How to Prep Your Home For a Lifestyle Session
I always photograph newborns at home. There are a few reasons for this: I don’t have a studio + I like homey vibes, being the top two reasons, and I will never forget the first in home newborn lifestyle session I had. I was sold from the second I walked into the place. Not because it was an amazingly beautiful, well decorated home, but because it was home. The first earth side home a newborn would know. The place where that baby would grow and live and love and have birthdays and scrapped knees and bubble baths and playdates and, and, and- and I was hooked. I knew that this is how I wanted to approach newborns from then on. Buuuuut there was a catch. My clients didn’t seem too keen on having their home photographed. Babies, kids, mom + dad- all fine - but they were concerned with how the house would play. They would voice worries that their home wasn’t (cute, clean, organized, decorated, etc.) enough for an in home lifestyle session.
I’m here to tell you that as long as you have one or two rooms with amazing natural light, your home is just right.
However there are a few things you can do to tidy up and make your house perfect for photos. Since most of what I do is focused on newborns, this blog will focus on preparing bedrooms + living spaces, but the same rules still apply to family sessions + couple’s sessions!
Which rooms do I use?
Some things to consider when deciding on which rooms to use for your session are light, space and purpose. You heard me talking about good light, so how many windows is enough?? The more windows, the better. A small, transom window in a bathroom is a good example of a window that may not provide enough light for an entire room. When trying to decide between which two or three rooms you want to use, always choose the rooms with more windows or great ambient light.
If you’re lucky enough to have a home with tons of natural light, then you get to be a little more selective about which rooms you shoot in. For example, if you have the choice between two bedrooms, choose the bigger one! If it comes down to the den or the reading nook + both have great light, then choose the cozier one!
Next, purpose. What does this room mean to you? Is it the new baby’s nursery? Mom + dad’s comfy room? The kitchen where you spend hours dancing and cooking the night away? I always try to use rooms that are most special to you, keeping in mind that good light + space surpass all.
For newborn sessions I recommend at least one bedroom (typically either mom + dad’s or the nursery) and a family room or sitting area. Once you have the one, two or three rooms with great light decided on, it’s time to…
Declutter
Clutter = distraction. Decluttering is the number one thing you can do for your home to make it feel more suitable for photos. This is a small but mighty checklist, so take my tips to heart to help prepare! It’ll help you feel more together and like your home is more ready for photos!
Mom + Dad’s Bedroom:
Clear off nightstands. Put away everything except lamps. No clocks, lotions, frames or anything else that is typically on our nightstands.
Make the beds and pile on as many throw pillows as you can.
Clear out everything except the furniture! No fans or humidifiers in the corners- toss them in the closet!
Kids’ Bedroom:
Pick up and put away all toys/books/clothes.
Remove anything that does not add to the design of the room.
Again, clear off all nightstands and make sure everything is orderly.
Kitchen:
Remove all magnets and things from appliances.
Put away all dishes.
Clear counters of everything but essential items. Make sure hand towels match.
If we’re going to be baking/cooking/drinking wine be sure to have the supplies out and ready!
Living/sitting rooms:
Hide/tuck away all cords.
Make sure side tables and coffee tables are cleared of anything extraneous.
Don’t forget the mantle + shelves, if any!
finally, add a little flare
My friend Rachel is an interior designer and wanted to give a few tips to you to help spruce up your space a bit and get it ready for a photoshoot!
Throw pillows + blankets! They add a ton of depth and texture to whatever room they are in and can dress up an otherwise simple space.
Plants! Go nab you a big beautiful fiddle leaf fig for that empty corner, a pothos for your kitchen window or a fern for the bedroom.
Baskets! These are great for dog toys and kids toys that may take up the floor space!
Books! Whether you read them or not, books can add great flare with either colorful covers or (pro tip!) by flipping them around so their pages are showing! Great neutral pop!
Light some candles! Or essential oils, if you’re into that kinda of thing!
Play some music! Get your home a little vibes by throwing up some tunes to get the mood set
Ottoman tray! Get a cute tray for your ottoman and decorate it!
All this is to say that your whole house doesn’t have to be cleaned- just a few key areas that we narrow in on to use for your photos. I love telling stories inside people’s homes and I can’t wait to join you in telling yours! I hope these tips help to destress and excite you!