I am all for in-home sessions, I feel that they really let my couples and families be themselves— they are in their own element and they are able to get comfortable. And this is the exact reason why I chose my parent’s backyard for their couples session. And yes! These are my parents!!

My dad is not one for photos. His smile kind of looks the same as his frown, but look at him rocking the soft smile up there! I think once my mom is in the picture with him, he would do anything. He loves that woman so much, I mean look at the way he looks at her.

My parents have been together for 25 years this December, and they truly are the best model for a happy marriage that I could’ve asked for. And no, this does NOT mean that they are perfect or happy all of the time. But even when things start to get hard, when it’s easier to be mad than to be understanding, they CHOOSE to love each other and to fight for each other. They put God above all, each other next, and then us kids are close behind.

And, if I may say so myself, they are pretty much aging backwards. Please just give us all the secrets!!! (also thank you kindly, hoping the gene pool is stronggggg.)

In-Home Session Tips + Tricks

So I have a few little things that help clients get even more comfortable with in-home sessions + tricks to get the best photos.

For any session, I think the number one thing is movement. Get them movingggg. Dancing, runniing, piggy back rides, pillow fights. MOVE. And turn that shutter speed up. 😉 And if you are on the other side of the camera, dance your little heart out, darlings. The more awkward you feel, the better your photos are going to look (most of the time haha!)

Second, alcohol. Do you have a signature cocktail that you love or a favorite wine that you can’t get enough of? I have done two session in my career with my parents, and both involved wine. In fact, being able to have the wine might have been the convincing factor for my father to even be in front of the camera— I understand, liquid courage.

So especially for the timid, bring over a six pack or a bottle of champagne. AND don’t forget to photograph them with it, especially if it is something that is normal or meaningful to them!

It’s all about photographing your babes in their (slightly prettier than normal) natural habitat.

And that’s it for this cute little mini session. My parent’s backyard was the perfect spot for an in-home session + they spend so much time out there, that it holds a sentimental meaning as well. Photos in the backyard where they live their live together each day. It has seen the good, the bad, and everything in between.

I can only hope that Matthew and I will have such a strong marriage 25 years later. And for us, 1 down, 24 to go. 😉

XO

Ash