These are the best ways to get your home ready for a photography session.

While there are so many “picture perfect” spots in Asheville and the surrounding areas to get your family photos done, there is a big chance you may actually have missed the most ideal place to truly show the heart of your family.

Your home. 

I know, I know. How can your home compete with the beauty and grandeur of Biltmore House or the epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains?

But just think… is there any other space where everyone will be their most comfortable? Or that you may look back on and remember how that “was the couch your mom helped you pick out” or this “was the painting your kids once knocked off the wall while seeing just how many times they could spin in a circle.” 

The pictures taken in the comfort of your home often end up telling a story in addition to creating memories.

If your home is where the heart is, doesn’t it make sense to use it in your family photos?

Almost every time I mention doing this to a client though, I get a variation of the same answer, “I would absolutely LOVE to, but I just don’t know how to make it look nice enough for photos!”

So here are my best tips for perfecting your Asheville home as a backdrop for amazing family photos. 

1) Don’t

That’s right. Don’t go overboard! While I know it goes against many of our instincts and expectations, your home as it is is exactly that – your home. 

The toys spread haphazardly on the living room floor are memories and touchstones of exactly where your kids interests lie at this very moment. 

I’m not saying not to take the trash out, but eliminating a room of all personal objects and clutter can also remove its personality- leaving you with a space that feels more like a stock photo than the space your family has created. 

Remember, it’s the objects in your home that give your home character and help to reflect who you are.

 

2) Let the light in

Natural Light is one of the most important elements for a professional photographer.

To help us out, and ensure we get the very best shots, open any coverings you may have that may block or filter out any light that comes into the room. 

It’s not unusual for me to only use natural light for a photo shoot versus lamps and ceiling fixtures, so this attention to lighting should be a priority when preparing your space. 

3) Think about cozy seating spaces

When choosing a spot to set up for a family session, soft spaces like couches and beds where everyone can snuggle together work great. 

I usually recommend moving any unwanted clutter from nearby tables (think used water cups, tissues, etc) and adding some large pillows and blankets so everyone can huddle together. Try to keep your colors cohesive and crazy patterns to a minimum.

You want them to add to the coziness of the image and not be a distraction. 

4) Remove eyesores

Different from things that add personality to a space, I’m now talking about the objects that are truly just clutter. 

Think trash cans, recycling bins, fabric scrap containers, empty or used containers and the like. 

No one is going to take a stroll down memory lane looking at those things. 

If you wish to fine tune things, just do your best to make your home as cozy and light filled as possible versus worrying about “perfection.”

And remember, at the end of the day your home already has everything it needs to be the perfect backdrop for creating cherished family photographs.

To schedule your family’s at-home photography session CONTACT me and let’s get the ball rollin’.