For families with young children, annual photos are a fantastic way to document the year-to-year growth in your little ones and to fill your albums and walls with memories that capture your love.
Many of my Massachusetts clients choose to take these photos against some of our area’s stunning outdoor backdrops—from beaches to fields to forests to the urban landscape of Boston.
If you know me, you know I get giddy about a gorgeous outdoor session with a sweeping backdrop and dramatic skies. And yet, there is something so special about a cozy, in-home family session.
As a lifestyle family photographer, I see home as the location that is truest to life. There is literally no other place you spend as much time as a family. Because of this, the images I capture will be the most authentic and meaningful representation of your family right now at this stage you’re in.
I’ve gotten on my soapbox about in-home sessions before on the blog, but I’m getting back up there. Read on for my latest roundup of reasons to love an in-home family photography session, especially if you have young children.
In-home family photos are all about subtle, sweet, and silly little moments representing how you live, laugh, and love each day. And because these moments are set against the backdrop of your home, they will be extra special to look back on for years to come. You’ll remember that rug or that blanket your grandmother made for the kids—all the little details that tell your story. If you want unique photos, home is the way to go.
In addition to the meaningful nature of in-home photos, I find that young children are much more comfortable opening up and being themselves in a familiar environment. They are so excited to show me around their turf, and I get to see their personalities shine.
If you’re worried about distractions around the house—like your toddler running off to play with his favorite truck—don’t be! Trust me when I say these little moments are opportunities to catch your littles in their element and get the shots you’ll treasure forever!
When we shoot at home, you don’t have to pack your entire family into a car in nice outfits and get to a specified location by a certain time. And let’s be honest; there are stages of life in which this is everything. An at-home session means less rushing, more access to snacks if things go sideways, and bathrooms at the ready. If you take photos at home, you can skip wardrobe woes, embrace a more casual look, and skip the shoes! Bottom line: give yourself permission to make it easy.
Beyond that, when we photograph inside your home, your session will typically take place in the morning, when most children are at their best. It avoids having to fudge naptimes and keep them up late, which is a recipe for overtired + cranky littles for many families.
But perhaps my favorite “easy button” aspect of an in-home family session in New England is that we don’t need to worry about the weather! Rain, snow, or shine, your photographs will look fantastic and happen on their expected date.
If your family typically books an annual outdoor session, an in-home session can add variety to your albums and walls. While connected, casual, and fun is always the name of the game in my sessions, there is something different about snuggling up on the sofa than cuddling in an apple orchard!
As a bonus, your home offers several built-in backdrops that will give plenty of interest to your gallery. Depending on your preferences, lighting, and other considerations, we might take photos in your family room, main bedroom, playroom, or kitchen.
You do not need an HGTV-styled home for a gorgeous in-home session.
I know you may be skeptical, and it may seem like the in-home session images I share in my portfolio or on IG have Pinterest-worthy décor. But the reality is that most are beautifully imperfect, just like my own.
As a professional photographer, I know how to choose angles and spots within your home that make you and your spaces look their absolute best. And if the lighting is a concern, you’ll be surprised at what I can do with a few windows. 😉
If so, I’d love to get your fam on my schedule!
"To say that I love each one would be cliche and a total understatement, but seriously... She nailed it. Being a photographer myself, I am very picky and searched dozens of photographers before coming back to lyndsay and booking her and I am so glad I did. I can't even remember the last time I hired a photographer and was this in love with the images and unable to pick just a few favorites. Thank you, lyndsay, for making the photo session easy (with 3 kids), fun and providing this mama memories for a lifetime.”
"Our images are so special and really captured our joy and the sweet personality of our little girl. Lyndsay did a great job going beyond the typical posed shots and making our photos feel authentic. We will treasure them forever."
- amanda, northborough
"We have done multiple sessions (family and newborn) and we’re so happy with the results. Lyndsay makes you feel comfortable and is able to truly capture the moment. We will have her prints hung in our house for years to come."
- beth - framingham
"We've done it all - newborn, maternity, cake smash, family photos - and every single time we are amazed by the quality of the end product. Lyndsay captures beautiful moments that we will treasure forever!"
- nicole - framingham