When is the last time you had family photos taken at home? It seems that so many of us take in-home family photos when we have a newborn and then don’t do it again. Until recently I also fell into that category. The reasons were multifactorial. We had our last child in 2015 so we had done a few in-home newborn shoots up until that time. Then we lived in a home I didn’t love but also in the Pacific Northwest were there are so many gorgeous outdoor locations to take advantage of (much like the Central Coast) that it hadn’t really occurred to me. Fast forward to 2021. We moved into a new home, in a new state and got a new puppy. It was time to have undated family photos. We hadn’t lived here long so I dressed my family in clothes we already had, set up the camera and handed control over to my mom. I adore these photos for capturing all the newness that we were experiencing in our life at the time and keep them in a frame to remember the beginning of this adventure.

Here are some reasons you may want to consider taking family photos at home

Comfort: Home is where the heart is ❤️ and where your family feels most comfortable and at ease. This comfort can translate into more natural and relaxed poses and expressions, capturing the true essence of your family's dynamic and personalities.
Personalization: Your home is a reflection of your family's style, interests, and memories. Incorporating your home's decor, favorite toys and unique spaces into the photos can add a personal touch that's hard to replicate in a studio or outdoor setting.
Nostalgia: Home is where many of your family's memories are made. Photographs taken in this setting can hold a special nostalgic value as they capture moments within the context of your family's daily life. I love looking back at photos taken of me as a child in our old homes. It’s a joy to be reminded of what my childhood room looked like with my cat on my bed surrounded by all my favorite toys.
Natural Interactions: Being in a familiar environment encourages natural interactions giving the photographer the opportunity to capture genuine connections.
Storytelling: Your home tells a story about your family. By taking photos there, you can capture the narrative of your daily routines. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that there won’t always be a stool in the bathroom, legos on the floor, an overflowing toy box in the living room or a sippie cup on the coffee table.
Convenience: No need to worry about sunrise or sunset and there are always snacks on hand.
Emotional Value: The sentimental value of home-based family photos can be incredibly high. As time passes, these photos become a cherished record of how your family and home have evolved over the years. Imagine if all previous generations of your family had taken in-home family photos. It would be fascinating to see their homes, furniture, their style and way of life. I know I cherish the photos I took of my grandparents doing ordinary things at their home because I captured them exactly as I remember them and their home.
Control over Timing: You can choose a time when your family is most rested, relaxed and ready for photos, which can lead to better results.
Inclusion of Pets: If you have pets, including them in your family photos at home can be much easier and more comfortable for both the pets and the family members. It seems like only the dogs get included when out of the home. What about our beloved fish, guinea pigs, cats and other home dwelling pets?

Remember, the choice of where to take family photos ultimately depends on your family's preferences, the style you're going for, and the memories you want to capture. Whether you choose to take photos at home, outdoors, or in a studio, the most important thing is to capture the love and connection that define your family.