In Home Lifestyle Sessions can be some of the most pure and natural sessions to photograph. That being said, I also realize that these sessions can be the most nerve racking. Feeling like everything needs to be spotless.
Here are a few suggestions to help in planning your In Home Lifestyle Photoshoot;
- Your ENTIRE house does NOT need to be perfect. What I suggest is picking 2-3 spaces in your home with good natural light.
- What is considered good natural light? A room with windows; East facing windowed rooms are better photographed in the morning. West facing windowed rooms are better photography in the evening. North / South windowed rooms are best photographed in the afternoon.
- On top of good natural light you want to utilize more neutral colored rooms. Colors to avoid ... BRIGHT pink, bright green, bright blue, bright purple, bright yellow, bright orange, etc. What happens is the light gets reflected off the walls and then affects your skin tone ...
- When you decide which rooms will work best focus on decluttering those two-three rooms. I promise I won't look in your closets or any closed rooms!!! LOL The best thing to remember is to KEEP. IT. SIMPLE!!!! Decluttering can include but not limited to taking excess amounts of furniture, toys, wall art/photos out of the room. We want YOU and YOUR FAMILY to be the focus in the portraits NOT the clutter surrounding you.
- ACCESSORIES: I suggest (if you don't already have these) purchasing a few small artificial or real plants. This provides a subtle variety / visual interest in your photos along with a "fresh" touch. Neutral bedding, neutral pillows, neutral throw blankets, sheer curtains, and minimalist artwork hung on the walls. Other simple touches include worn gold trinkets, natural wood frames/pieces, jute pieces, etc.
- Typically speaking I try to get a few photos outside as well during these sessions. That being said, I avoid HARSH LIGHT at all cost. This quite often gets brought up or mentioned when families want a photo by the front door. This is such a sweet photo BUT if it's harsh light it is NOT flattering lighting and ultimately the photo won't look the way YOU or I envision.
- What should you wear? Something natural but chic. Blue jeans or khakis with cute chunky sweater / comfy tee. Try to keep your clothing neutral or earth toned. If you wear bright colors as previously stated, it will reflect on your families faces making them green, pink, orange, etc. Stick to olive, camel, cream/ivory, blue, heather gray, pale mustard, rust, etc. LAYERS!!! This can include layering shirts, rings on multiple fingers, hats, etc.
- Some tips for naturally intimate photos; Be prepared to snuggle each other! Be prepared to kiss in front of a stranger. Lightly stroking, petting or running fingers through significant others hair. If there are certain things that you love doing together such as playing board games, baking, singing/dancing, etc. Let your photographer know as these are important in telling your family's story. Also, kids are kids. You can GUARANTEE that they are going to be acting goofy or shy because a stranger is in their home. This is perfectly natural!!! Don't yell at your littles just go with the flow and keep smiling the WHOLE time.
- !!!!! LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANT!!!!! Expect 1-2 photos of everybody looking at the camera ... The remaining images will be you with your family in your natural element.
