Er 019: The 6 Lies You’re Believing About In-Home Family Sessions
In-home family sessions are one of my favorite ways to document families—and yet, they’re also one of the most misunderstood offerings in photography.
In today’s episode of the Kelsi Bailey Photography Podcast, I’m finally addressing the hesitation I hear all the time when it comes to in-home sessions. Whether you’re a parent considering family photos or a photographer thinking about offering in-home sessions, this conversation is for you.
I’m breaking down the six biggest lies people believe about in-home family photography—and gently explaining why none of them need to hold you back anymore.
As a mom, a photography client, and a photographer with over a decade of experience, I completely understand that clenchy feeling that can come up when you imagine inviting a photographer into your home. I feel it too. But I’m hoping by the end of this episode, you’ll feel lighter, more confident, and maybe even excited about the idea of documenting your family at home.
Lie #1: “My house isn’t photo ready.”
One of the most common concerns I hear is that a home isn’t Pinterest-worthy or styled enough to be photographed. In this episode, I explain why that belief is rooted more in social media pressure than reality—and why your home is already worthy of being documented exactly as it is.
Your family photos aren’t meant to impress the internet. They’re meant to preserve the chapter of life you’re living right now.
Lie #2: “My house doesn’t get good light.”
If you have windows, you have light—promise. I share how advancements in camera technology and years of experience allow photographers to find beautiful light in almost any home, even in unexpected places.
Finding the light is our job as photographers—not yours.
Lie #3: “In-home sessions will feel awkward.”
In-home sessions are often the opposite of awkward. Because kids are already comfortable in their own space, these sessions tend to be more relaxed, playful, and authentic than studio or outdoor sessions.
I talk about why familiarity matters so much—especially for children—and how in-home sessions naturally create more connection and ease.
Lie #4: “My house is too messy—it’ll ruin the photos.”
This is a big one. In this episode, I explain the difference between a home that feels lived-in and one that feels distracting—and why it’s not your job to deep-clean your entire house before a session.
Mess doesn’t ruin photos. Stress does.
I also share a personal story from early in my career that completely reshaped how I approach photographing families in their homes.
Lie #5: “Studio sessions look more professional.”
Professional photos aren’t defined by white walls or a studio backdrop—they’re defined by the photographer behind the camera.
In this episode, we unpack why studio sessions feel more professional to some people, where that belief comes from, and why in-home sessions can actually feel more elevated, unique, and emotionally rich.
Lie #6: “In-home sessions are only for newborns.”
While in-home newborn sessions are incredibly popular, they’re just the beginning. In-home sessions are beautiful for families at every stage—maternity, families with toddlers or older kids, branding sessions, and even multi-generational gatherings.
I also share creative ways to incorporate everyday activities—like baking or playing—into in-home sessions for even more meaningful storytelling.
Final Thoughts
This episode isn’t about convincing you that in-home sessions are better than studio sessions. It’s about gently clearing away the fears and misconceptions that might be keeping you from considering them at all.
If you’ve been waiting for your home to feel “ready,” this is your permission slip: you’re already ready.
All you need is your people, your space, and the life you’re living right now.
If you have questions about in-home sessions—whether you’re a client or a photographer—I would love to hear from you.
Listen to the Episode
🎧 Episode 19: The 6 Lies You’re Believing About In-Home Family Sessions
