Here are the top 6 questions I get from families considering a photo session in the comfort of their own homes.

Are you considering a photo session at your home but you aren’t sure if it’s right for you? In this post, I’ll address some of the most common concerns and hopefully assure you that an in-home session is right for your family!

And I’ll be including some images from a recent family photo session with an adorable family in their beautiful home in the Valencia area of Pittsburgh!

“We’re hoping to do this at our home…”

Those are the kind of words I love to see when I receive an email! Mom contacted me and wanted photos of herself with her husband and their toddler hanging out at home and I was more than happy to do this for them!

1. What if my house is not “Pinterest-Perfect”? (…too dark/old/small, etc.)

I promise that your house does not need to be “Pinterest Perfect”! In the 13+ years that I have been photographing families at their homes, I have yet to be in a home that was too old, small, or dark. And I do not need to photograph every room in your house, it’s more than ok if we stay in one room! Whatever you are comfortable with! But I promise that your “not Pinterest-perfect” home is perfect and holds so many wonderful memories for your family.  

2. What if we’re boring? What should we do while you’re here?

First of all, I promise that you’re not boring. But if you are worried about what to do during your in-home family photo session, here’s a blog post with a list of 20 activities to do during your session at home! 

I prefer that you do an activity or two that your family enjoys and does regularly. I want you to do something that is unique to your family!  However, if you are still worried about being boring and need some ideas, check out the blog post.

However, please note that it is TOTALLY okay if your family literally just hangs out and does “nothing”. I assure you that I will capture some great moments while you just relax, and be yourselves doing “nothing” at all.

3. Will you include the whole family? What about our dog/hamster/teenager/Grandma?

I 100% want to include EVERYBODY! Grandma, Great Aunt Nancy that lives across the street, your possibly moody teenager that may not want to come out of his bedroom, your beloved 13-year-old deaf pug and Willie the hamster. I want to include the people and animals that you love and call family.

4. Do you bring props?

I do not bring any props to your session. The items in your home make the perfect real-life props! Your child’s favorite toys, your personal home decor, your books on the coffee table, and even the coffee mugs and water bottles scattered around the house…these are the “props” that help tell the story of your authentic lives.

5. What is the best time of year/day to do this kind of family photo session? Or what is the best age to photograph kids/babies?

Any time of the year! I happen to think Winter is a great time for this but we can schedule your session for any season and it’s ok if it is cold, rainy, or snowy because we will be cozy inside your house! And we can schedule a time of day that is best for you and more importantly, best for the little ones in your house (scheduled around nap/snack times, etc) But we also have to consider the light and schedule before it gets dark outside!

And ANY age is the best age to schedule a session with your baby/kid/teen!

6. How far do you travel? Will you come to my home in [insert Pittsburgh neighborhood here]?

Yes! Absolutely! I am more than happy to come to your home in the Greater Pittsburgh and the Greater Youngstown and Cleveland areas! (in some cases, a travel fee may apply)

When I do a photo session at a family’s home, (weather permitting) I always love to squeeze in some porchraits! (see what I did there, portraits…porch-raits…yeah, you get it!) 😜

And here are the kind words this lovely Mom shared on my Google Reviews!

“We had a fabulous experience working with Mary Beth. She came to our house to shoot some family photos and was so wonderful with our toddler. We have the most difficult time getting him to smile for photos, and she was able to capture quite a few big smiles. Her work is beautiful and she’s fun and easy to work with. We’ll definitely be giving her a call in the future.” -LP

As a Valencia Family Photographer, I absolutely LOVE that this Mom and Dad recognize and value the moments from an [extra]ordinary day in their lives with a toddler and want them captured forever by a photographer. I truly appreciate that there are people out there that want these simple yet meaningful moments and connections photographed.

I hope that you find this list of questions helpful if you were considering an in-home family photo session! If you’re looking for a family photographer in Valencia or North of Pittsburgh,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a unique photo session for your family!

Here are some other blog posts that you will want to read! 

Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!

All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography 

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including Valencia, Mars, Wexford, Seven Fields, Warrendale, Bradford Woods and Adams Township  Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!