I often have clients express concerns about having photos taken in their homes. They worry that their home isn't 'ready' for photos because it's cramped, needs decorating, or is in the middle of renovations. They also worry that their home isn't as stylish as others, or that it's messy. I want to reassure families that having photos taken at home can capture beautiful memories without any stress.
Here are 7 simple tips to make your home photo-ready:
1. Clear Clutter: Tidy up and put away any unnecessary items to create a clean and clutter-free space.
2. Let in Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, which can enhance the warmth and inviting feel of your home in photos.
3. Add Personal Touches: Displaying family photos or meaningful decor can add personality and create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
4. Use Neutral Backdrops: Neutral colours and simple backgrounds can help to keep the focus on your family and create timeless images.
5. Embrace Imperfections: Don't worry about a few imperfections or unfinished areas in your home. They are and will add character and tell a story.
6. Coordinate Outfits: Choosing outfits that complement your home decor can create a cohesive look in your photos. Nothing with bright loud logos!
7. Relax and Have Fun: The most important thing is to relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment with your family. Genuine smiles and interactions make for the best photos.
Remember, the most important thing about family photos is capturing the love and connection between family members. Your home is a special place filled with memories, and having photos taken there can create lasting keepsakes that you will treasure for years to come. So don't let any worries about your home hold you back, embrace the opportunity to capture beautiful moments with your loved ones.
So don't let worries about your home hold you back from capturing precious memories with your family. Embrace the uniqueness of your home, relax, and have fun during your photoshoot. The most important thing is the love and connection you share with your family, and that is what will shine through in your photos
CAPTURING FAMILY & CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IS SO IMPORTANT
STOP WORRYING & FORGET PINTEREST / INSTAGRAM PERFECT!
Your family house is where you and your loved ones make memories, play, and live. It doesn't have to be perfect or look like a magazine cover. Kids make messes, there may be ongoing construction, and you may not have a big fancy house - and that's okay. The photos of your imperfect home capture the real moments of your family life. Embrace the imperfections and cherish the memories you're making. In 20 years, you won't care about the clutter or the unfinished projects, but you'll treasure the photos that captured the love and fun in your home. So forget about perfection and focus on creating beautiful memories with your family.
NATURAL LIGHT IS EVERYTHING
One of the most important things is the light. Good natural light can make any room look beautiful. To get the best lighting in your photos, take a few minutes to open all the blinds or curtains and move any furniture blocking the windows. Clear any clutter from the windowsills to let in as much light as possible. This simple step can make a big difference in the quality of your photos and help capture special moments with your loved ones. It's an easy way to make your memories shine bright in your pictures.
BEDS AND SOFAS
Don't forget about using beds and sofas as settings. These locations bring everyone together and make for great shots. Take a few minutes to tidy up the area by clearing off any clutter from bedside tables and coffee tables. Make the bed and fluff up the pillows for a neat look.
To add visual appeal and cosiness to the photos, consider layering blankets and pillows with different colours and textures. Mix things up with cotton, linens, quilts, velvets, knits, and crochet items. This will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family photos.
Capturing these special moments with your loved ones will help create lasting memories. Family photos are a fun and meaningful way to preserve these precious times together.
CLUTTER VS CHARACTER
You don't have to tidy everything away. The things that make your home unique are what show your personality. Leave out kids' paintings, books, toys, gifts, and kitchen items. These things reflect your family's story and add character to your photos.
Having these personal items in the background of your photos adds interest and meaning. An image in a room full of your belongings shows who you are, while an empty room could be anyone's. Don't worry about making everything perfectly neat - let your home's character shine through in your photos.
Years from now, you and your children will love looking back on these photos and remembering all the little details. The teddy bear that's been loved too much, the pattern on the carpet, the broken hinge on the door - these are the moments that make your family's home special. Embrace the imperfections and cherish the memories they hold.
REMOVE ANY NON-SENTIMENTAL CLUTTER OR OBVIOUS EYESORES
it's okay to have a little mess and clutter - it's part of a family home's charm. But it's a good idea to quickly tidy up any random junk that doesn't mean anything to you. You can use fabric bins or baskets to quickly stash away things you don't need out.
If you have big, unsightly items like nappy bins or vacuum cleaners, try to hide them out of sight for your photos. The focus should be on your family and the memories you're capturing, not on distractions in the background. Happy snapping!
GO FOR GREEN
Adding plants to your home is a quick and easy way to make it feel special. You can find some beautiful houseplants at your local garden centre or supermarket. Cacti and succulents are always a good choice, along with green waxy leafed plants. Simple pots in white, black, or terracotta are perfect for displaying your greenery. Plants go well with any style or colour scheme, making them a versatile décor option. So, if you're not sure what to do with a certain space in your home, adding some plants is a fun and easy way to liven it up and create a cosy atmosphere. Plus, they make for great background props in family photos, adding a touch of nature to your memories.
TURN OFF LIGHTS AND LAMPS
When taking photos at home with your family, it can be tempting to turn on a bunch of lights to make the space look bright and inviting. But did you know that artificial light can actually make your photos look flat and dull? It can also give everyone a weird orange/yellow tint on their faces.
Instead of using artificial light, try turning off all the lights in your home, even the small lamps and spotlights. This might make your space look darker than usual, but it will actually help your photos look more natural and vibrant.
Remember, every home is unique and beautiful in its own way. Don’t stress about having a perfectly lit space for your photos. Embrace the individuality of your home and start capturing some special memories with your family. Your future self and your kids will thank you for it!