A photoshoot at home can be a fantastic way to capture professional images in a space that feels comfortable and familiar. Whether you’re looking for updated headshots, lifestyle portraits, or professional images for your business, a home setting offers a relaxed environment that reflects your personality. You don’t need a huge space – just a little preparation to make the most of what you have. If you’re unsure whether a photoshoot at home is the right choice for you, I’d be happy to visit beforehand to assess the space and offer guidance on how to make it work. Here are some key guidelines I follow to ensure a successful photoshoot at your home.
Who Can Benefit from a Photoshoot at home?
A home photoshoot is ideal for a variety of professionals and creatives who want to showcase their personality and work environment in an authentic way. I’ve photographed numerous business owners at home including authors, nutritionists, coaches, artists and interior designers at home.
Finding the best Light
Flattering light is the most important element to your photos and the first thing I look for when I arrive at your home. I’ll often choose spots by windows or fling patio doors open to allow as much light as possible to enter your home. Large windows and soft, even lighting make a huge difference in achieving a professional result. If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light, I can bring professional lighting to enhance the space.
Harsh midday sunlight can create strong shadows so I’ll suggest we schedule our shoot for earlier or later in the day.
Decluttering
A clean, uncluttered background ensures the focus stays where it should – on you (sorry!). When I arrive, I’ll work with you to identify the best areas for your photoshoot, carefully considering the lighting and overall atmosphere. Together, we’ll make sure there are no distracting elements in the background. If needed, I’m more than happy to rearrange furniture and tidy up surfaces to create the perfect backdrop. I’ve been known to move furniture round and have a quick tidy up of surfaces – please don’t feel embarrassed – sometimes I don’t know exactly where I’m going to shoot until I see the light on the day.
Making the most of your space
Props can add personality and context to your photos, making them feel more natural and engaging. If you work from home, consider incorporating your laptop, a notebook, or a coffee cup to create a relaxed, professional vibe. Fresh flowers, books, or decorative items can also add warmth and visual interest to your space without being distracting. We can discuss the props you might need in advance and I can help style your setup to ensure they enhance rather than overpower the image.
Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Space
I often recommend opting for plainer clothes rather than bold, busy patterns, as they tend to work best for photos. Whether your home has a strong color theme or embraces a more minimalist vibe, subtle coordination between your outfit and the environment always creates a harmonious look. The goal is for you to stand out, not your clothes, so simple and classic choices can help keep the focus on you while complementing your surroundings.
For personal branding sessions, I encourage you to wear colours that align with your brand. If you often use a certain colour in your marketing or website, incorporating it into your outfit can create a cohesive visual identity.
Final Thoughts
A photoshoot at home can be a great way to capture authentic, professional images without the need for hiring a location. If you have any questions about a headshots at home or a personal branding photoshoot at home, please get in touch – I’d love to hear from you!
