Perhaps your new little babe has just arrived or maybe we are updating your family photos with a lifestyle in home session to highlight something that you all love to do together. Either way, as a parent you are no doubt busy and tired and the last thing you want to worry about is planning for your in home photoshoot. So, to ease the planning, here's a short list of tips to help make your in home photos as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

1) Select 2-3 spaces in your home with good window light.

Pick your favorite areas of the house that get the best light. Common choices include the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or family room. Having a large window with good natural light helps us take beautiful photos without adding a flash. If you do not have a space like this, don't worry! We can add a little extra light to your space with the addition of a flash and still make it look natural. So, pick your favorite locations in your home and prepare to capture the love =).

2) Pick up or move clutter

Your home does NOT need to be spotless! In fact, we can just shift a few things off to the side and out of the shot, so please do not feel like you need to deep clean for my arrival. But ultimately, we want you and your loves to be the focus of your family photos. Having some of the extra things laying around like that pile of mail on the living room table or the box of kleenex, water bottle, and phone charging cable on the nightstand can be distracting in a photo. Picking up or moving a few things around the house can clean up the overall look so that we are drawn directly to the faces of you and your beautiful family.

3) Keep your house warm

Especially if baby is still in the first couple of weeks of life and even more so if you're interested in having photos taken of your new babe with minimal clothing, turning the heat up in your house to keep it a little extra warm will help keep your little love cozy and comfortable.

4) Feed everyone

We all know that person who gets a little hangry when it's past a meal time (yes, that's me =)); their brow gets all furrowed, they are cranky, they don't want to talk to anyone, and it seems like nothing will make it better (still me ;), lol). I want your family to be happy and comfortable so that they can enjoy our photo experience. So, take the time before your session to make sure everyone is well fed, including you mamas and dads!

5) Let me know if you need a break

I am always happy to take a pause if it will help you or your kiddos have the best experience. Newborn photos are scheduled to be a little longer so that we have plenty of time to pause for feeding, diaper changes, and baby rocking. But sometimes even older kiddos need a minute to run around and find their groove. So, if you or your little ones need a break, don't hesitate to let me know!!

Updated January 19, 2024

© Eickhoff Photography