There’s something magical about the in-between moments—matching pajamas, sleepy bedheads, kids mid-jump on the mattress, the ambient lighting of “lamp o’clock”, tiny giggles down the hallway during tea time with flopsy bunnies and dragons. These are the scenes I want to remember. You don’t need a studio or expensive gear to photograph your family in a way that feels timeless.

There is a bittersweet feeling going through a box of old photographs. In each one I've held of my grandparents or my dad as a little boy, I think it's the candidness… the movement of the moment. that I personally love. In this post, I’ll share how I style and shoot casual at-home photo sessions that feel straight out of ‘The Holiday’—soft, sentimental, and full of movement. Whether it’s a cozy morning in bed or a golden hour baking session, I hope this inspires you to romanticize your family’s everyday story. Because sometimes the most magical moments are the ones here at home.

I do photography on the side, it's a completely different feel from what I capture at home. I'm by no means a seasoned professional but below are a few I did for my best friend, Kylie's, wedding. Professional sessions are absolutely beautiful and I see the value in it from those who do this full time but they’re not always budget-friendly and sometimes it's so hard to get out and do it when you’ve got multiple little ones. I also strive to capture something at least once a month because they grow up so quickly. That’s why I started doing in-home photo shoots with my own kids—nothing fancy, just soft lighting, simple outfits, and a story unfolding in real time.

Here’s how I create laid-back, cozy photo sessions that feel like tiny cinematic moments I want to replay in my head:

1. Set the Scene, Not the Stage

Choose a spot where your family naturally gathers—your bed, the living room, the kitchen. You’re not forcing a moment, you’re noticing one. Morning light and golden hour are your best friends BUT i've done a few in the early evening or on rainy days for that moody look, don't let the hour stop you. Open the curtains, clear clutter from the background, and let the light tell the story.

2. Keep Wardrobes Simple and Coordinated

Matching pajamas or neutral, soft-toned outfits help create visual harmony. Avoid logos or bright neons. Think textures: cotton, linens, waffleknit. My favorite sessions are often the kids in their pajamas or oversized sweaters and tousled hair, with a cup of hot cocoa or just chatting under the covers.

3. Use What You Have

You don’t need a DSLR. Use portrait mode on your phone if that’s what you have. Stand farther back and zoom slightly for a more flattering perspective. Capture both wide shots for storytelling and close-ups for emotion—little hands, eyelashes, a grin mid-laugh.

4. Think Movement, Not Perfection

*taken with my phone - i did add extra grain in these for that home movie feel. every time i look at these i find myself there again in the moment.*

Let them jump, dance, cook, stir hot cocoa, play with their favorite stuffed animals. Blur is honestly okay—it carries energy and authenticity. Some of my favorite shots are mid-air jumps or a blur of hair widely haloing their little faces. Don't interrupt the moment by trying to pose it too much. The magic lives in the mess.

5. Tell a Story, Not Just a Snapshot

Try to capture a little sequence. Maybe they’re baking midnight brownies, then licking the bowl, then sitting on the counter to share their five star creation. You’re documenting a memory, not a magazine cover. You’ll cherish the flow of events far more than a stiff smile.

Bonus Tip: Add Seasonal Elements

Spring blooms on the nightstand. Fall candles glowing about. Holiday lights twinkling in the background. Rain on the front porch. These subtle seasonal touches add a sense of place and time to your photos, grounding them in memory.

My friends, light a candle, grab your coffee, let them bake the boxed brownies (or jump on your freshly made bed) and pick up your camera—or your phone. You don’t need perfect conditions, just a willingness to see the beauty in your everyday. Your home is already the backdrop to your family’s story. You have everything you need to start capturing it.

Capturing Cinematic Moments at Home

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