Wondering what an in-home family or newborn photo session in Montreal is really like? Here’s what to expect, how to prepare, and why it’s the most relaxed way to document your family.
Your house doesn’t need to be magazine-perfect. Your kids don’t need to sit still. And you don’t need to have it all together.
That’s the beauty of in-home lifestyle photography. We’re not chasing fake smiles or forced poses. We’re capturing the real stuff. The way your toddler climbs all over dad. How your baby fits perfectly in your arms. The chaos and love that fills your Montreal home every single day.
I’m a Montreal photographer who believes your story matters. And your story happens right where you live. No studio. No stress. Just you, your family, and the comfort of home.
What to Expect During an In-Home Lifestyle Photo Session (Montreal)
Why Choose an In-Home Session?
Picture this: It’s 8 AM. Your baby needs to eat. Your toddler is having a meltdown about socks. The last thing you want to do is pack a diaper bag and drive across town for photos.
With an in-home session, I come to you. No rushing. No packing. No wondering if you forgot something important.
This works especially well for:
- Brand new babies who eat and sleep on their own schedule
- Toddlers who need familiar toys and spaces to feel comfortable
- Postpartum moms who aren’t ready to leave the house just yet
- Families who want photos that actually look like their life
Your home tells your story. The nursery you spent months preparing. The couch where you snuggle every morning. The kitchen table where everyone gathers. These spaces matter. And they make your photos feel like you.
When I photograph an in-home newborn session Montreal families, I see how much more relaxed everyone feels. Parents aren’t worried about crying babies in public. Kids can grab their favourite stuffed animal if they need comfort. Everyone just… breathes easier.
What Happens During the Session?
Most sessions last between 1-2 hours. But don’t worry about watching the clock. We move at your family’s pace.
I start by walking through your home with you. We’ll find the spots with the best natural light. Usually that’s near a big window or sliding door. Every house is different, but every house has good light somewhere.
Then we just… live.
You might make breakfast together. Or read a story on the couch. Feed the baby. Play with blocks on the floor. Normal stuff you already do, and want to remember.
I’m not posing you. I’m just watching for the sweet moments. When your partner makes you laugh. When your toddler gives you a spontaneous hug. When the baby falls asleep on your chest.
Tip from the photographer:
I always follow your child’s lead. If they need a snack break, we take one. If they want to show me their room, we go there. The best photos happen when kids feel free to be themselves.
Some families worry their kids won’t cooperate. But cooperation isn’t the goal. Realness is. Some of my favourite shots are the “in-between” moments. Kids being silly. Parents wiping noses. The everyday love that happens without thinking about it.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
Let me be clear about something: I’m not coming to judge your house.
I don’t need every room spotless. I just need one or two areas tidy enough to work in. The rest of your house can look lived-in. Because it is lived-in.
You don’t need perfect outfits. Your hair doesn’t need to be salon-fresh. Your kids don’t need to smile on command.
My job is to find good light and capture honest moments. Your job is just to show up and be yourselves.
Tip from the photographer:
I’m trained to see the beauty in real life. I know how to work with the light in your home. I know the angles that flatter everyone. Your only responsibility is being present with your family.
I’ve photographed families where the baby cried the whole time. Where the toddler hid behind mom’s legs. Where dad felt awkward and didn’t know what to do with his hands.
And you know what? Those sessions still created beautiful photos. Because real families aren’t perfect. And perfect photos of imperfect moments are way better than perfect photos of fake moments.
Real families aren’t perfect. And perfect photos of imperfect moments are way better than perfect photos of fake moments.
What to Wear
Keep it simple. Think soft colours and comfy clothes.
Neutrals work great: cream, beige, soft gray, muted blues. These colours photograph beautifully and won’t distract from your faces.
Avoid:
- Bright neon colours (they reflect weird light)
- Big logos or text on shirts
- Busy patterns that compete for attention
Instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing, try coordinating. Maybe mom wears cream, dad wears soft blue, and kids wear light grey. You look like a family without looking like a uniform.
