Is My Home Too Small to Take In-Home Family Photos? | Plano, TX

If you’ve ever wondered if your home is too small for in-home family photos, I’m here to assure you that art can still be created even in small spaces.

I remember the feeling I had as a newly-married couple when my husband and I moved out of our first apartment and into a much larger space. I thought to myself I should be grateful (and I was), but a small part of me actually liked how cozy our 800 sqft apartment was and how we were never far from each other. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I feared in our new home he would be so far away that I wouldn’t even know where to find him. Mind you, we didn’t move into a mansion, it was just a 2 story town home. 

Regardless, I think that feeling of coziness, of everything within arms reach, including your favorite people, can actually be a really sweet memory to photograph. 

For some of us, a small space is a more temporary situation and for others it’s how things are going to be for the long-haul. Either way, I think the season you’re living through in a smaller home is absolutely a beautiful and important part of your story. Smallness allows room for kids to learn how to share, for parents to design spaces intentionally, and for love to be poured out abundantly. 

Is An Apartment Too Small For Family Photos?

While an apartment might not be your forever home, it is certainly not too small for in-home family photos.

I wanted to share here a Plano family session done in an apartment that was just about 1000 sqft. 

All of their photos were essentially taken in 2 rooms. We used the main living space and one bedroom, that’s it. And honestly, we would have been fine if all we had was one room to work with. The variety we have in your photos doesn’t come from a bunch of different backdrops, it comes from the different ways you love on your kids, the different angles I shoot from, the different ways the light hits throughout the room, etc. 

Not to go full Beatles mode on you, but all you need is love.

The Best Spot In Your Home For Family Photos

Here’s the real secret – the best spot isn’t the one with the best decor. 

The best spot for photos in your home is usually the one with the best lighting. It really doesn’t matter if it’s in a random corner on the floor because by the time I’m done editing and cropping, the main focus of the picture is how gorgeous your family’s connection is, not the precise location of the photos.

Sometimes the best locations aren’t the ones we’ve planned. And that’s the fun part! My sessions are long enough that we can play in the home, on the patio, out front, or go on a stroll and see what happens.

Take this photo below for example. This was literally taken in their garage, arguably the least aesthetic location for a family photo. The moment I saw the little boy jumping into the car, honking it’s horn (and subsequently pretending to be surprised by the sound he was responsible for making), I just knew I had to run over and bottle up this moment forever. The way he and his mom glance at each other absolutely melts my heart, and I know it’ll be a memory they’ll re-live for years to come. 

What Makes A Good Photo?

The best places for photos aren’t always the ones we’re envisioning or seeing on Pinterest. The best places are where your life actually unfolds. Those are the ones that will stir up a memory in you decades from now when you’re looking through old albums. 

Another example below. It was taken on the walkway up to their apartment. Absolutely nothing beautiful about it as a location, but the image still captures so much of the love between this mother and son.

 

The way I make sure to get those types of pictures is through my signature Plano Family Portrait Experience. When we spend time together actually understanding the joys and struggles of this season in your life I get to show up prepared to savor it and knowing exactly what I’m looking to photograph. After all,  no amount of physical space will give us beautiful photos in the way that being present to each other will. 

About Me – Plano Family Photographer

So if you’re new here, hi! I’m Ann, a Plano family photographer who turns your photoshoot into the kind of family date that everyone can actually enjoy. My favorite part? Leaving you with printed heirloom albums so your family can always look back and remember what it feels like to belong. 

Inquire here to talk about what a low-pressure, high-intentionality family session would look like for you.