Studio Ostendo operates in multiple creative fields including photography, design, and education.
Couples tell me all the time that their favorite place to be is at home together. If that sounds like you, choosing to do your engagement photos at home might be the perfect option! As a photographer in the amazing state of Idaho, stunning outdoor scenery is easy to come by, but my first choice for couples is always that they pick a location or activity for their engagement photos that is personal and true to them.
If you’re thinking about having your engagement photos done at your home, here are a few things to consider:
Most professional photographers should be able to photograph your engagement session in any lighting scenario. Make sure your photographer is comfortable with different types of light and photographing in small spaces (if that applies to your home).
Your engagement photos at home will turn out amazing if you are vulnerable and show up confident to your session. While most couples are nervous in front of the camera, choosing an at home engagement session does require some vulnerability. You’re letting the photographer (and everyone who sees your photographs) into your home. Be yourself, but also prepare yourself for some intimate moments in front of the camera.
It’s easy to look on Pinterest or social media and see trendy poses for engagement photos at home. Consider a few activities that you would normally do at home with your partner. Do things your own way. If your house is usually a little messy, it’s okay if it appears that way in photos. Often, the point of doing photos at home is to capture your relationship in a place that means something to you. If you change everything about it or it seems wildly unrealistic in the moment, chances are your photos will always feel that way to you.
If you decide that at home engagement photos are the way to go, here are some tips for amazing engagement photos at home:
As a photographer, one of the first things I ask clients who want photographs taken at home is about the light in their home. Does your home have beautiful morning light streaming in the windows or bright afternoon sun? Are certain rooms brighter than others? Is your whole house pretty dark? Observe the light in your home so you can work with your photographer to choose the best time of day for the light you’re going for.
Some couples choose to dress up for engagement photos, but I always love when couples wear something comfortable for engagement photos at home. It often makes more sense with the vibe of a home session to wear something you would in everyday life. Still choose outfits that flatter your features and make you look your best.
Sometimes silence can be uncomfortable, especially if you already feel a little nervous in front of the camera. Play some music in your home that you love during your session to help it feel more casual and like everyday life.
Before your session, brainstorm with your partner and photographer some activities that you can incorporate into your shoot at home. Think about the things you love doing at home with your partner, even if they are everyday activities. Do you love watering your garden or cooking dinner together? Do you play cards often or snuggle up to watch movies? Do you hang out with your pets or make mixed drinks? Lifestyle photographers can tell stories through photographs in almost any situation, and it’s fun to include things you love doing in your session.
Feeling inspired to have engagement photos at home? Here are some photos to help get you thinking about your session.
I photographed lifestyle photos at home for this couple in Boise who was planning to move into a new home soon. They loved the years they spent in their first home together and wanted to capture some memories of them in different spots around the house, doing things they loved together. They got engaged while living in this home, got married while living there, brough their fur babies home to this place. This year they planted their first garden together. Walking through their home was like being invited into the deep parts of their story—seeing the trinkets they’ve accumulated that remind them of places they visit, the polaroids of adventures together. Before I left at the end of the session I asked if they had anything else going on that day. Dawson said, “Yeah, we’re getting tattoos later.” Everything about this session was 100% them, exactly the way it should be for a session at home.
Photographed on 35mm film and digital
Film scanned by Photovision
I’m Becky, a lifestyle photographer in Idaho where I live with my husband and son. Each time I pick up my mom’s old film camera to snap a photo of my boys or grab a phone photo of a mundane moment with my son makes me a better photographer for my clients. As an artist I’m not only creating my favorite work with clients. Day in and day out, I’m capturing the things in my own life worth remembering—the stories I’ll be retelling for years—and I’d love to do that for you.
I love photographing those who cherish art, story, and relationship. There is beauty in being human and I love working with couples who show up in front of the camera as they are. Get to know more about me or reach out via my website to chat more about engagement photos or a lifestyle session with me.
Studio Ostendo, Co. | Lifestyle Photographer in Boise, ID
Wedding photography is my heartbeat. For me, it holds the perfect tension between creativity and authenticity, observation and connection. In front of my camera clients transform to friends, and behind it you'll usually find me tearing up, cheering you on, or holding my breath because of the raw goodness of the moment at hand.
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