Preparing Your Home for a Lifestyle Photo Session

She's smiling because she didn't have to leave her stuffies to take family photos.

Because when you live in Texas, air conditioning sounds pretty awesome.

So you’ve decided to do a cozy, in-home photo session (yay!). Now you’re wondering: “Do I have to clean everything? What if my house doesn’t look like an HGTV show?”

Let’s just say this up front: your house doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be lived in and loved. But a few simple tricks can make your space camera-ready without requiring a full-blown renovation.

1. Choose the Spaces with the Best Light

Natural light is our BFF. I’ll usually scout your home when I arrive and find the brightest rooms—often the living room, bedroom, or nursery.

Pull back the curtains, open the blinds, and let that sunshine do its thing. And don't worry, I also bring my handy off-camera flash so we can create light where we need to.

2. Tidy (but Don’t Panic Clean)

No need to scrub baseboards or organize the garage. Spoiler alert: I have yet to do a garage photo session and I don't conduct spot cleaning checks. Just do a quick declutter of visible areas we’ll use. Think coffee tables, nightstands, or counters.

Hide the laundry baskets and snack wrappers. Keep the dog, though.

3. Leave Some Personality

Don’t over-style! That crayon drawing taped to the fridge? The stack of favorite books on the nightstand? The dog’s bed in the corner? They tell your story.

We’re not staging a home sale—we’re capturing your life.

4. Keep It Cozy

Blankets, throw pillows, and textures add warmth and visual interest. Neutral tones are always great, but if you have a fun pop of color (like a mustard throw or pink rug), let it shine.

5. Outfits Matter Here Too

Wear soft, neutral, comfortable clothes that you don’t mind snuggling in on your couch. Bonus points for bare feet, cozy socks, or flowy robes for newborn sessions. If it's winter a cozy knit sweater brings the vibes.

6. Get the Kiddos Involved

Let them show me their favorite toys, read a book, or jump on the bed (yep, it’s allowed). It helps them feel comfortable, and those real moments make the best photos.

In-home sessions are about capturing the real magic of your everyday. So don’t stress—just tidy a little, fluff a pillow or two, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Want to know more? Let's chat! I'm always happy to talk to my mom friends or even jump on a zoom call to strategize the best lifestyle photo session for your house (bonus: that way you don't end up having to clean the dining room with the bad light and awkward angles).