Photographing the Everyday: Maine Family Photography at Home
Cait wanted photographs of her and her family at-home. Photographs where she was in the frame, where the kids had space to just be themselves, and we all could embrace the chaos of their everyday life. As a mom to a toddler and twin 15 month olds, with two dogs and two cats at home, making the time to document this current busy season of life is not always easy, but absolutely worth it.
Maine family photography at-home
I traveled to the family home in Midcoast Maine, whereby I was greeted by the dogs, boys, then cats (in that order). We started slow, while Cait attended to the boys’ snacks and drinks, I scoped out the lighting in the house. I found a few spots fairly quickly - the living room floor and Malc’s bedroom (where he wanted photos with his happy birthday ballons).
Everyone piled onto the floor, playing with dinosaurs and trucks. It felt just like any other slow day at home, playing with the kids, pulling out toys and stuffies, snuggling on the couch. I focused on creating photographs of both playtime and the small moments of cuddles and connection throughout. I want your photographs to feel easy & natural - to me, it’s about these real-life moments.
We moved to a bedroom, and of course all the animals and kids followed. Nothing posed or forced, no awkward stiff smiles at the camera; rather, we just let life unfold in the light of the window.
Moms, get in the photo!
Cait fastened up all the kids shoes and coats and we moved outside to the backyard. So much of motherhood and family life goes unseen. Tying the shoes, zipping the coats, putting away the toys, prepping snacks and drinks, putting the kids favorite stuffed animals on their beds. All the little and big actions that add to up caregiving. Someday, your kids will look back on photographs and you both will want to see you in the photographs. You sitting right there next to them, wiping the dirt off their faces, playing with their hair, and giving them a hug.
In the chaos of early parenthood, making time to document these moments can be really HARD. Not feeling 100% like yourself, stressed about finishing up home projects or picking out new outfits, and just not being able to find the time. In these early days when you are everywhere in their lives, I want you to be everywhere in their childhood photographs as well.
How to let go of perfection in your family photographs
So what does it look like making the time for family photographs? There’s no need for new outfits, a mainstream ‘aesthetic’ home, or worry about your kids smiling and standing still for an hour for photographs. We can let go of these ideals of perfection. Rather, let’s embrace the chaos and beauty of the everyday life you’re already living. Photographs that can show you you already have everything you need.
Trust me, you don’t need a fancy (or even clean) home for your family photographs. Don’t worry about completing all your home projects (they’ll never ALL be done, anyways) and getting everything ‘photo-ready.’ Wear what makes you feel like yourself. All we need is a window or door with some light and space for connecting.
