At-Home Lifestyle Photography

Hi,

I'm Lauren!

Winston-Salem family photographer casually poses for her brand photo.

Family Photographer

I am so excited to get to work with your family!  Thank YOU for choosing me to capture the love and joy of your family in a true and honest way.


This guide will serve as a way to prepare you for your motherhood documentary session.  It is my goal to make this a fun and enjoyable experience for you from beginning to end.  Please make sure you read it in its entirety - there are a lot of tips that will help ensure we capture the true joy and genuine love of your family.

The Experience


Beautiful chaos—that’s how I would describe motherhood, at least in this season with my 2-year-old and (almost) 6-year-old. Elle May Photography’s Motherhood Documentary Sessions are designed to capture the raw, authentic moments of motherhood—the beauty in both the challenges and the joys that come with the title “Mom.”



Before your session, we’ll choose one or two everyday moments to document. During our time together, I take a hands-off approach, letting you and your little ones interact naturally while I quietly observe, like a “fly on the wall.” My goal is to capture the magic of motherhood as it unfolds—real, unfiltered, and filled with love. The result? A collection of meaningful images that will transport you back to these fleeting moments for years to come.

Children playing on a slide with a white soaking tub in a bright interior room with a blue checkered rug.
A black and white photo shows an excited young child in shorts and a light shirt standing in a bright living room interior.

Whether you spend your days at home with your kids or balance motherhood with work outside the home, your story is worth documenting. This is about celebrating YOU, Mama.

Whether you spend your days at home with your kids or balance motherhood with work outside the home, your story is worth documenting. This is about celebrating YOU, Mama.

light

Natural and artificial light don’t mix well in photos. To create the best lighting conditions, please turn off all interior lights and open up blinds and curtains before I arrive—this helps maximize natural light and saves time.

Since I work exclusively with natural light, the weather plays a big role in your session. If the day turns out to be dark, overcast, or stormy, your home may not have enough natural light for the session. In that case, we may need to reschedule to ensure the best possible results.


Clothing

Because these sessions are documentary-style, I encourage you to dress as you would on a “normal” day. Coordinating outfits can create a timeless look, but don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and textures—what matters most is that you feel comfortable and like yourself.

Children stand barefoot on a farmhouse porch while someone opens the front door, with a floral planter nearby.
People enjoying a summer day relaxing on white farmhouse porch steps with rocking chairs and potted flowers.
A toddler in a yellow floral dress walks barefoot on a white wooden floor near white shelving in a bright room.

Location

The location of your photos will be based on the activity we’re documenting, but we’ll also want to consider spaces with the best natural light. If I notice a beautifully lit area in your home that fits naturally with the moment we’re capturing, we may move there.

To keep the focus on your connection with your little ones, I recommend doing a quick tidy-up in these spaces before I arrive. It doesn’t need to be spotless—we’re here to document the real, beautiful season of motherhood—but tucking away major clutter can help keep the images clean and timeless.


Setting The Mood

Set the tone for a relaxed and joyful session by playing your favorite music in the background. Make sure your little ones have had a snack, and turn off TVs and electronics at least 15 minutes before I arrive—this helps avoid any last-minute meltdowns.

Most importantly, have fun! Your kids will feed off your energy, so if you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment, they will be too.

A family gathers in a bright modern kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops and hardwood floors.
Children playing with a toy race track setup on the floor in black and white.

How would you like to celebrate your motherhood journey with your kids?


Think about the everyday moments that make this season special. Here are some ideas to inspire you:


  • A tea party with stuffed animals
  • A bubble bath
  • Bedtime stories and snuggles in bed
  • A kitchen dance party
  • Nursing your baby in the nursery
  • Morning routine and breakfast
  • Baking a special treat together
  • Building Legos or blocks
  • Watering flowers or tending to the garden


Whatever moments feel most meaningful to you, we’ll capture them in a way that reflects the love and connection in your family.

A tender moment of affection and cuddles shared between a parent and two young children on a cozy white sofa.

Need Some Inspiration?

Every motherhood story is unique -Let's capture YOURS!

To help spark ideas, I’ve put together a Pinterest board with inspiration photos. These aren’t meant to be copied, but rather to help you reflect on the moments with your kids that feel most meaningful to you in your home.

Browse the Inspiration Board
At-Home photographer smiles for her brand photos.

Questions?


The best way to reach me is by email or text.

If you have questions about wardrobe, timing, lighting, etc.

or need to reach me for any other reason,

please text me at 828-446-6110.


I can't wait to create magic in your home soon!


xo, Lauren