In-Home Family Photoshoot in Wichita, Kansas

I full heartedly believe that family photoshoots should preserve the memories of that family’s season, especially when you’re capturing the laughter, love, and chaos of everyday life. I want to document the nitty gritty – the spilled Cheerios, the imperfect living room filled with children’s toys, the tickles, and the everyday tasks that make the family unit run. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a warm, intimate in-home family session with a lovely family in Wichita, Kansas. With two energetic kids and an adorable infant, every moment was full of emotion and energy—and every frame told a unique story of their family bond.

In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes of this family photoshoot and share how we made the most of an in-home session, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

The Beauty of an In-Home Photoshoot

While many people think of a family photoshoot as something that needs to take place in a picturesque outdoor setting, there’s something incredibly special about capturing life inside the family home. An in-home session offers a unique, personalized experience that truly showcases your family’s personality and the space where your most precious moments unfold.

The comfort and familiarity of being at home allows everyone to relax, especially the little ones. For families with young children and infants, in-home photoshoots are ideal because they can be as natural and un-staged as possible. There’s no need to worry about temper tantrums, nap times, or finding the perfect backdrop. The home itself provides a cozy, authentic environment for your session.

For the Walker family, their cozy living room was filled with natural light, and their front yard had ample opportunity to let loose and document true life while the kids played, the dog barked, and the parent’s admired their perfectly knit together family. Lastly, their quiet street in El Dorado, Kansas, unfolded the setting of a cozy family living the American dream in the midwest. These spaces—where the family gathers for meals, playtime, and bedtime—became the perfect canvas for capturing their family’s love.

The Family: Two Kids and an Infant

As the session unfolded, it was clear that the joy of this family was contagious. The older kids, two playful and curious brothers, had such a strong sibling connection. They laughed, played, and even won the socks off of their dad, making for some fun candid moments. It was clear they loved being together, and I was able to capture their playful interactions, like tickling their new baby brother or a giggling chase around the front yard.

And then there was the baby—the newest member of the family. Babies have a way of capturing everyone’s attention with their wide-eyed wonder and infectious smiles. During the photoshoot, I made sure to capture those quiet, tender moments too: the way mom lovingly held her infant in the rocking chair, the softness of dad’s hands cradling the baby, and the baby’s innocent, curious gaze as he explored his new world.

The magic of an in-home session is that it allows me to document these beautiful, unscripted moments. Whether it’s the older kids sneaking a kiss from their baby sibling or the family huddling together for a sweet cuddle on the couch, these are the kinds of memories that can’t be recreated.

Making the Most of Your In-Home Family Session

If you’re thinking of booking your own family photoshoot at home, here are a few tips to make the experience go as smoothly as possible:

1. Plan Around Nap and Feed Times

With a newborn and younger children, timing is everything. Plan your session around your baby’s nap and feed time so they’re awake, alert, and happy. A well-rested baby (and older kids) will make for happier photos!

2. Let the Kids Be Themselves

The beauty of an in-home shoot is that there’s no need for anyone to “perform” or act stiffly. Encourage your kids to play, explore, and interact naturally. The most precious moments often come from spontaneous moments of joy. Pro Tip: Incorporate props that your kids would enjoy, such as: bikes, bubbles, books, baking and playing instruments as a family, or more!

3. Embrace the Mess

Family life is beautiful, but it’s not always tidy. Don’t stress if the house isn’t perfectly organized! The natural messes and everyday touches—crayons scattered on the table, toys strewn across the floor—help tell the story of your family’s life.

4. Use Natural Light

One of the best parts of shooting in a home is the natural light. I always aim to position families near large windows or in well-lit areas to create soft, glowing portraits. The natural light in the home is often the best “prop” for creating those beautiful, timeless images.

5. Be Flexible

Kids will be kids, and babies will do what babies do—so don’t expect perfection! The best photos are often the unplanned ones, so take a deep breath, embrace the unpredictability, and enjoy the process.

A Beautiful Keepsake

When the session wrapped up, the family had a stunning collection of photographs to look back on. From the quiet moments of the baby in mom’s arms to the big belly laughs of the older kids, every shot told a story. The photos weren’t just pictures—they were treasured memories of a family growing together in their midwest home.

As a photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than giving families images that will hold meaning for years to come. Each photo represents a chapter in their lives—the love, the growth, the little moments that make up their story.

Conclusion

An in-home family photoshoot is an ideal way to document your family’s life as it is today. For families with young children and infants, it’s an opportunity to capture your everyday moments, to hold onto the little details before they change. Whether or not you feel your house is “picture worthy”, the joy of an in-home photoshoot is that it’s uniquely yours, filled with authenticity, laughter, and love.

If you’re ready to create memories that will last a lifetime, I’d love to help you preserve the magic of your own family’s story. Inquire at my website abbyreephotography.com !