It goes without saying outdoor photography sessions are gorgeous. There really are some lovely spots here in Kent and nature really does provide the most beautiful backdrop throughout the year.

BUT ask me about the most meaningful backdrop for your family photos…

….and my answer will *always* be your home.

Yep, you heard me correctly. Your house.

…and I know your instant reaction might be one of horror…

OUR HOUSE?

But it’s a mess.

There is stuff *everywhere*

We haven’t decorated in ages.

It doesn’t look a thing like any of the houses on Instagram (cough – no-ones does but that’s another conversation for another day)

But I have to say that I wholeheartedly disagree.

Your home is the PERFECT backdrop for your photo session. I mean, what could be more meaningful that the space where your family story is unfolding every day?

Not convinced yet?

Challenge accepted 😉

Here are five fabulous reasons you should absolutely consider having your photos taken at home…

1. The weather doesn’t matter…

Its fair to say that the Great British weather is somewhat unpredictable (understatement of the year)

I can often be found in the weeks leading up to our session glued to a number of weather apps to make sure we a have lovely, settled forecast for our time together.

So, the first HUGE benefit of an in-home session?

The weather doesn’t matter!

…it doesn’t matter if its sunny, cloudy, rainy or foggy. Unless someone is unwell, your session can go ahead whatever the weather.

2. Your kids will be at their most comfortable at home, and so will you…

I totally get it.

Having photos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and a common concern for parents is whether their little ones are going to behave.

But this is *your home*.

It is the place you spend most time; the place you all feel most relaxed and comfortable and believe me when I say, your kids will *love* giving me the guided tour, showing me their room and all of their favourite toys.

They’ll be having so much fun it wont even feel like a photo session.

3. Flexible Timing

Just as outdoor sessions are reliant on the weather, the time of day is also something that dictates when we can get together.

Because (especially during the summer months) there are certain times of day where the sunlight is just *too* harsh.

It becomes almost impossible to avoid shadows and squinting eyes (and trust me, racoon eyes are not the best recipe for flattering images!)

…but a session in your home can be far more flexible.

I often recommend mid-morning as this tends to work better for babies and younger children but if that doesn’t suit, it’s not a problem to work the session time around your little ones nap time.

4. We get to capture *your* everyday moments

It might be the toys your little ones are playing with at the moment; the books you read to them as they fall asleep each night or the ‘go to’ snacks that always save the day.

These are the things that are personal to you and your family and when we are in your home, they form the backdrop of our session.

…and I often find with my own children , it’s the photographs of the seemingly ‘ordinary’ insignificant stuff (that feels like it will never change) that I treasure the most when I look back.

5. We’ll make more than a pretty picture, we’ll make photographs that *mean* something.

We recently celebrated the first year ‘anniversary’ in our new home. We had been in our previous house for 10 years and leaving it was a lot more emotional than I was expecting.

…because there were *so* many memories attached to those four walls.

That house was the first place both of our babies called home…

…the place they took their first steps…

…and the place they had their first taste of broccoli.

I will always look back on the photographs we made there together with such fondness, because it was the place that held those chapters of our family story…

All pretty convincing huh?

It really is time to consider your own home as the location for your next family photo session.

If you would like me to capture this chapter of your family story (or have any questions at all) please get in touch – I would love to help.

Claire x