5 Ideas for your In-Home Family Session

San Diego Lifestyle Photography

“We’re so boring! I don’t know what we should do for our session.”

First, boring is subjective. Second, even if you really are boring, I love boring so it looks like we’re a match made in heaven. But to address your concerns about having no ideas for your session, I’ve made a list of some tried and true activities. Remember, what you and your family end up doing during your session doesn’t matter quite as much as you might think. It’s really just about setting the stage so everyone has something to do and the good stuff between you guys can unfold on its own You know, the laughing, playing, connecting… crying? Yeah, sometimes there’s crying. That’s life (and honestly, those pictures are sometimes my favorites). So without further ado, I present to you 5 ideas for your in-home photo session that I know will result in some pretty epic family pictures.

1. Board Games

More like bored games, amiright?? Just kidding. I love board games for family sessions! They get everyone together in the same room (sometimes a challenge with lots of littles running around) and focused on one activity. While I don’t like to spend a whole session sitting around the table playing games, they do tend to offer up a bunch of laughs. It’s up to you if you want to play cutthroat or if you want to let the kids win.

2. Reading

No, probably not your murder mystery novel or New York Times Bestseller. I’m talking about piling everyone on the couch or bed with a stack of books from the library and reading aloud together. The sillier the books the better! If your kids have favorite books, bring those out too. This is a great way to remember the books that you had to read over and over after they finally move on to their own chapter books.

3. Arts and Crafts

If there’s one thing I can count on with my kids, it’s that they’ll sit completely absorbed in what they’re doing if they’re making art. There’s something about being able to create and make a giant mess at the same time that kids love. Grab your paints and brushes or glue and googly eyes and let the kids go to town.

4. Baking

Baking or cooking or anything in the kitchen really. Baking is especially good though because it usually means there’s something sweet to be had at the end of the session. Start baking your cookies when I arrive and eat them right before I leave. I’ve heard that the promise of a treat at the end of the session keeps kids on their best behavior.

5. Playing in the Backyard

Technically not IN-home, but since we don’t have to drive anywhere, it stays on this list. If the kids start to get antsy or you’re ready for a change of scenery, open the back door and head outside for a bit. Alternatively, if you don’t feel like cleaning the inside of your house, we could spend the whole session in the backyard. You can work in your garden, play on the swing set, jump on the trampoline, color with chalk, eat popsicles, play with the hose… I think you get the idea. There’s so much to choose from.

Bonus: Normal Routines

This is where the real, punch-you-in-the-gut, where-did-the-time-go memories can be found. Think through your daily or weekly routines. Is there something that while mundane (and yes, completely boring), brings you a ridiculous amount of joy? If you really want to remember the crazy evening routines you have, when everyone is finally home from work and the kids go a little nuts, I’ll be there. If you want to freeze those early Saturday mornings when your kids are still in a good mood and help you cook and clean up from breakfast, invite me over and I’ll help you with that. If these normal, everyday moments mean something to you, then they’re perfect for including in your session.

We can also break out some favorite toys, build with Legos, have a dance party, play dress up, wrestle with Dad, make some music, and…and…and… This list is by no means exhaustive. And honestly, you don’t need to come up with anything impressive. The best options are usually the things your family already does.

You can read more about my San Diego family photography sessions here. If you want photographs of what your family actually feels like right now, the weird stuff, the ordinary stuff and the stuff you don’t know you’ll miss yet, I’d love to help you make it happen. LET’S DO THIS →