Las Vegas Lifestyle Photography- Prepping for an In-Home Session- Alyssa Charboneau Photography

Aug 10

In-home sessions are so intimate and timeless. It is a favorite location of mine as a photographer. However, if you’re like me, you’re thinking, ‘I don’t have a magazine worthy home, it’s always a mess, in-home is not an option.” Honestly, I have not had an in-home session for my family. Yes, it makes me nervous too, but I really regret not having one in our old home in Fort Worth, TX. That’s where we brought our babies home and had all our baby and toddler memories.

High end natural light home. Beautiful interior design. Mom and her toddler daughters posing in kitchen. Mom in green and white dress. Girls in lavender dresses.

Dad with toddlers and baby in kitchen and dining room. Wooden dining room table. Kitchen interior design.

So don’t be like me. In-home is especially ideal when kiddos are little. You have their play areas, their cribs, beds, toys, books. All the things that tell your family story and the season you’re in right now. Here are some quick tips on how to prep for an in-home session.

First, Get a professional cleaning. Like I said earlier, we don’t need perfection. However, as a mom, I am a nicer person when my own home is clean. 🤷🏻‍♀️ A fresh cleaning will put you at ease and allow you to focus on your kiddos, outfits, and setting a fun vibe for the day.

Kitchen interior design, lifestyle session in the kitchen, mother and toddler, sunflowers, lavender dress.

Second, Greenery 🌿and Flowers 🌷. Get some plants in your home for a few pops of color. Fake or real, in the images it won’t matter. However, they can really brighten images up and add dimension. I really love orchids, for a pop of green and color. I am no plant expert, I simply have a few easy to grow houseplants in my home. (But I think I just killed my fiddle leaf😥) If you’re in Vegas, stop by Las Vegas Plant Collective, they know what they’re doing when it comes to house plants. Also, a quick run to the store for a fresh bouquet of tulips or hydrangeas can really make a big difference. Other easy favorites you can grab at Trader Joe’s are hydrangeas and tulips.

Third, Beds and Couches…I will most definitely photograph your family snuggling, jumping, and even dancing on your beds and couches. So freshly made beds are an easy way to get your home ready. With couches, hide trendy pillows or unsightly blankets. This is simple but make a big difference.

Fourth, Hide charging stations and remote controls. I do the best I can when I am there to hide objects that may deter from the image, but I can’t do it all. Hiding phone and watch chargers is a super quick thing that you will be glad you did. Not only will they not be in your image, but the chords won’t either.

Finally, Relax!! I am there to photograph you and your family, not your interior design choices. I will find the beautiful light in your home, that is what I am really looking for anyways! Then we will have fun with playing games, tickle sessions, snuggles and laughs. Check out this blog that features another in-home session.