In-home photography sessions are a wonderful way to capture the beauty of your everyday life in a natural, comfortable setting. Whether you’re scheduling a family session or a newborn session, the key to great photos is preparing your home so that it looks its best while still feeling like your home. Below are some tips to get your space ready without stressing about perfection.

1. Let in the Light

Natural light is a photographer’s best friend, so maximizing the amount of light in your home is essential for great photos. Open all curtains, blinds, and shutters to let in as much daylight as possible and turn off all artificial lights. Even if you think a room is already bright, pulling back drapes or shades can make a significant difference.

If possible, schedule your session for the time of day when your home gets the best natural light. Your photographer will likely have preferences based on their style, so discussing timing with them is helpful. Even if your home doesn’t get tons of direct sunlight, natural light creates a soft, flattering glow that artificial lighting often can’t replicate.

Pro Tip: If you have time and energy, clean your windows beforehand to maximize light flow. Dusty or smudged windows can obstruct light and show up in your photos!

2. Declutter, but Keep it Real

It’s tempting to deep-clean your home before a photo session, but you don’t have to go overboard. The goal is to present a neat, lived-in space, not a staged set. Focus on decluttering key areas like bedside tables, kitchen counters, and living room surfaces. Removing unnecessary items like mail, chargers, and random papers can make the room feel more open and inviting.

That being said, you don’t need to remove everything. A few carefully selected items—like a vase of fresh flowers, a stack of favorite books, or a cozy throw—can add personality to your home without feeling cluttered.

If there are spaces that you don’t want photographed (such as a laundry pile in a back room), communicate that to your photographer in advance. They’ll be happy to focus on the areas that are important to you.

3. Tidy Up High-Traffic Areas

Certain areas of your home will likely be the focus of your session, like the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Think about the vibe you want your photos to give off. If you prefer your photos to look a bit more polished, take a few minutes to straighten pillows, fluff cushions, and make the beds. If your goal is to reflect your real life and you never make your bed, then leave it unmade and plan to get comfy and cozy for photos. I personally have no preference, because these photos are for you to look at for forever! I want them to reflect your life and preferences!

For family or newborn sessions, think about spaces where meaningful interactions happen. Is there a favorite chair where you always read to your child? A nook where you spend time with your partner? Make sure these areas are camera-ready, as they’re often the best spots for capturing real, intimate moments. If you have a pile of books you read with your kiddo, leave them as is…but if there are random wires and electronics hanging around you might want to hide them.

4. Add Personal Touches

While decluttering is important, don’t strip your home of its personality. Personal touches like family photos, favorite books, or mementos add warmth and character to your space. These details help tell your story and make your home feel lived-in, which is what makes in-home photography so special.

If you prefer a minimalistic look, that’s fine too—just find a balance that feels right for you. Remember, these photos are about capturing your life, so it’s okay to keep elements that reflect who you are.

5. Don’t Worry About Perfection

It’s easy to get caught up in making sure everything is perfect, but remember: your home is an extension of your life, and life isn’t perfect! A little mess or imperfection is part of the charm, and your photographer will know how to work around any areas that aren’t picture-perfect.

Relax and trust the process. The goal of an in-home session is to capture genuine moments, so your home doesn’t need to look like a showroom. Focus on creating a space where you feel comfortable and where the memories you want to capture naturally unfold.

6. Consider Special Spaces

If your home has any unique features—like a backyard patio, cozy reading nook, or an open-concept kitchen—don’t hesitate to share these with your photographer. These spaces can add variety and texture to your photos, offering different settings to work with throughout the session. I would also add, if your kids have a play area that they spend a lot of time in you should think about adding that to our list.

If you’re taking family or newborn photos at home, spaces where you spend a lot of time together will often yield the best shots.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for an in-home photography session doesn’t require perfection. By focusing on letting in natural light, tidying up key spaces, and keeping your home authentically you, you’ll be ready to create beautiful, lasting memories. Trust your photographer to capture the best of your home and life, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!