Creating Magic Inside: Indoor Family Session Tips for Photographers
Most photographers (myself included here in Ohio!) CANNOT shoot outdoors year round. It’s just not practical to drag kids out for extended periods of time for photos when temps hit sub zero.
So, during the colder months, many of us family photographers shift to working indoors, whether it’s in home or in the studio, to keep things going until spring hits.
I’m sharing some tips and techniques for creating cozy and heartfelt indoor family portraits, because you DON’T need golden hour for kick ass photos!
Indoor family photography offers a unique opportunity to capture the beauty and intimacy of everyday moments in the comfort of your own home. Whether it's snuggling on the couch, baking cookies in the kitchen, or playing games in the living room, indoor photo sessions allow you to capture genuine interactions and emotions in a familiar and cozy setting. Sometimes, this works well for kids who take awhile to warm up, since they get to have their session on their turf.
For those with studios, you’re able to have the set ups you need, lighting ready to go, and the space curated to match what you know will look good!
Here are some tips for creating magical indoor family moments whether it’s at a studio or in home:
1. Set the Scene: Choose a location that has plenty of natural light! If it’s in the studio, using large windows and natural light is great, but there is nothing wrong with using some studio lighting if and when you need it! While I have great windows in my own studio, I still need to fill in with artificial light here and there because cloudy days will be so much darker in my space. For in home sessions, choose a spot with enough window light and one that is meaningful or comfortable for the family. Whether it's the living room, bedroom, or kitchen, make sure the space feels comfortable and inviting for your family photo session.
2. Use Natural Light: Take advantage of natural light to create soft, flattering lighting for your indoor portraits. Position your subjects near windows or doors to maximize natural light and avoid harsh shadows and artificial lighting.
3. Encourage Interaction: Capture genuine moments of connection and interaction between family members by encouraging them to engage in activities they enjoy together. Whether it's reading books, playing games, or cuddling on the couch, encourage natural interactions and emotions to shine through in your photos.