One of my favourite things about family photography is capturing you at home. There’s something really special about the place where you spend most of your time being the backdrop to your photos. Years from now, your kids won’t just look back and see their tiny faces… they’ll notice the sofa they used to jump off, the kitchen table they scribbled on, the garden where they played football. It anchors the memory in a way a plain studio wall never could.

If you’ve booked an at-home session and you’re now looking around your house wondering if it’s “good enough,” take a breath. It absolutely is. The magic isn’t in perfect interiors, it’s in the people who live there. That said, there are a few small things you can do to get ready and make the whole experience even more relaxed.

Think About the Light

Light is one of the most important parts of photography. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you with this, but it can help to take a look around your home at different times of day. Notice when the rooms you’d like to use feel brightest. Even if you don’t think the light in your house is “photo worthy,” trust me, I’ve worked in every kind of space and I can always find a way to make it work.

If you want to get involved, you can always snap a few photos on your phone and send them over so we can pick the best time together. It means we’ll get the softest, most flattering light in the spaces you love most.

Keep It Simple

Here’s the good news: I’m not coming to photograph your dust or your laundry pile. There’s no need for a deep clean. A quick declutter goes a long way. Things like moving the stack of post off the kitchen table, tidying up the dishes, or folding down the bright cartoon duvet cover and replacing it with a plain white bedspread. Little tweaks make a big difference in photos.

White or neutral bed linen is especially great because it acts like a giant softbox, bouncing light around and making everything feel fresh. It’s also the perfect stage for cuddles, tickle fights, or just collapsing into a heap with your kids.

But please don’t feel pressure to hide away all signs of life. Toys in the corner, books stacked by the bed, the blanket your toddler insists on dragging everywhere; those things are part of your story right now. I’d much rather photograph you living in your home than pretending it’s a show home.

Preparing for Newborn and Toddler Sessions

Newborns are usually the easiest clients. They eat, they sleep, they snuggle. For newborn sessions, most of the gallery will be close-ups and little details: their tiny toes, the curl of their fingers around yours, the way their hair sticks up at the back. We’ll also make time for individual photos with each parent, a few of all of you together, and if there are siblings, some gentle introductions too.

Toddlers, on the other hand, often run the show. And that’s fine. Some are full of beans and want to show me every toy they own. Others are shy and need a while to warm up. The beauty of shooting at home is that they’re already in their comfort zone. If they need five minutes to chill in their room, they can. If they want to climb on the sofa or raid the snack cupboard mid-shoot, that’s all part of it. Often the most natural, heartfelt photos come from these unscripted moments.

Planning Your Maternity Session at Home

Maternity shoots at home work best when they feel natural and relaxed. I usually suggest planning two or three outfits so we can mix things up. A relaxed dress always photographs beautifully, then perhaps something a little braver like just underwear to really celebrate your bump, and maybe a cosy option like leggings with a cardigan for a softer feel.

We’ll include your partner in some shots, and others will just be of you, depending on what you feel comfortable with. If you’d like some ideas, I’ve put together a Pinterest board with inspiration. The most important thing is that it feels true to you, because I know it can feel strange having someone take photos of your belly.

And if you’re not feeling your best right now, don’t worry, I can edit out little imperfections so you’re left with images that celebrate this time without you stressing about how you look.

Outfits

This is usually the first question families ask: what should we wear? My best advice is to wear something that feels like you. If your child insists on wearing their favourite jumper with dinosaurs on it, let them. That’s their personality right now, and you’ll look back and smile.

That said, if you’d like a bit of guidance, soft neutrals like cream, grey, or muted tones always work beautifully in photos. You don’t need to match, but it’s nice if your outfits complement each other. A bit of co-ordination across the family creates a cohesive look without feeling forced.

One handy tip: have a second outfit ready. Sometimes you don’t realise until after the first few photos that a shirt’s a bit too creased or a colour isn’t photographing how you thought. An outfit change halfway through means you get variety and peace of mind.

And if you’ve spotted something you love on Pinterest or elsewhere online, send it to me before your session. I’m always happy to see your vision… it can be a great way for us to make sure the session feels like you.

Pets Welcome

If you’ve got a pet, let them be part of it. I can’t tell you how many times families apologise for their dog jumping on the bed or their cat weaving in and out of the frame. Honestly, it’s all part of the story. Pets usually calm down after the initial excitement and then happily potter around. And when they do join in, those photos often become family favourites.

Keep It Relaxed

This isn’t a magazine shoot. It’s not about perfection or staging something that doesn’t feel like you. The best images happen when you just get on with being yourselves. Play with your children. Pile onto the sofa. Read a book. Build a tower. Let them raid the dressing-up box. I’ll quietly capture what unfolds.

We can also head outside if you’d like a change of scene. The garden, a walk to the park, or even the street outside your home can all work. And if it rains? Honestly, sometimes those shots of kids splashing in puddles end up being their favourites. If you’d rather not look like you’ve been drenched, we can always wait for a dry spell, but don’t rule out the weather completely, it can add a lot of character.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for a session doesn’t mean creating a spotless space or having matching outfits lined up. It’s about making small tweaks so you feel ready, and then letting go. A plain bedspread, a little decluttering, and the rest will take care of itself.

Your home doesn’t have to be perfect — it has to be yours. The creaky floorboards, the sofa that has seen better days, the toys scattered in the corner… they’re part of your story. And years from now, those little details will make the photos all the more meaningful.

Quick Prep Checklist

Notice when your home feels brightest and send me a few photos so we can plan the best time
Swap in a plain bedspread if you have one, and clear away surfaces or clutter in the rooms we’ll use
Have a few outfits ready, including a backup in case you want variety or something doesn’t photograph well
For newborns: think about shots of baby alone, baby with each parent, all together, and siblings joining in
For toddlers: prepare them by telling them I’m a friend coming with a camera and we’ll be playing
Let the toys, blankets, or sentimental objects stay, they’re part of your family story
Pets are welcome!
Be open to heading outside, even if the weather isn’t perfect
Send me any Pinterest boards or inspiration you’ve saved, I’d love to see your ideas
Most importantly: relax, play, and let your family be themselves. That’s when the best photos happen