How to Prepare Your Home for a Lifestyle Family Session

I get it — balancing work, raising tiny humans, and keeping a house even remotely clean can feel like a full-time job (or three). Case in point: our bedroom. . But with 15 minutes of quick prep, we turned the chaos into a cozy backdrop for our own family Christmas self-portrait.

Your home is the most meaningful backdrop of all — the place where your family lives, plays, and simply is. It tells a far better story than any studio ever will. And here’s the good news: it doesn’t need to look like a magazine cover. It just needs to feel like you — the best version of you. With a little prep, we’ll set the stage to create images that feel honest and deeply yours.

1. Clear the Visual Clutter… then do it again. To let your family’s story shine, remove the visual distractions your eyes get pulled toward. A few of the kids’ favorite toys on the floor? Totally fine. But tuck away loud-colored toys, hide bins, stash chargers, and clear the kitchen counters. You don’t need to deep-clean — truly. If all else fails, shove it in a closet and don’t stress.

2. Plan Little Moments You Already Do. The best photographs come from everyday moments: reading books together, snack time, or running around the yard. We want to incorporate your natural rhythms — and a few special ones to bring out real giggles. Set aside a favorite book, snack, game, or blanket before I arrive. These familiar things create genuine movement and connection

3. Use Real Light — and Let It Work for Us. Window light is magic. Before we start, open the curtains wide and turn off overhead lights, which often cast yellow or green tones. If a room is dim, I’ll simply bring you closer to the windows — today’s cameras handle low light beautifully, so don’t worry if your home isn’t bright

4. Your Home Is Fair Game. Think of this session like one big play date. Kids don’t sit still — perfect. Movement helps create opportunities for meaningful, unscripted moments. We’ll walk, laugh, explore, and follow your family’s energy. A quick once-over in a few rooms gives me freedom to follow the light and the story as it unfolds.

At the end of the day, remember: it’s about being together. When the camera isn’t the focus — when you’re simply living your life and loving your people — that’s when the real moments come alive. Show up as you are. Let your home be your home. I’ll take care of the rest.