Inspiration: Oakland In-Home Family Photoshoot

Usually on this blog, I share tips and tricks, answer frequently asked questions, or go into depth about what to expect and how best to prepare for your maternity, newborn, family or studio session. Some days, however, you have a session that just stands alone and deserves a shoutout all on it's own.

I've photographed this family twice in their Oakland home, and when I walked in, it was so sweet to see photos from our last session before sister joined the crew printed and framed all over the walls. Did you know that kids who see themselves in photos in their home have higher self-esteem? It's one of the many reasons printing photos is so important to me, and it's awesome to see families get their pictures off their devices and onto their walls!

When I photographed them in their home a few years ago, they had recently moved to Oakland and didn’t quite have all of their furniture, so we were able to play so much more this year. Baby sister was also new to the family! So many people think you have to have get newborn photos done when a new kiddo is born, and while that's definitely an option, waiting until they are a little older, once they have developed their personality a little bit and you've had a chance to recover from the sleepless nights of the newborn phase can be great, too.

We explored all areas of their Oakland home and spent our hour snuggling, laughing and playing together. Each parent got one-on-one time with each kiddo, and each of the kids got their own time to shine, too.

We ended the day with snacks and low-key play on the couch. That's one of the best parts about hiring an in-home photographer. You can drift from room to room peacefully (or playfully!), eat snacks when you need them, and take breaks when you need them.

In-home is truly where it's at.

For your own in-home session in Oakland or beyond, click here!