So you've searched family photography Gold Coast and decided you don't want to just stand in a field and smile for your photos, but what else is there? Perhaps an in-home family photography session is more your vibe. It's not about having the picture-perfect home, it's about capturing your story in the place your people are most comfortable, which is usually at home. If your kids are the adventurous kind, perhaps your ideal session is at the creek or hanging at the beach?
As a general guide for sessions, I try to get people to think about the kind of activities they enjoy doing together. Every family and every chapter of life will look different, so it's important not to pick something that 'sounds fun' or that you think will 'look good'. If you're not a cookie-baking mum, let's find something else to do that is more reflective of you and your story.
Your photos should be a reminder of the things your family love to do together right now in THIS chapter.
Don't overthink this, perhaps even ask your partner or your kids! These photos will be for them too, and sometimes it's the sweetest and simplest things that are most special to them.
To get the ball rolling, I've put together a handy list of ideas...
In-home photo session ideas...
Snuggling in bed
Pillow fights
Baking muffins or cookies
Cooking a traditional dish
Reading books in bed
Playing with their favourite toys
Dance party
Dress-ups
Fruit break
Dad chasing them around the house
Playing with pets
Tickle fights
Bath time
A 'family photo' by the front door of your home
Drawing/painting/Play-Doh/craft
Board games
Card games
Playing your favourite musical instrument
Decorating the Christmas tree
Birthday celebrations
Making pizzas
Snuggles with their favourite teddy
'Keepy Uppy' with a balloon
Hugging their favourite sibling
Breastfeeding
A family tradition
Renovating the house
Building a house
Let's not forget outside in the yard ...
Toasting marshmallows by the fire
Chalk drawings on the driveway
Eating ice-creams on the back step
Running under the sprinkler
Cannon balls in the pool
Bouncing on the trampoline
Water-bomb fight
Kicking the ball
Picking fruit/veggies/flowers
Playing in the sandpit
Hanging out in the cubby house
Throwing the ball to the dog
Riding bikes or scooters
Watering the garden
Wrestling with Dad
Blowing bubbles
Playing in the mud
Splashing in a kiddy pool
Collecting the mail
Waving to the bin truck
Feed the chooks
Collecting eggs
Swinging on the swings
Doing the kids' favourite household chores
Mowing the lawn
Riding a horse
If you're keen to get out and about for your family photos, here are some ideas ...
A trip to the beach
Picnic at the creek
Ice-cream shop
Fish and chips
Bike rides
Rainforest hike
Camping trip (ask me, I might tag along!)
Fishing
Boat adventures
A walk to the local playground
Trip to the toy shop
Exploring the Botanic Gardens
Climbing trees
Sushi Train
Surfing or bodyboarding
Throwing rocks in a pond
Skateboarding
'Barkey boats' (if you and the kids are fond of Bluey, you'll know all about this one)
Trips to Bunnings
Exploring rock pools
Visiting Nanna
Singing in the car
Feeding the ducks
Walking the dog
FYI, this is NOT a definitive list. You're more than welcome to hit me with your own ideas (in fact, please do!). We can do multiple activities as part of your session. I just want your session to be a fun day, not a 'shot list' – I want to capture the real laughs, the real cuddles, the tears and tantrums that may happen along the way.
I don't want you to just look at your photos and say 'look how cute they were then', I want you to say 'that was the best summer', or 'I used to love going there with them', or 'I love the life we've made', because next year your favourite things with be different, you've suddenly moved on to another chapter and it's all those little details that fade away...
If you're keen to capture your story, get in touch!