Comment to do a photo session of your children at home?

Capturing moments of your children doesn’t need to be complicated or perfect. What really matters are the memories you create, not the coordinated outfit or the perfect pose. Here are some simple tips for a beautiful photo session at home, stress-free!

What really matters: creating memories

Don’t look for the perfect photo. Look for emotion, connection, spontaneity. A funny face, a hug, a burst of laughter… these are the images that will mean the most in 10 years.

Preparing the children: rested and well-fed

Before starting:

• Make sure your children have slept well (or at least had some quiet time).

• Avoid little hunger pangs: a light snack or a meal, depending on the time, will prevent tantrums.

• Set a relaxed atmosphere: music they like, dancing, a funny video with choreography to copy. The more fun it is, the more they participate!

Choose the right time of day

There’s no fixed rule, but in the morning, after breakfast, children are often more relaxed. Just observe the time when your child is the calmest and most available.

Session length: 30 to 45 minutes max

That’s enough to get nice photos without exhausting everyone. And if you feel the magic isn’t happening, no worries: try again later, no pressure.

The ideal place: the brightest room

Natural light is your best ally. Choose the brightest room in the house, ideally near a window. Avoid harsh direct sunlight or overly yellow artificial light.

No stiff poses: long live spontaneity!

Are the children restless? Even better! Take advantage by:

• Dancing, singing, playing together

• Tickling them

• Asking them questions about what they like

• Capturing glances, gestures, bursts of laughter

The important thing is to live the moment with them, not to direct the scene.

Don’t hide your face behind the camera

Your children look for your gaze. If you disappear behind the phone, they may be unsettled. Take photos, of course, but show your face between shots.

Involve your partner

Do you have a little mischief-maker at home? Put them to work to lighten the mood, make the children laugh, or interact while you shoot.

And after the session?

• Sort through the photos: no need to keep 200 pictures!

• Apply a Lightroom preset (you can find very nice ones at a low price on Etsy).

• Turn your photos into magnets  to keep these moments close at hand.

A home photo session is above all a moment of play and connection. Forget perfection, and just be together. That’s where the most beautiful memories are born.