph your in-home session. You can contact me here, and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
