How to Have a Photoshoot in Your Home

Tired of my face yet? I know I am. We take a lot of pictures. When you’re in the field I am, it seems like an endless cycle of creating content, scheduling photoshoots, posting, and repeating. But the thing is, my family LOVES a good home photoshoot!

Maybe it’s the opportunity to dress up and dance around, but coming up with a new themed photoshoot is one of our favorite things. And the truth is, it’s really not that hard to do at home. Real talk, the majority of our photos are in our own home snapped by a friend or with a self-timer!

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at capturing your good side (hint: every side is a good side), take these four tips into account to create a fun and easy photoshoot in your home.

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” — Karl Lagerfeld

Find Your Light

First things first, find your best light! If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of windows in your home, take advantage of natural light for the best photos. We get great light in our dance studio or in the living room.

But if your house is on the darker side, you can still get in on the photoshoot action! Invest in some TK professional lights. These come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, depending on how much space you have, and will help create that natural look without windows.

The important thing is to avoid shadows—early morning or late afternoon is best when the sun casts softer shadows. And be sure to be facing the light source, which reduces your chance of shadows!

Set the Scene

You’re the main focus, but your backdrop should be well thought out. If you’re using a specific room or wall as your backdrop, be sure that the space is tidy and aesthetically pleasing—our rustic wallpaper in the dance studio is a favorite!

Want something more simplified? Find a white photo backdrop! Whether it’s a plain white wall in your home or one you can order online (they’re pretty inexpensive!), this will offer a clean and crisp background for whatever you have planned.

Me? Well, I’m anything but simple. We mixed it up by adding a fun newspaper collage (which you can totally DIY with newspapers or magazines) to the backdrop for something that was eye-catching but not attention-grabbing—you are the focus, remember!

Check out more parenting ideas and follow us on City Girl Gone Mom TikTok!

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” — Ansel Adams

Have a Theme

We love a theme. Like really love a theme. For our newspaper collage, we went totally fun, bright vibes with the attire, which feature a few of our favorite pieces from Atticus’ collection—seriously they’re a must!

When it comes to photoshoots with the Boss, we love bright colors, tutus, and princess dresses galore. Even when we take photoshoots as a family, I make sure that everyone looks cohesive while still individualistic. Everyone has their own personality, be sure to showcase that while still maintaining some coordination.

Snap Away

Whether it’s with a self-timer, a friend, or a husband who didn’t ask to be involved, start snapping and have fun! Home photoshoots are a safe place to let down your guard, step out of your comfort zone, and just be authentically you. At home, you are in charge.

Go for a couple of test shots and review to see what you like or what you’d like to fix. Adjust as needed and keep at it! The more options the better. If you want to fix fly-aways or up the brightness, those are easy fixes you can take to Adobe Photoshop—even beginners can figure it out!

If you need more ideas check out these creative mother-daughter photoshoot ideas.

Need more photo tips? Subscribe to City Girl Gone Mom on YouTube!

“When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I’d like to know them. Anyone I know I photograph.” — Annie Leibovitz