5 Reasons to do Your Next Photo Session at Home with Family Photographer, Mary Beth Miller

I could come up with a 100 reasons why your family photo shoot should take place in the comfort of your very own home but to keep it short and simple (because who even has the time or energy for too much reading) here are my top 5 reasons to stay home for your next family photo session.

1. Your family, especially your children, will be most comfortable at home!

Let’s face it, no one actually loves getting all dressed up and going to a park for family portraits. And simply put, kids (and adults) are more relaxed and comfortable in their own environment. This takes a lot of stress out of the ‘family photo session’ equation.

Kids will be happier + Dads will be happier
= Mom is way more relaxed and happy

Think of it as an afternoon just hanging out with your family and relaxing and a photographer just happens to be there taking pictures.

2. No need to worry about the weather or the time of day!

Stop obsessing over the forecast! No worries about possible rain or dreary skies (which we see all too often here in Pittsburgh) or it being too hot or too cold for your little ones. The temperature will always be perfect and cozy in your very own home! And weather permitting, we can get some photos on your porch and/in your yard! (yes, this is also part of your home!)

And no, we do not have to time a session for precisely one hour before sunset – aka the same time you expect your toddler or baby to be in a sleepy pre-bedtime meltdown mode! I’m happy to work around sleep and meal schedules to time your session when your children are often most content. However, this leads me to reason number three….

3. It’s ok if your kids are acting like kids!

Let the kids be themselves! Even if that means they are shy, silly, sad or having a tough day and need lots of Mom snuggles. Please don’t even stress about how they will “behave” for a photo session.

When you do a family photo session with me, there is never a need to beg or bribe your kids!

4. Wear what you’re comfortable in!

Seriously, just wear your favorite clothes! And I urge you to allow your children to dress themselves. If your daughter wants to wear the yellow dress she wears seven days a week, then let her. If your four year old son insists on the superman cape with his rain boots, totally go with it! 

I LOVE that I have photos of my boys in their favorite outfits and costumes. It’s such a great way for me to remember that short phase in their childhoods. 

And Mom, if you’re a yoga pant wearing kinda mom, then please, be yourself and wear that! And Dad will be thrilled when you tell him he gets to wear whatever he wants. Whatever you do, do not go out and try to buy everyone new coordinating outfits! Actually, I forbid you from doing that 😉 You can go buy yourself a new cozy sweater to go with your fave jeans or leggings if that makes you feel better. 

5. Your images will capture your everyday real life in the perfect setting!

This session is not about the perfect portrait, this is about capturing your real and very awesome and unique family.

It’s about remembering how life was at this exact time. 

Memories. Like actual real life memories and not a fabrication of how life was.

Let me capture your child’s true childhood and their very awesome and very real personalities and real life giggles instead of cringe worthy forced cheesy smiles.

And I don’t know about you, but I absolutely cherish the photos from my childhood that show the inside of the homes I lived in! My favorite orange velvet swivel chair, the strawberry curtains in the kitchen, the canopy bed and ballerina wallpaper…. Those photos trigger the best memories from my childhood. The items in our homes are our real life props!

The best parts about having an in home family photo session with me is that my goal is to keep your session SIMPLE and STRESS-FREE! The very last thing parents need to worry about is a photo session!

So Mom and Dad, relax, I have photographed hundreds of families in the last twelve years and I assure you that our session will be fun. And I promise you that you’ll absolutely treasure the memories that I’ll capture for you!

Here’s some other blog posts that you might be interested in

Have a look at my at home family photo session gallery of photos!

If you have not already booked and you are interested in a newborn or family session please do not wait to get in touch. I know life gets busy and these things tend to slip to the bottom of the to-do list, but it’s time to make it a priority! 

I can’t wait to hear from you and to plan a unique session for your family!

Have any questions or concerns?  
Please get in touch to ask me anything!

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~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in lifestyle and documentary family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over twelve years experience. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!