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If you are not in the photography community, you may not be seeing the movement that is in-home family sessions right now, and how they are rapidly rising in popularity.
As a photographer who specializes in in-home sessions, a rebuttal I hear a lot goes something like "I don't have a Pinterest-worthy house" or something along the lines of how messy or ugly they feel their home is. And to those arguments, I have one thing to say:
You're missing the whole point of in-home sessions.
In-home sessions are in a different category from regular family sessions. There is a level of authenticity and realness that can't quite be reached anywhere else than in the confines of your home - and THAT is the beauty that we are photographing. Typical sessions combine the beauty or simplicity of the setting and the subject, in-home sessions highlight the emotions felt from a subject while they are the most authentic version of themselves within the safety of their everyday norm. The goals of an in-home session are typically different than those of your typical family or couple sessions booked at public or picturesque locations.
Blog Highlight: The Walters Family - A storytelling, in-home photo experience
While the Walters family absolutely does have a beautiful home to photograph, what you'll find with this highlighted session is that the focus is more on what they are doing together, and how it realistically highlights the beauty of their everyday lives.
We started in the heart of their home—the living room—where the floor is often littered with magnatiles, books, blocks, and toys everywhere (the sign of a happy, lived-in home with toddlers). While their sweet girl warmed up to the idea of her normal activities being photographed by a new person in their home, mom and dad joined her on the floor to play with some of her favorite toys. Magnatile towers were built and from there books were read, snacks were eaten, and airplane was played on mom and dad's bed. The way this session carried a relaxed and unhurried pace allowed everyone to really rest in simply enjoying being together, not having to pretend with any of their activities, and truly allowed me to capture a small glimpse of their day to day life.
It's hard to call one area of this session my "favorite", but when we moved this family session took an even deeper step into telling their story of this season of life. I had long-admired Taylor's backyard garden over social media and the way that she included her sweet girl in this labor of love from growing beautiful flowers that she would decorate her kitchen with, to the berries and foods they would harvest and eat together. It was so special to get to photograph them in this happy place that I knew was so important to Taylor and her sweet fam. And then from there getting to see the labor of love that was the chicken coop her husband had built and they had recently filled with the sweetest hens and soon-to-be chicks that would join the group once they were old enough.
As a way to reward their sweet girl (and again, bringing in some special memories and incorporating some of their authentic activities) we sweetly ended the session with ice cream on the front porch - which of course turned into more fun and games with mom and dad in the front yard before I waved goodbye and left them to have quality family time without the camera for the rest of the evening.
As a military wife myself, knowing that this military family would also not be in this home forever, that takes the importance of these in-home vibes even deeper. Knowing that their sweet girl may have few memories of this beautiful home that they built so many beautiful memories, or the way she bravely held the chicks in the backyard while her mama tended the garden and then they would walk out front for a stroll around the block. These sessions are more than just documenting sweet moments, they're about cementing memories to make sure those moments travel with you when you inevitably head to another new home - again.
About Kelsi Grant - Hampton Roads Family Photographer
Ready to capture your family’s story? Whether it’s laughter-filled moments on the beach, cozy cuddles at home, or a playful session in your favorite park, I’m here to create a collection of images that reflect your family’s love and connection. As a Hampton Roads family photographer, I specialize in genuine, storytelling sessions across Chesapeake, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and beyond. Let’s turn your everyday moments into timeless memories—reach out today to start planning your session!
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