PHOTOSHOOT AT HOME – PERFECT WINTER SOLUTION.

Do you want to do a winter family photoshoot but have no cute ideas or are you not interested in leaving home in the Cape Town winter? Well, your home may be the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.

An in-home photography session sounds both amazing and scary, but the truth is – it is no different from any other shoot. This blog will break it down for you so that you can know what to expect.

What you can expect

Let us build a little understanding before going any further. What does an at-home photoshoot mean? Well, it means that the photographer comes to your home and does the entire shoot without you leaving the house. Sound good?

Here is a quick overview of how it would work:

On the day, your photographer would arrive a little earlier to see the set-up and what would work best. Before the session, the photographer would discuss lighting and other issues, so the ‘site inspection’ is more technical and helps to ensure the best outcome.
If needed, the photographer will set up additional lights and equipment.
Once you set the location, the photographer guides you through poses, actions, and other suggestions to elevate the session. The use of props can help those who are awkward and be a cute and fun distraction for the little ones.
Be sure to communicate any specific poses or background you want to avoid or include during your session.
Once the session is complete, you stay where you are and your photographer will pack up and leave. It is that effortless.

The booking and delivery process is identical to any other location or session type.

Make contact through social media, email website or WhatsApp.
Confirm date, time and venue
Pay the deposit, full payment 48 hours before the shoot date
Confirm location details
Complete the session as agreed
Delivery of final images within 2-4 weeks

Pros and Cons

Let’s get into the good, bad and ugly of a photoshoot at home. So, let’s get into what you need to consider:

Pro’s

Your session is unique to you. Your home is an extension of you and your story. You get to play with the location, the background, the aesthetic, the theme. You have a home-ground advantage, use this to get the most out of your session. The kids are home, which should help them get comfortable before the session starts. Bonus right?
Everything is at your fingertips. Imagine you regret your top or if you spill something right before the session. Well, then you have the option to go and change. You have access to everything to touch up your makeup, have a potty break or even go barefoot, who needs or even wears shoes at home?
This leads us to our next point, you are the most comfortable at home. Photography can be triggering and awkward for some people. Being so raw and sometimes intimate in front of a stranger with a camera gets uncomfortable which is why being around familiar things is great. Your space opens you up and reflects your family’s persona.
You will fall in love with your home all over again. You see the space daily and perhaps it has been lost on you just how much effort you put into your house to turn it into your home. I promise you that seeing your home through a stranger’s ‘lens’, beautiful lighting and flattering angles will quickly spark a new love for your space.
You are not confined to one space. Move around for more variety while making the photographs seem more natural.
The best part is, that you do not leave your home. Your photographer will come to your home, capture your connection and leave.
The whole family is welcome. Anyone at home is part of the shoot, yes even pets are welcome.

Cons

Some cleaning or decluttering. Remember, a little ‘lived-in’ photoshoot background will add character to your pictures, no need to call in the professionals. That being said, be sure to remove anything you do not want to be captured, and if you are doing a theme some set-up is required. Kids’ favourites, blankets, and toys are all welcome. We want those items included. You want the kids to see and remember as adults appreciating the photographs.
Natural light is best. Depending on the room chosen where and what you want to be photographed, please remember that natural light is your best friend. Your photographer can manipulate light and add some light as needed, but it is best to take the pictures during the day in a room that allows for the most natural light. So, timing is everything.

Need some ideas? We got you.

Family time while just chilling. Have a family photoshoot while hanging out on the bed, couch or the lounge floor. Play a board game or paint, let’s do your kid’s favourite activity. Have a braai and just be with each other. The photographer will capture the most sincere and intimate moments.
No one is going to be left behind. If you have a family member who has difficulty moving around, have a cosy indoor family session around them.
Keep your newborn cosy. Spend precious moments with your baby and have the photographer capture your awe and appreciation for this new life, doing the mundane daily activities, bathing your newborn, brushing their hair and stealing some nap-time cuddles.
Food is the international love language. Cook or share a meal. Some of our best memories are linked to good food, so why not capture the moment?

Photographers perspective

Photography captures the essence and emotion of the moment you want to remember forever. While that is beautiful it can be troublesome if we capture something you meant to leave out or miss something beautiful. For this reason, please bombard your photographer with information, the more context and understanding the better the picture and the more detailed the story.

If you have a family member that passed and they had a favourite spot in the house. Talk about it. If the setting is your childhood home, please share the story. Your home is an extension of yourself and your family, make it the star of the show. Allow your photographer to express your story through their lens.

Best at-home session

Natural newborn or breastfeeding sessions. Newborns are beautiful and precious, but a pain to travel with. You need to pack everything and still run the risk of forgetting something. This is even better if you are still healing postpartum. Staying home and bundled up keeps everyone happy and makes for some beautiful shots. Happy mom, happy baby right?
Home business or brand photoshoots. Capturing your brand and business at home gives your images a personalised feel and tells your story.
Family pictures with the fur babies. We wish we could make them live forever, but while around let’s include them in the precious moments.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is photography tells a story. Your story. Therefore, regardless of where you shoot, be sure to be comfortable. Everything else will fall into place. This blog is part of a two-part series, so subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out. The next blog will cover how to prepare your home photoshoot setup.

We would love to work with you. If you have any further questions please reach out through our website, social media or WhatsApp on 0736700222.