There are so many reasons to have an in-home lifestyle family photo session!  I LOVE photographing each family’s unique qualities and quirks. What better place to catch a glimpse of the real you, but your home?

I know hiring a photographer to come into your home to photograph you being YOURSELVES sounds a little intimidating – I mean, no one really wants to be vulnerable in front of someone they don’t really know right?  I get it.   But then, think about how incredible it will be to have pictures of your favorite people, doing your favorite things, in the place you get to be the most you, your home?

I have been photographing Montreal families in their homes for nearly a decade now and here’s my best tips to make sure you family photo shoot is amazing.

1 – Don’t overthink it. 

The goal of an in-home shoot is for it to be laid back and totally relaxed.  That won’t work if you overthink it.  Instead, focus on your family and not on the camera.  Pretend I’m just there to hang out, or better yet, pretend I’m a fly on the wall and don’t pay any attention to me. 

2 – Let your kids be kids.

There is this expectation that children should behave in the presence of people. But kids are kids – they’re meant to be chaotic and crazy and messy and intense in their emotions.    They have super high highs and can have the lowest of lows a split second later.  It’s all part of your story, and that’s what I’m there to photograph.  Yes, everyone wants the perfect Instagram-able shot – but it’s not real.  No one’s kids are actually well-behaved ALL THE TIME.    And that’s totally ok, expected and honestly, it’s preferred.  Crazy kids make way more interesting pictures that will have you feeling back in these crazy moments for years to come. 

So, let your kids be themselves. Let them play and jump, and join them in their shenanigans.   

3 – Loosen your parenting belt 

You know those moments when you forget about responsibility for a little while and just play?  That’s who you want to be during your shoot.  

Forget about the perfectly made bed and acting like an adult.  Yes, keep your children safe, but also yes, jump on the bed with them, start a tickle war, throw an army at stuffed animals at them, dump the glass of water on their head.  

We are making memories here friends – we are making a perfect day filled with fun and happiness, and with lots of real laughter.  Be a part of it. 

If you want a beautiful, lifestyle family or newborn photo session for your family in or near Montreal, get in touch with me so we can talk about the perfect shoot for your family.