Everything you need to know about how to prepare your home for in-home family photos.
One of the most beautiful things about an in-home portrait session is that it captures your family exactly as you are, in the space where real life happens. These sessions are designed to feel relaxed, meaningful, and deeply authentic from start to finish. If you’ve been wondering how to prepare your home for in-home family photos without feeling overwhelmed, this guide will walk you through it step by step.
You Do Not Need to Clean Your Entire Home
Let me say that again: you do not need to deep clean your whole house. Truly. I’m a mom too, and I know that a home with kids is a home that’s lived in and that’s exactly what makes it special. We’ll work together to choose 2 or 3 areas in your home where the natural light is best. Those spaces are the only ones where preparation really matters.
Think:
• Living room
• Primary bedroom
• A nursery or playroom with great window light
Everything else can stay exactly as it is.
Hide Power Cords & Chargers
This is one of the most common things I have to retouch out of photos. Before your session, take a quick walk through your chosen spaces and tuck away:
• Phone chargers
• Power cords
• Extension cords
• Lamps with visible cords
These little details can be surprisingly distracting in photos and take attention away from what really matters – you and your family.
Keep Interior Colors Neutral & Coordinated
You don’t need a perfectly styled home, but color harmony makes a big difference in photos.
Take note of:
• Wall colors
• Large furniture
• Rugs and bedding
Neutral tones (whites, creams, soft grays, warm wood tones) photograph beautifully and pair well with most clothing choices. If a space has a bold color, we can either coordinate outfits around it or choose a different area for your session.
Pay Attention to the Light (and the Time of Day)
Light is everything in an in-home session.
Before your session:
• Notice which rooms get the best natural light
• Pay attention to what time of day that light looks best
Does the sun pour into your bedroom in the morning? Is your living room brightest in the afternoon? We’ll use this information to plan your session time so your home is glowing in the most flattering way.
Clean Windows & High-Touch Surfaces
If windows, mirrors, or reflective surfaces are visible in your selected spaces, a quick wipe-down goes a long way.
Focus on:
• Windows (especially fingerprints at kid-height!)
• Glass doors
• Mirrors
• Coffee tables or shiny surfaces
This helps keep photos crisp and distraction-free without requiring a full house clean.
A Final Thought
Your home does not need to look like a magazine spread to be worthy of beautiful photos. What matters most is the light, the connection, and the story unfolding inside your walls. If you’re ever unsure about a space, color, or layout, that’s what I’m here for. I’m always happy to help you choose the best spots in your home so your session feels effortless and enjoyable.
Learning how to prepare your home for in-home family photos is just one piece of the puzzle. Feeling confident in what to wear makes a big difference too. To make things easier, I’ve created a free What to Wear for In-Home Portraits Guide that walks you through choosing outfits that feel natural, cohesive, and timeless inside your home.
To learn more about in-home sessions and see if this experience is a good fit for your family, visit my website.