Textures add interest too. A chunky knit sweater. A soft cotton dress. Linen pants. These fabrics photograph better than shiny or synthetic materials.
And here’s something most people don’t think about: bare feet look better than socks in photos. Socks can look awkward. Bare feet look natural and cozy. Don’t worry, I won’t be taking photos OF your feet, but when we do see them, they will just blend into the frame.
Tip from the photographer:
Comfort comes first. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll look good in the photos. Stiff, uncomfortable clothes make everyone look stiff and uncomfortable. Wear something you’d actually choose for a relaxed day at home.
For nursing moms, consider easy-access tops. Button-up shirts or wrap dresses work well if you need to feed baby during the session.
Once your session is booked, expect to get my Welcome Guide which goes into this more. I’m also always available to help you whenever you need.
Preparing Your Home
You don’t need to deep clean your entire house. But a little prep goes a long way.
Start with light. Open all your blinds and curtains. Turn off overhead lights. Natural light from windows looks so much better than harsh ceiling lights.
Pick one or two rooms to focus on. Usually the living room and master bedroom work well. Just tidy these spaces. Put away obvious clutter. Make the beds.
The rest of your house can stay as-is. I’m not photographing every room.
Keep snacks and drinks nearby. Kids get hungry. Parents get thirsty. Having supplies close means fewer interruptions.
If you have a newborn, have feeding supplies ready. Burp cloths. Extra diapers. Whatever helps baby stay content.
Tip from the photographer:
I’ll help guide you on the best spots in your home when I arrive. Every house is different. What works in one home might not work in another. Trust me to find the good light and pretty backgrounds.
For in-home family photo shoot Montreal sessions, I love when families think about what they actually do for fun together. Not props or posed activities, but the real stuff that makes you all laugh.
Maybe you have kitchen dance parties while making breakfast. Or tickle fights on the bed. Some families love spinning each other around in the living room. Others chase each other up and down the hallway.
These moments create the best photos because the joy is real.
Why It’s Worth It
These photos capture more than just how you look. They capture how you live.
Twenty years from now, you’ll look at these images and remember more than just your faces. You’ll remember the nursery wallpaper you agonized over. The couch where you spent countless hours rocking babies to sleep. The kitchen where everyone gathered for breakfast.
Kids are more relaxed at home. They have their favourite spots. Their comfort items. Their familiar routines. This means more genuine expressions and natural interactions.
The photos feel like you because they were taken in your space. They tell your story in the place where your story actually happens.
Want to see examples of real Montreal families in their homes? Check out my portfolio to see how beautiful and meaningful these sessions can be.
LET’S PLAN YOUR SESSION
Ready to Book?
If this sounds like the kind of photo session your family needs, I’d love to hear from you.
Every family is different. Every home has its own personality. And every session is unique to the people living there.
I have limited spots available each month for in-home sessions. Montreal families book up quickly, especially during busy seasons like fall and spring.
Ready to chat about your session? Get in touch and tell me about your family. I’ll answer any questions and we can find a time that works for everyone.
Don’t wait too long if you’re expecting a baby. Newborn sessions work best in those first few weeks, and my calendar fills up fast!
FAQ
MONTREAL FAMILY AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
What if my house is too small or dark?
You’d be surprised what we can do with one window and one room. I’ll guide you! I’ve shot in tiny Montreal apartments and found beautiful light and backgrounds. Every home has potential.
What if my kids don’t behave?
That’s part of the magic. I work with real families every day. There’s no “wrong” behavior. Tantrums, tears, and chaos often make the most honest photos. I’m used to it, and I work around it.
How soon should we book our in-home newborn session?
Ideally during pregnancy, but if your baby’s already here, get in touch. I’ll do my best to fit you in. The first two weeks are ideal, but beautiful photos can happen anytime in those early months.
