Hampton Roads Photographer | Why You Should Schedule Your Next Session In Your Home

Why should you schedule your next family session in your home? We touched on it a bit here in this article (and this one too) and talked about why your memories matter. But in this blog, we'll talk about why you shouldn't pressure yourself to go anywhere for your session. I certainly don't mind going on an adventure with you, I love it! But I don't want you to feel like you have to. I want you to know that your home is just fine and we can hang out there too.
I'm a mom of 3. We have sports. We have activities. We have grocery shopping. We have fun things to do. We have not-so-fun things to do. But sessions in (and around) the home, with the real life stuff, you don't need to worry about anything or getting everyone cleaned up and on time to an undisclosed field at sunset. When you schedule an in home session, everyone is more relaxed and we will get authentic emotion in every way- not forced smiles or forced interactions. And those candid, organic moments are the best kind, aren't they?

When you schedule your photo shoot to happen at home, a few things fall into place that inevitably lead to better images of your life. One being, when you are at home, you are likely more relaxed when it comes to your children. You aren't afraid that they are going to touch this or break that. You aren't afraid that they will break away and run (mom's of "runners" know exactly what I am referring to and the heart-stopping panic that leads to). You are likely more lax in your rules and your guard is down. You are in your safe zone. You are CHILL. And when you feel comfortable and safe, your kids do too. And by nature, when kids feel safe, they will explore and play. They will simply be themselves. And we can certainly appreciate that, can't we? Yeah, I think we can totally work with that.

I think a wonderful part of storytelling photography is documenting your daily life and uncovering the stories that are being told through an unspoken language. A simple touch, a glance over your shoulder, the weight of a baby nestled onto your chest, the tiny hand being held, the arms that hug your knees so tightly. This is what your life looks like right now. This isn't a picture of an idea- this is a tangible expression of your life. This is where you are. And your story (where ever you are in that story) is worth telling. We are documenting and preserving the now. The story right in front of us. These will become your most treasured memories and I promise to show them in a beautiful way.

Lastly, and I think most importantly, is that taking pictures in your home will one day remind your children of what home felt like. There is an intimate familiarity in your home, you can't just recreate that in other locations. Looking at a picture can evoke senses and feelings, they'll remember what it smelled like, what it felt like to walk through the door. They will remember the hum of the refrigerator and background music that made up the soundtrack of your lives there in that space. It will stir feelings of what it is to be loved and of the home they spent their days within. And do you know what's even better? These pictures are going to want to make them tell STORIES about their childhood. Looking at just one picture can spark an almost forgotten memory and breathe life back into it.
"See this blanket here? Mom always kept lots of quilts. She loved them. But we used to drag you all around through the house on a "magic carpet ride" and the dog would chase us all over! You loved it and would cry when we stopped You must've been around 2 years old or so!"
"Did I ever fall off?"
"Of course you did! That's what made it fun! You were the baby- you were just along for the ride!"


And to me, that's priceless.

If you'd like to discuss your next photo shoot or get one scheduled for your family, click here or on the contact tab above.