Preparing for Your In-Home Session

*A simple guide for a relaxed, unhurried in-home session*

These sessions are designed to feel calm, unhurried, and very much like your everyday life — just with beautiful light and a bit of extra intention. There’s no need for perfection. A lived-in home, a relaxed pup, and a slow morning rhythm are exactly what we’re after.

Below are a few simple suggestions to help you feel prepared and at ease.

The Flow of the Day

All sessions take place mid- to late-morning, when natural light is soft and generous throughout the home.

On the day of your session, try to:

  • Keep the morning as low-key as possible

  • Avoid scheduling stressful activities right beforehand

  • Think of this as a “normal, cozy morning at home” rather than a photoshoot

A relaxed pace makes a difference — for you and your pup.

Light Comes First

Natural light is the foundation of these sessions. When I arrive, I’ll take a look around your space and we’ll spend most of our time in the rooms where light naturally pours in.

A few things that help:

  • Open curtains and blinds in your main living areas

  • If possible, clear windowsills so light can move freely — unless they’re home to happy little plants, in which case, let them be

  • Don’t worry if not every room feels perfect — we’ll focus only on the best-lit spaces

Often this means photographing in just one or two rooms, and that’s more than enough.

What to Wear

The goal is simple: comfortable, timeless, and true to you.

For humans:

  • Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully (think creams, warm grays, muted earth tones)

  • Light layers add texture without feeling fussy

  • Avoid busy patterns, logos, or bold graphics

  • Choose pieces you feel good moving and sitting in

For pups:

  • Clean collars or harnesses are perfect

  • A favorite sweater or cozy layer is a great option, especially if it already feels like them

  • Simple, well-loved accessories often photograph better than brand-new ones

This is meant to be just a guide — if you’re unsure, wearing what feels most like you is always a great choice.

Your Pup

Your pup doesn’t need to perform or behave perfectly — their personality is what matters most.

A few things to consider:

  • Try to give them some light exercise earlier that morning

  • Have a few favorite treats or toys nearby

  • Don’t stress about training or commands — curiosity, wiggles, and rest are all part of the story

Breaks are always welcome. We’ll follow your pup’s pace.

Your Space

Think tidy, not staged. Your home should still feel like your home.

Before the session:

  • Do a quick surface tidy in the rooms with the best light

  • Tuck away distracting clutter (remotes, bags, piles of mail)

  • Make beds or fluff pillows if that’s where we’ll photograph

You do not need to deep clean or rearrange furniture. A lived-in, loved space photographs beautifully.

What Not to Worry About

It’s completely normal to feel like you should have everything just right — but truly, these things don’t need your attention:

  • A perfectly clean house — a quick tidy is plenty

  • Your pup behaving a certain way — shy, playful, wiggly, or sleepy are all welcome

  • Matching outfits — coordination matters far less than comfort

  • Whether your home looks “photo-ready” — we’ll choose the spaces that work best

  • Knowing what to do in front of the camera — I’ll guide you when needed, and leave space when it matters more

If something feels a little imperfect, that’s often where the most meaningful moments live.

A Final Note

You don’t need to do any of this perfectly.

These sessions are about connection, quiet moments, and the way your life feels right now. The more you can let go and simply be, the more meaningful your images will be.

If questions come up as your session approaches, I’m always here to help.

I’m really looking forward to our session together and the moments we’ll create along the way with you and your pup.

— Jaime