Tips For Creating A Photo Shoot At Home

Sometimes, it’s just not feasible to have a full blown session in a professional studio – but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the fun.

Whether it’s an issue with time, budget or unforeseen circumstances, we may often struggle to attend a photo shoot. However, it is possible to take impressive and candid shots in the comfort of your own home. We’ve put together a few tips to help you recreate amazing photos without having to leave your house.

1. Decide on the Creative Direction

Before you get stuck into shooting, consider your options and the type of photographs you want to achieve. Do you want to shoot candid, documentary photography? Or would you look to create a more structured photograph?

With an end vision in mind, it will make it easier when crafting your photos in a particular creative direction. For example, documentary photography is great for capturing the hustle and bustle of a busy family, whereas portrait photography focuses on individuality and self expression.

2. Match Your Camera Settings to Your Situation

If you’re participating in a newborn or announcement photo shoot (or including young children in your photos) you’ll need to make sure that your camera is child friendly.

For example, avoid bright flashes and be extra cautious of how the light is placed around your (adorable) subject.

Top tip: When shooting indoors with a good amount of natural daylight, choose an ISO of 100-400 and a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/8) for a shallow depth of field. It’s also a good idea to use continuous shooting mode to capture 2, 3, 4, or 5 photos in a couple of seconds.

3. Play with Props

Another great benefit to using your home as a backdrop is the fact that there are lots of props at your disposal. Whether you play a musical instrument, have a wide variety of plants or a love of accessories, grab them and get experimenting!

In the privacy of your own home, you can try as many poses as you like without feeling embarrassed or held back. This level of freedom will lead to authentic and natural shots that portray your real emotions in real time.

4. Explore the ‘Everyday’ Details

As you are shooting in your home, you have naturally become very aligned to your surroundings. Therefore, we suggest you take the time to look at your home in a new light.

For example, what would make a good background? Which angles can you explore through your camera lens? Give it a go! You may surprise yourself with what you find.

5. Get the Family Involved

If you are lucky enough to be surrounded by your loved ones in the same household, take the opportunity to include them in the photo shoot. They have no excuse not to join in with the fun…

Plus, you’ll create precious memories that you can look back on forever (and admire your work at the same time too!)

6. Add to Your Equipment

Although you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a photo shoot at home, there are some items you can purchase to make your photos look more professional.

For example, a tripod, a ring light or a remote shutter release can elevate your photography skills without going overboard.

Top tip: If you want to dive into documentary photography, a camera strap or sling is a simple, yet underrated, way to make sure you are always poised and ready for an action shot.

7. Make the Most of Natural Lighting

As its unlikely that you’ll be able to replicate a professional photography studio, you may not have a lot of equipment on hand to light your surroundings in as much detail. This is where natural light plays to your strength.

If you’re inside, the time of day and weather will affect your quality and amount of natural light. Sometimes it floods the room softly. Other times it beams in, bouncing off the walls and floor. Soft light will add a soft glow, and harsh light will give a dramatic or moody look.

8. Photograph in Any Weather!

As you’re at home, you can be sure that there’s a warm and dry outfit on stand by – so make the most of the weather. Come rain or shine, take your your home photo shoot to the next level. You’ll be amazed at the results that can be achieved by embracing the elements.

Print Your ‘At Home Photo Shoot’

If you captured a particularly impressive shot from your home photo shoot, it’s only fitting that you print it and display it in your home – where the magic itself took place!

From a beautiful piece of Wall Art, to documenting the whole day in a CEWE PHOTOBOOK, make sure that you preserve your precious photographs and commemorate the time spent being creative in your home.