Preparing for a Family Photo Session at Your Home | Pittsburgh in-home Photographer

I’ll try to keep this simple and to the point because one of my goals for your family photo session is to keep everything as simple and as stress-free as possible! So let’s talk about preparing for a family photo session in your home!

What do we wear? 

Do not, I repeat, do not run out and make yourself crazy trying to buy everyone new matching outfits. You’re going to think I am crazy but I vote for keeping it REAL! I suggest you dress casually and comfortably like you would any other day of the year!

The same goes for the kids! Dress them in a more casual and comfortable outfit they love. Orrrr, you can consider letting your kids pick their own outfits! I know this may result in your three-year-old wanting to wear the dress she has worn EVERY DAY for the last four months or your four-year-old insisting on the Spiderman costume he refuses to take off. (I’d actually kind of love it if they did this!) but I know that may not work for every family!

Please do not stress out trying to coordinate everyone’s clothing! I only really recommend avoiding anyone/everyone wearing the same color solid or print shirt. And I love colors! Do not feel like everyone has to be in white, cream or beige and you do not have to be matchy-matchy. But in the end, these will be your photos forever, so dress everyone in what you love to see them in!

Remember, this session is not about the perfect portrait, this is about capturing your awesome and unique family. It’s about remembering how life was at this exact time.

However, if you really want, you could always try to get them to wear something dressier for the beginning of our session and I will get a few posed family photos, and then let them go change into something more casual.

What rooms will you be photographing in?

This is entirely up to you! I promise to only enter the rooms and areas of the house that you are comfortable with! I want and need to use the rooms that get the best natural light and I usually stick to the main living room or family room where your family usually spends most of the time.

I’d love for the kids to show me their bedrooms so I can get a few photos of them in there, but this is entirely up to you! We can also go into the master bedroom, playroom and kitchen, etc. Whatever you are comfortable with!

What if my house is a mess

Whatever you do, do not deep clean for me or for the session. If you really feel like you need to clean up, I vote for quickly stashing any clutter into a laundry room or spare bedroom. I do not judge a sink full of dishes or a messy bathroom.

If you follow my work then you know that I embrace reality. And if you were to pop into my home on any given day, I most likely will have a sink full of dishes, a messy bathroom and a pile or three of laundry on the couch.

I just ask that you allow me to open the curtains and blinds to let in all the light that we can.

We’re so boring, what will we do!?

No, your family is not boring, I promise. What do you normally do when you are all home together? What activities do your kids love to do as a family at home?

If you need some inspiration, here is a blog post of ideas!

And please take note, while snack and drink breaks are more than ok, it’s not a good idea to turn on the TV while I am there. This tends to distract the kids and it can be difficult to break them away from it.

Also, if you have any special treats for your little ones to motivate them, please hold off until the end of the session to reward them with it!

And depending on the weather, we can definitely go outside for photos! We can get some on the porch, stoop, and/or front and back yard!

Say no to cheese.

Seriously, please do not feel the need to look at my camera and smile the entire time. Just play, cuddle, and interact with your kids. I do not know many adults that are comfortable being photographed so I tell my clients, do not look at me. You will feel so much more relaxed and comfortable when you get to just look and interact with your children.

Once you are all relaxed, I will have you look and smile for some images.

I want to include your fur baby!

Yes, I want to include the family pet(s)! They are a part of the family too! If your pup and/or kitty is comfortable and somewhat relaxed around me, then I want to definitely include them in your photo session! I am very much a dog and cat person and I love doggy kisses, so no worries there!

And yes, the Grandparents too! 

I am also happy to include other family members like Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles! Please feel free to invite them over to be included in a few photos!

So, just relax, I’m a professional who has photographed hundreds of families in the last fourteen years. I assure you that our session will go smoothly and it will even be fun. I promise you that you will treasure these pictures for your lifetime. 

Have more questions? Concerns?  
Please get in touch to ask me anything!  


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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! Please get in touch before my schedule is filled up! I only accept a limited number of clients each month, so once my schedule is filled, it is filled. I can’t wait to hear from you and to plan a unique session for your family!

~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in lifestyle and documentary family, newborn and Fresh 48 photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over ten years experience photographing families, newborns and babies in the Regent Square, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Greentree, Point Breeze and Highland Park.  Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!