In home lifestyle family sessions are my favorite for so many reasons. Elevated candid sessions are a great way to preserve memories, to freeze a moment in time for a family.  In home lifestyle sessions can seem a little intimidating if you're used to more posed family portraits. This is some advice that I offer to clients to help them make the most of their session. 

1. Do a small light study. I ask clients to take a look around their home in the days leading up to an in home session, to see where the best light may occur. This can be so beneficial, because we don't need to be all over the house, we may just find one little corner of the living room that seems extra magical.  With the below session we found that the best places were in the front living room, which is where the children typically played so it was perfect, and there was a great pocket of light in the kitchen on the counter that framed mama and her baby girl per
2. Focus on an activity. This really helps relax clients so that we can capture the most natural and spontaneous moments. We may have families interact by cooking or coloring. Focusing on an activity rather than the camera really allows for personalities and relationships to shine. Around the holidays baking, decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, or drinking hot chocolate are great interactions. But, even something as simple as cuddling on the couch can really lighten the mood and allow your family's story to tell itself. Playing with a remote control car really helped these little guys relax at the beginning of our time together. 
3. Dress accordingly. In home sessions tend to have a more relaxed feel, but not sloppy. Coordinating outfits with complimentary color palettes are best; using a neutral base and adding a few accent colors, patterns, and texture. Because you will be in your home you should also take into consideration the color and style of your decor to achieve a cohesive look that does not distract form your beautiful family.  
4. Relax. In home lifestyle sessions produce some of my favorite images, because they're relaxed and allow families to interact organically.  

One of my absolute favorite families is growing!! They will be welcoming a baby girl this month

This past weekend I was honored to join one of my favorite photographers Jamie Wittwer to photograph the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night event at Cooper River Park. It was such a beautiful event. I was so impressed by the love and dedication of the LLS staff and volunteers. It was a beautiful celebration of survivors, memorial of those loved one's lost, and rally of those supporting to continued fight for a cure. 

I was so moved by the energy of this event and brought to tears by the survivors circle. I was honored to be a part of such an amazing and inspirational event.