How to Prepare Your Home for an Indoor Family Photoshoot

Indoor family photoshoots are one of the best ways to capture your family exactly as you are — relaxed, comfortable, and surrounded by the home you’ve built together. Whether your style is bright and modern or cosy and lived-in, your home becomes part of the story.

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare your home so your indoor photos turn out beautifully.

1. Choose the Rooms with the Best Natural Light

Natural light is everything in indoor photography. Spend a day noticing where the sunlight falls in your home:

• Which rooms are brightest in the morning?

• Which have soft afternoon light?

• Are there spaces with big windows, patio doors or skylights?

Popular rooms for family photos include:

• Living room

• Master bedroom

• Children’s bedrooms

• Kitchen (yes — kitchen shots can be beautiful!)

You don’t need a spotless show home — just a bit of good light.

2. Declutter… But Don’t Overdo It

Aim for “lived-in tidy,” not magazine minimal.” Your home should feel real, not staged.

Focus on:

• Removing large distractions (laundry baskets, toys in random corners, Amazon boxes)

• Clearing surfaces like coffee tables, bedside tables, and counters

• Straightening cushions and throws

• Making beds neatly

Don’t hide your personality — bookshelves, kids’ artwork, and family souvenirs add charm and authenticity.

3. Think About Colour and Textures

When your family is the focus, a calm background helps. You don’t need to redecorate — just consider:

• Neutral bedding or throws

• Simple cushions rather than bold, distracting patterns

• Soft blankets or textures that add warmth

These small touches create a beautiful backdrop without much effort.

4. Open the Curtains and Turn Off Overhead Lights

Natural light is softer and more flattering than artificial lighting. To make the most of it:

• Open curtains fully

• Raise blinds

• Turn off ceiling lights and lamps (they create harsh yellow tones)

Let the daylight do the work — even a cloudy day provides gorgeous, even light.

5. Prep Your Kids’ Spaces (If You Want Photos There)

Children’s rooms make emotional, colourful locations for photos.

A quick tidy helps:

• Beds made

• Favourite toys arranged or placed neatly

• Floors cleared so we can move around easily

These rooms are full of personality, so don’t worry about perfection. A slightly messy bookshelf or a wall of posters tells their story.

6. Warm Up the Room (Literally!)

Indoor sessions often include cuddles, movement, and barefoot time — especially with kids.

Make sure the house is:

• Warm

• Comfortable

• Easy to relax in

A cosy home helps everyone loosen up and enjoy the session.

7. Don’t Stress About Perfection

Your home doesn’t need to be spotless. You don’t need matching decor. You don’t need to hide your real life.

Indoor family photoshoots are about connection, closeness, and the everyday moments that make your family yours.

The goal isn’t a perfect house — it’s authentic memories.

8. What I Bring to Help

When I photograph indoor family sessions for WhatNotTog, I come prepared with:

• Professional cameras + lenses for low light

• Techniques for using window light beautifully

• Gentle guidance for posing and movement

• A relaxed, fun approach to keep kids engaged

  
  

You don’t need to worry about doing everything “right” — that’s my job.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for an indoor family photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. A little light, a bit of tidying, and an open mindset are all you need for photos that feel warm, real, and meaningful.

If you're thinking about booking an indoor lifestyle family session, I’d love to help you capture those everyday moments that you’ll treasure for years.

Ready to book or want to chat? Get in touch with WhatNotTog anytime.

-WhatNotTog