How to prepare for your in-home photoshoot

28 Jan

If you think that you need a large home for a beautiful in-home shoot, think again!

What you do need, however, are simple tips that will help you best prepare yourselves and your house (no matter the size!) to ensure your shoot is absolutely smashing.

First things first: style!

Wardrobe styling is very important in a shoot, and it’s the first thing I recommend you think about. Whether you have already booked your shoot or are deciding on a date, wardrobe styling will be a deciding factor. You need enough time to plan what to wear, coordinate family outfits or buy any clothes if needed.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated! Let’s break it down":

Think Feminine & Cosy. Picture floaty dresses, elegant nightgowns, cosy sweaters, oversized shirts over bra.
The cosiest home sessions are the ones where styling is effortlessly feminine, relaxed and not too covered up. Consider showing some skin for some true intimate captures!
Earthy tones. This is my recommendation for every single shoot. Earthy tones are photogenic, work well with one another regardless of the colour, and don’t distract from the main focus of the shoot: YOU!
Think beige, cream, brown, dusty pink, rust orange, khaki or white.
Plain colours and minimal patterns. Patterns can be distracting in images, and we want the focus to be on YOU. Whenever possible, choose natural materials that add beautiful texture to your images like linen, wool or cotton.
Jewellery. For in-home sessions especially, I recommend jewellery to be kept to a minimum so the images appear more natural, effortless and intimate. Think small studs or loop earrings and a dainty necklace, or nothing at all.

Next: house prep!

This step is much, much simpler than it sounds! After all, we want home shoots to be easy peasy, am I right?

I recommend my clients do a few simple things the evening before / morning of the shoot:

Declutter areas where we’re likely to shoot (these will be the most interesting / bright areas of the house. Often living room and bedroom, but sometimes bathroom or kitchen.)
The aim is not making the house spotless (honestly, who has that kind of time with kids?!), but to temporarily hide unnecessary items out of sight. I will move things if and when needed.
Got props? If you have any items that you think could be useful, like textured throws or interesting cushions in the right colour palette, pull them out! There is no need for you to style your home magazine-style, but I can use those to add texture or interest to shots as needed.
Bedding set. Good news: there WILL be laying down involved in your in-home shoot. Yay!
For this reason, if you have a bedding set in an earthy colour palette, please make your bed with it. It will make all the difference!
Heating. In the colder months, set the heating so your home is comfortable enough for you and your baby without the need to wear layers. The cosiest home shoots are the ones where dressing is light and some skin is on show. Heating your home will ensure your baby is comfortable wearing only a nappy and you can wear that stunning linen dress - minus the goosebumps!

To wrap it up…

Do you need a grand home for a good home shoot? Heck no! All I need is yourselves, a window, and a corner of your home.

I will spot the best areas and, with your permission, move small items to ‘set up’ our corner of choice in the most photogenic way. No need for you to lift a finger!

Lastly, remember: these are just suggestions based on experience. Whereas I know these tips work well (very well!), the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in yourself and every little bit in love with what you are wearing.