Have you ever wondered what happens during an in-home family photo session with me? Well wonder no more! This is the post for you 🙂 As a Washington DC family photographer for the past 10+ years, I have mastered the art of a successful in-home session and I am here to share what to expect at your DC in-home family photo session. Are you thinking about booking an in-home session for your family in 2022? I’m about to tell you all about why I love in-home sessions and why you should too!

WE’RE GOING TO HAVE FUN! 

Yes, fun. I promise! The key is remembering that ‘fun’ is different for every family. Does your kid love to snuggle and be a bit more serious? Or maybe your family is more about a dance party? Or a baking project in the kitchen? My main goal as a family photographer is to capture your family. Every family is unique and capturing those special things is what makes in-home photos so precious.

OPEN ALL THE WINDOWS AND LET IN THE LIGHT

As a natural light photographer, I prefer to work in rooms with the best light. Sometimes that means we stay in one room the whole session. Other times, I will work with you at the beginning of our session to determine 2-3 locations in your home that will work as our settings. When I arrive I will ask you to raise all the shades and open all the blinds on your windows. I also ask that all overhead lights and lamps be turned off.

PETS? YES, PLEASE!

One of the biggest questions I get asked is if I allow pets to be included in family photo sessions. As a fellow dog-mom, I can’t even imagine not including your pet! They are family members too! I will always encourage including your pets at my in-home photo sessions. I mean, just look at this guy – is he not the cutest old man doggo ever?

GET READY TO SMILE

The best tip I can give you to prepare for your in-home family session is right here:

Step 1 – Parents, this is for you. When I arrive, it’s time to turn on your carefree attitude. I know this is tough! Family photo sessions can be stressful! But the very best family photography sessions come from parents going with the flow and not stressing over their kid’s behavior.

Step 2 – You are going to pretend like everything your child does over the next hour or so is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. Seriously.

Kids are cute basically all the time! I don’t care if they are running, jumping around, shouting silly jokes, or just sitting quietly reading a book. Your job is to pretend that whatever they are doing is adorable and you love it. If you can do that, then your photos are going to be awesome.

SNUGGLES

I’m going to ask you to be affectionate during your in-home family photo session. I want you to pick up your kids and wrap them up tight in your arms. Give your partner a sweet kiss on the cheek. Gaze lovingly at your family and think about why you love them and this stage of life you are living. Even better if you can keep this idea in your head during the session and do these sweet things without being prompted. Do them in a way that is authentic to you and your family.

If you ever aren’t sure of what to do during your session, just get close to someone and snuggle on them. You can’t go wrong!

GO WITH THE FLOW

During family sessions, I always have an overall plan in my head, but for the most part – I am going to set you up in pretty light and just capture what happens after that! My sessions are very much child-led and play-based. I do not like to force anyone to do anything they don’t want to – but I will make suggestions 🙂 And most of the time, your kids will follow along.

When you select a DC family photographer who is able to go with the flow and let your kids be themselves, your images will reflect that. I will never get frustrated with your kids and can easily laugh off their silly (or even naughty) behavior. That is the trick to relaxed photos – being relaxed -as a photographer and a the client. I promise, if I am telling you to do it, then you can bet that I am also listening to my own advice. If you can relax, have fun, and enjoy your family, you are going to love your gallery.

Now that you know what to expect at your DC in-home family photo session, are you ready to book one for your family? I am currently scheduling sessions for families in MD, DC, and VA for spring and summer 2022. Send me an email at tonya.teran@gmail.com or click the contact button on this site! I can’t wait to hear from you and start planning the perfect session for your family! xo Tonya

Want a peek at another in-home family photo session? Check out this post: THE K FAMILY

Please follow and like us: