Ten Inspiring Ideas for Your At-Home Family Photo Session

If you’ve been following for a while, you know how much I adore at-home or in-home family photo sessions here in Charlottesville. Unfortunately, the pandemic sidelined these sessions for a while. Thankfully, they are back in full swing and I’ve missed them so much.

At-home sessions are always a great choice in my book! Home is a place where everyone feels comfortable, and your photo session automatically feels more relaxed by being at home. Not only does an at-home session feel more relaxed, it’s truly a unique photo location that no one else can have – it’s completely unique to your family!

But, if you’re interested in an at-home session and aren’t sure where to start when it comes to ideas or activities, I’m here to help!

I’ve done quite the range of at-home sessions in Charlottesville & Richmond and I’ve loved collaborating with each family to create photos that feel unique to their season of life.

Without further ado, here are 10 ideas and inspiration for your at-home family photo session in Charlottesville.

1 – A PJ (and baking) party

A photo session without having to leave your pjs? Um, yes please! If cozy Saturday mornings are a favorite in your house, having your photo session at home in your pjs may be the perfect choice for you. You can whip up some pancakes together, enjoy donuts, cozy up in bed with some books, the options are endless! What kid wouldn’t love that? We can always change into “real” outfits at the end for a traditional family photo if you’d like to accomplish a set of more candid photographs along with those must-have portraits.

2 – Saying Goodbye to Home

What better way to savor and document a home you love than with a photo session as you prepare to move? Whether it’s the home you brought. home your babies, or simply a home that’s brought you so much life and joy, having your photo session at home to commemorate this season before you move is the perfect way to always cherish the memories you made together in a specific home. We can then design an Heirloom Book or Album together to have on your coffee table or shelves in your new home – a way of continuing to weave your family’s story. 

3 – Backyard Bubbles & Play

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the backyard activities! Whether it’s a bubble machine gone wild, sprinkler time, making s’mores or a combination  – there are countless ways to enjoy your backyard and make an entire session out of it!

4- Pool Party

If summer is your favorite season and if you happen have a pool in your backyard (or enjoy a neighborhood pool frequently), pool time is such a fun and unique way to get the whole family on board for a fun photo session! We can bring in fun floats, sunnies, and tons of summer activities to make for a vibrant and lively session!

5 – Gardening at Home

Summer brings lots of joy in the garden for many families, so why not showcase that as a part of your season of life?  I have so many memories as a kid of picking fresh tomatoes in the heat of summer – memories frozen  in my mind. How sweet to have those garden times with your littles forever documented?

6 – Bath time!

Sink baths are one of my favorite activities for an in-home session. There’s nothing cuter than a baby in the bath!  I usually suggest the sink since there’s typically nice window light in the kitchen, and it’s fun & unique spin for photos. But, if you have multiple children and windows in your bathroom, we can make memories there too!

7 – The Family Band

Are you a musical family? Bring out the instruments, or sit around the piano and enjoy that sweet time together.  Music changes the tone so quickly, and it’s fun when the whole family joins in!

8 – Sharing a Meal (Or Dessert)

Popsicles in the summer, dinner on the back porch, or s’mores by the fire pit are just a few ideas! Sharing a meal together is one of the most meaningful “activities”as a family.

9 – Exploring Your Outdoors

If you live in the city, maybe it’s a walk around your neighborhood. If roaming hills or country acres are your backyard, let’s get out and explore. We’ll get traditional photos on the way, and kids of all ages love the freedom to explore. Hello, childhood!

10 – Just Being Home

Sometimes you don’t need activities. Being together is enough. Simply savor this season in the rooms and spaces that mean so much to your family! Cozy up in the bedroom or couch,  find a pocket of light and just love on your family. That’s all we need!

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Amy Nicole Photography (Amy Cherry) has been a photographer for over 15 years. Amy is a family, baby & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. She creates timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. She offers on-location, at-home, studio and outdoor family photo sessions.