In-Home Photography Inspiration with Older Babies

When people think of in-home photoshoots, especially if they’ve seen my work, they usually picture one of two things: the chaos-filled, brimming-with-laughter sessions of families with multiple kids, or the soft, quiet newborn sessions where everything feels a little slower. What often gets overlooked is how special in-home photography can be for toddlers and older babies, little ones who aren’t newborns anymore, but aren’t quite big kids either.

This stage is so fleeting and full of personality. They’re curious, playful, and often a little unpredictable, which makes them perfect candidates for storytelling through photos. And that’s what I always come back to with in-home sessions: the story of your family right now. Whether your child is one, two, or three, they deserve their moment documented. You don’t need a newborn or a house full of wild older kids to make an in-home session meaningful. Every age is worthy of being remembered.

If you’re looking for in home photography inspiration, here’s one of my favorite examples.

This family had recently moved into a three-bedroom apartment in San Francisco and wanted to document this unique time in their lives. From their daughter’s bright and cozy bedroom, to the way she sprawled on the living room rug surrounded by toys, to her special relationship with the family dog, we included it all. The mother, a talented jewelry designer, had curated their space beautifully with every detail of their home feeling personal and intentional, and it created the perfect backdrop for photos. This kind of everyday storytelling is exactly why I love offering some in home photography inspiration to my clients.

Sessions with toddlers and older babies move quickly, which is why I recommend my signature one-hour sessions for this age. We pack so much into that time from sweet moments to silly ones, and plenty of candid laughter. My pre-session questionnaire helps me learn what matters most to you: favorite toys, quirky habits, or even a funny face your child makes on repeat. These details shape your story and ensure that no session looks the same.

For newborns, I recommend a longer 1.5-hour session to account for feedings and soothing, but with older babies and toddlers, an hour gives us plenty of time to capture their personality without overwhelming them. And trust me, even in a single hour, you’ll walk away with a gallery full of images that feel true to your family.

If you’re looking for even more in home photography inspiration and ideas for your own family, you can browse my blog for real sessions and see how other families have chosen to document this stage.

If you live in San Francisco or Marin, you can find out more about what a session entails here. Ready to book? You can do that here!