Family photos at home

Normally when I take photos, we find a nice outdoor setting like a park to use as a backdrop. When it’s winter and cold weather, most people don’t want to go outside. So what do you do? We shoot indoors.

I recently had two very nice home shooting experiences during the holiday season. A family wanted some Christmas at home photos, so I went to their home and took photos of them around their decorated fireplace, around the tree, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and just having fun. They loved the photos and used them on their Christmas cards. They enjoyed the experience so much that they called me back for a second shoot with some more family members.

The second shoot was with the woman’s mother and brother and his family. Ten people in all. I shot various groupings of photos in three different locations in the home. Everything went smoothly and the photos turned out nicely.

Environmental or lifestyle portraits of families, couples, children and pets are becoming more popular. We don’t always have to shoot with an outdoor backdrop. Sometimes the family home provides the perfect backdrop. You get to see the family in their own element in their home and surrounded by possessions that mean something to them. Including the family pets in the photos can be much easier because you don’t have to worry about keeping them on a leash or having them get loose.

Last fall I had an environmental portrait session for an engaged couple who wanted their engagement photos shot at home. They were able to surround themselves with things that were special to them.

If you are looking for family portraits, consider shooting inside your home. It makes it easier on you and can make the portraits more special as well.