When you think about family photos, your home is probably not the first location that comes to mind. It’s where the chaos lives — the dishes, the laundry, the LEGO landmines. Plus, you’re busy. The idea of spending any extra time cleaning your house feels next to impossible (and who has extra time, anyway?).

But here’s the thing: your home is the backdrop to your real life. It’s where you spend your everyday… which is exactly why it’s such a powerful place to document your story.

It’s where you rock your baby at 3am. It’s where your toddler sprints naked down the hall before bathtime. It’s where your family curls up in a pile on the couch for Friday night movies and makes homemade whipped cream and stacks pancakes on Saturday mornings. And years from now? You’ll want to remember it — not just how it looked, but how it felt to be in this season.

That’s why in-home family photos are some of my absolute favorites to document. They’re slow, grounded, comfortable, and real in all the best ways. Lucky for you, you can eat your chocolate chip pancakes and have them too. (Read: You can have a meaningful session in your space without spending hours cleaning your home… here’s how!)

Why I Love In-Home Family Photos

When you’re choosing a location that will mean something years from now, the story matters. And the place that story happens most often is right between your four walls. Here are a few reasons I love photographing families at home:

• Your kids are already comfortable in the space (and that shows)
• Everything you need — snacks, toys, outfit changes, diapers — is within arm’s reach
• The photos instantly feel more personal (and more emotional)
• You don’t have to load everyone into the car (or wrestle anyone into shoes 😅)
• The background is yours, not a random field or Airbnb
• It takes some pressure off of crossing fingers for “good weather” and is perfect for the chillier winter season in Vermont
• In-home photos give me the chance to document other small details of your home you’ll want to remember

In-home family photos are a way to freeze time exactly where it’s happening — in the space where your people feel most like themselves. So, let’s dive into some in-home family photo tips to ensure we’re making the most of your space, your time, and your Vermont family photography session.

In-Home Family Photo Tips

First of all: you don’t need to hire a cleaner or scrub every baseboard. I promise. You have enough going on chasing your kids around and getting them ready. I always tell parents to neaten up a few rooms (more below!) and then we’ll work together to move things as needed when I get there.

From there, it is all about picking one or two activities or routines that define your current season of life, and documenting them together. My getting-to-know-you process is in-depth and helps you recognize the magic in the everday things you may not initially consider “worth documenting” that are absolutely worth documenting.

Here are a few easy things to do before I show up that make a big difference in your final gallery…

1. Light Matters (But Don’t Overthink It)

Natural light is always the goal, and I’ll help us find it. No need to stress about which rooms are “pretty” enough. If the light is good, I’ll make the magic happen. Really, all we need is one window to create something beautiful.

Before your session, I’ll ask you to think about a few rooms where the most “life” happens in your home — usually bedrooms, the living rooms, kitchens, and nurseries. From there, I encourage you to watch how the light changes in these rooms throughout the day; I also ask you to send me photos of these rooms so I have an idea of what your home looks like and we can choose the time of day (usually mid-morning or early afternoon) that works best lighting wise.

Simple prep tip: open all your blinds/curtains, and turn off any overhead lights before I arrive.

2. Tidy Lightly — Lived-In Is Okay (and Encouraged)

No, you don’t need a spotless home. Lived-in is lovely. But it does help to clear off a few surfaces in the areas we’ll photograph — like nightstands, counters, coffee tables — just so your photos feel a little less cluttered. And I’m not talking “totally clear off” like your home is a sterile hotel room. I just mean moving things like water bottles, glasses cases, rogue coasters etc, that don’t live on those spaces full-time.

Toss your laundry basket in a closet, put clutter away, and we’re good.

3. Dress for Comfort (and Cuddles)

The goal? Outfits that feel like you and let you move. Soft, cozy layers and earthy or neutral tones photograph beautifully indoors — and leave lots of room for pops of color in your home. Wear what you would normally wear inside to play on the floor with your kids or cuddle up on the couch.

(And for the love of all things holy, please don’t wear your shoes inside unless you actually love wearing your shoes inside. Bare feet are my favorite.)

Grab more outfit tips here and just keep in mind that both of my Vermont Family Photography Session Packages include styling support. The Full Narrative session includes in-depth 1-on-1 styling.

4. Breaks Are Always Welcome (and so are Snacks)

Little ones (and grown-ups, let’s be honest) sometimes need a break. Snacks, water, and a little space to reset are all fair game during your session. Don’t worry if someone needs a snack mid-shot — I’ve got time and patience to spare. I prefer sessions where we sit and chat between activites, give everyone a break from photographing, and can actually get to know each other.

(Plus, kids snacking can make for cute and realistic photos, which is exactly what we’re going for.)

5. Embrace the Everyday (Truly)

In-home family photos are never about perfect poses or Pinterest-level interiors. They’re about your people being your people — whether that means toddler energy, baby snuggles, quiet breastfeeding moments, or a little dog hair on the couch. I’ll guide you gently, but the best photos come in a loved-and lived-in home, when everyone relaxes into just being themselves.

6. Think Outside the Box

“In-home” can literally mean in your home, but just because you’ve chosen an in-home family photography session doesn’t mean we have to be inside the whole time. Gardening or playing in your backyard can add a little variety to your final gallery.

Let’s Tell the Story of Your Home

At the end of the day, these photos aren’t just about how things look — they’re about how life feels. Taking your family photos at home means capturing your family in a way that’s honest, cozy, and full of your heart. These in-home family photo tips will help you do just that.

If you’d like to learn more about booking an in-home family photography session together, tell me a little more about your family and I’ll take it from there!

Additional Vermont Family Photography Resources

Need a little more inspo? Want to check out a few in-home family session galleries? Check out more family session resources below.

What to Wear For Family Photos in Vermont
How to Print and Display Your Family Photos 
The Secret to Planning Fun and Stress-Free Family Photos
Gallery Feature: A Sunday Morning Story // In-Home Maternity Session
Gallery Feature: Exploring Your Own Back Yard // Stowe, VT Family Photos
Gallery Feature: The Duke Family In-Home Session // Morrisville, VT