I love in home photography sessions. Families can be comfortable, it's easy and your at home. As in you don't have to go outside of the house. Which, in my opinion is the best case scenario. The only other best case scenario is when I'm at home and also in my P.J's. The idea of a photography sessions around these two life altering factors of comfort and photos at the same time ??? Not possible. Wait....is this actually possible. I like to think so and heres why. 

Let me take you down a little side road of reality here in this moms life. These small humans of mine are adorable and yours too I'm sure (though not as cute as mine of course) it's true. There little tiny faces and hands and when they loose teeth........or when they get teeth.....uhhh they are so cute! Seriously though I love them so much it breaks my heart. I warn you though, know this! They have ulterior motives.  They have events and distractions set out to destroy the dreams of mothers (and a couple fathers...at least 4). who want nothing more than one nice holiday photo. Just one moment where everyone can smile and pretend to look happy for the camera for one second at the same time. A photo without any of the following interference 

a) Spilled juice down the front of shirt

b) Boogers/gold fish crumbs/barf/drool/small human debris

c) Option a & b 

d) A bump/scrape/cut/

e) option a &d 

f) Missed nap possible melt down commencing

g) Napped in car but woken up too early. Melt down commencing

h) There was a promise for treats after said photos. Human demands said treat before photo.

I) Shoes missing. No explanation.

j) Option a & d & I. 

k) melted chocolate on pants ( I hope) 

As you can see the list of action this small but powerful force is willing to take has no limitations. Something so simple as putting on your boots can become an all out war. Are you ready for a fight ? If not you can just stay home in your PJ's and make chocolate chip cookies. I'll come to you. 

Studio sessions are a great option. I offer them too and for babies and little ones not wanting to run away just yet they are fantastic. I can't suggest a better outcome for capturing those beginning milestones more. Newborns, sitting, rolling or babies walking are wonderful to capture in studio. Family sessions can be great in studio as well and there are no rules for whats best,  just whats best for your family. I love in home sessions. I think seeing children in their own element helps them be comfortable as I am coming into their space. A place they know and feel at ease. I love that I get to use natural light. The most important piece to beautiful photography. I like that the your home will reflect your style not mine. I like that you decorated the tree in your photos with your family and not me making it look that way. I like that everything that makes up a photo in someone else's home represents them. I give directions and make suggestions and helpful guidance to keep things moving along so you really don't have to think about it. With this style of natural candid photography I encourage a couple posed shots for you to share with family and friends first but majority of the session is spent capturing real moments and joy. 

It is important for these photos to be done in the morning or at least before 3:00. The bright light from the morning will help expose beautiful clear shots. Having some festive holiday cheer like a lit Christmas tree or a few light or garland can give a little bit of holiday love but still allow for these photos to stay up all winter long. These in home sessions are only about 30 minutes. Children don't have a lot of attention span for hours of photos and I find this timing perfect.  Sessions in home can be booked through the week and some weekend availability. It will take approx. 1 week to have your photos sent to you via download link and ready to print. These Durham region Holiday photography sessions are available throughout the month and until Dec 10th. Availability can  be flexible during the week in the morning and afternoon and some weekend availability as well.  I suggest starting with a few nice family photos with just a little  direction and best use of available light. Then I try to encourage some intersection and fun. Here are some suggestions that might be fun for you to do during your shoot. Please consider what your little ones would have most fun doing. 

Making pancakes. 

Chocolate chip cookies. 

Decorating a gingerbread house( already made ones are easy for little hands to put the treats onto if you're looking for a simple fix) 

Reading Christmas books

Putting icing on and decorating cupcakes

Making or painting a Christmas ornament

making homemade hot chocolate

rolling sugar cookie dough and cutting them out/decorating

playing with some Christmas ornaments by the tree (for babes) 

Jumping on the bed in your Christmas P'J

Milk & cookies 

Make a Christmas cutie catcher (great for ages 8 & up ) you can print them online! 

Make ugly Christmas sweaters and then model them.

Invite your grandparents over and as a gift do some photos with them. Ask your grandma to show your kids how to make cookies. Maybe you have an old recipe your grandma gave you. Give me something personal and I'll give you back something personal. 

A gift for mom. They are never in photos with their kids. They usually have everything and the Bedazzled mug the kids gave her last year (though she loved it) didn't last one wash. Mom/kids/christmas PJ's and cookies. This mama will take one of these kinds of sessions on my Christmas list please, I'm never in any photos ! 

If your thinking baking which is so great please consider how these details will look. Here are some tips to add some rustic charm to your photos.Avoid having plastics and packaging out. Have your ingredients already measure and ready to add. Have some spoons for  little hands to mix, wear a cute apron, have a stool or chair handy for little helpers. Have holiday coloured sprinkles, lick the icing.....get a little flour on your nose...

Have fun with this. Do what makes your kids smile and from that we will create some beautiful holiday inspired photography. I hope you will take park in these Durham region Holiday photos and look forward to hearing from you.