January 28, 2025
Sweet baby Walker’s session took place just before Christmas, and I loved incorporating the family’s festive Christmas tree into their photos. These Christmas family photos truly have my heart! While the day was super gloomy, we made the most of it, proving that cloudy days can still create stunning, cozy images!
One of the keys to beautiful photos – especially on overcast, cloudy days – is understanding how to work with natural light. Here are some tips I always keep in mind for sessions like Walker’s:
- Stick close to windows! The best light on a cloudy day comes from large windows. I plan sessions around those areas in your home.
- Plan for earlier in the day! Natural light tends to fade faster on gloomy days, so scheduling the session earlier ensures we capture as much soft, natural light as possible.
- Trust the process! Even on the cloudiest of days, the right angles and moments can bring a session to life.
Another part of lived-in sessions is getting comfortable with embracing your home as it is. Do you need to clean your entire home for lived-in photos? Absolutely not!
One of the biggest concerns I hear from families is whether they need to deep clean or tidy their entire house before a session. My answer? Absolutely not! This is a judgment-free zone, and trust me, my home is probably messier than yours!
Here’s the truth: I only need a tiny portion of your home to create magic. With just a bit of good window light, we can focus on what truly matters – your family’s love and connection… Not your home’s decor, darker spaces, or how spotless it is.
Before your session, I’ll do a virtual walkthrough of your home with you. This allows me to scout out the best spots with natural light and decide which rooms we’ll use during your session. And here’s the best part: I’ll let you know exactly which spaces we’ll be shooting in, so you can ignore all the other areas (or use them to tuck away any clutter).
Walker’s session is a perfect example of how beautiful and meaningful lived-in photos can be, no matter the weather or lighting challenges. It’s all about focusing on the connections and love your family shares – and maybe a festive Christmas tree, too!
So, if you’re worried about cloudy skies, your home’s lighting, or the state of your space, don’t stress! I’ve got you covered every step of the way. These Christmas family photos with the Harris family definitely tell the truth!
Nashville and Franklin, TN photographer capturing maternity, newborn, milestones, and families in lifestyle, natural light, and studio settings. Follow along @lindsayreedphotography and get in touch with Lindsay here.
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