Help, my house is messy! Can we still do photos at home?
If you’ve ever thought “I’d love family photos at home… but my house is a mess”, you’re not alone.
As a family photographer in Dublin, I know that many parents worry about having a small or messy home. The good news? It doesn’t stop you from having beautiful, natural photos! My approach to small and messy home family photos in Dublin focuses on capturing the real moments that matter, and the joy of everyday life.
This is, without a doubt, the number one worry parents share with me before an in-home family photo session.
Toys everywhere. Dishes in the sink. Laundry waiting to be folded. Crumbs on the table.
And often, a quiet fear: “Will my home be good enough?”
Let me tell you this first, gently, honestly, and without hesitation:
yes, absolutely, you can have a photo session in a small / lived in home.
Chances are, your home is much less messy than you think. Social media has trained us to only see the “good angles,” which can distort our expectations of real life. And honestly, a lived-in home makes perfect sense: it’s a sign of a family in motion. What matters most are the bonds, the affection, and the light, which I carefully use to bring those moments to the forefront.
“I was worried about the house mess…”
One mum told me afterwards that she had almost cancelled because she felt embarrassed about the state of her home.
Another shared that she was anxious the whole morning, apologising for the mess as soon as I walked in.
Yet later, she wrote:
“She was kind to us regarding my worries with the house mess… and the result brought tears to us.”
What parents see as mess, I see as life happening.
And that’s exactly what makes your photos meaningful.
Read more: Why documentary family sessions are ideal for busy parents
What I really look for in your home
When I arrive for an in-home session, I’m not scanning your shelves for dust or judging your floors.
I’m looking for:
- the way your child curls up next to you on the sofa
- the small hands reaching for a snack
- the joy and laughter during everyday moments
- the calm (or happy chaos) that makes your family who they are
One Mama described it perfectly:
“It felt like we were just living our day to day and it felt so natural.”
That’s the goal. Always.
Read more: What to expect during your Dublin family photo session
Real homes create the most powerful memories
Some of the most emotional feedback I receive comes from families who were convinced their home wasn’t “photo-ready”.
And yet…
“Before we knew it, we were so relaxed that we forgot about the camera entirely and just enjoyed a lovely afternoon together.”
“The photos exceeded expectations… we were blown away when we received the gallery.”
A lived-in home allows everyone — kids and parents — to relax.
No pressure to perform. No unfamiliar space and absolutely no awkward “say cheese”.
Just you, together, in your safe place.
No worries if your home is small!
Even if your home is on the cozier side, it’s perfect for a family photo session.
Small spaces actually make the photos feel intimate and warm. Professional photography studios are often small rooms too, and they work beautifully, so why wouldn’t your home?
What really matters isn’t how big your home is, it’s what you do and the bonds you share. A tiny kitchen? No problem! If you can bake cookies together, share a cup of tea, or play a little game on the floor, that’s all the space you need for beautiful, meaningful photos.
I’ve photographed families in really tiny homes before, and it works wonderfully. The focus is always on laughter, hugs, and those special little rituals that make your family unique.
Read more: Documentary at home: fun family activities for your next photo session
“Aurélie genuinely feels like part of the family. She slips into every situation as if she’s always been there, which makes everyone feel completely at ease. You forget about posing altogether, everything just unfolds naturally. I love it.”
– Claire
Your children won’t remember the mess, they will remember how it felt to be carefree
One parent shared something that stayed with me:
“My 3-year-old still speaks to this day about ‘the lady that came to take pictures in our house’.”
You know why? Because we had fun!
Your children won’t look back at these photos and notice the laundry basket or the toys on the floor. Kids never mind that you are behind on folding the clean clothes, it doesn’t matter to them. They live for the fun, the excitement, the happy moments with their loved ones. They remember that we were there, with them.
What they’ll remember:
- how safe they felt
- how close you were
- how their home looked during those early years, as a whole: their bed, their favourite cup, the kitchen table.
That’s priceless.
A documentary family photo session is never about perfect homes, but about honest moments.
I work in a very natural, documentary way.
Many parents tell me the same thing afterwards:
“We forgot about the camera so all pictures look very natural.”
“It was all so easy and relaxed.”
“It brought a tear to our eye.”
Because when you remove the pressure to have a perfect home, you make space for real bonds.
Read more: Tips to help your family feel comfortable during a photo shoot
Thinking about an in-home family session?
If your only hesitation is “my house is messy”, please know this:
your home is already enough.
If you’d like to chat about your space, your worries, or simply be reassured, you can always reach out.
I’m happy to talk it through, no judgement, ever. Hey, after all, I’m a Mama, too. I know a thing or two about a real family home 🙂
Because the most beautiful photos don’t come from perfect houses.
They come from real families, living their real lives full of love and chaos, together.
Read more: Documentary family photography vs lifestyle: what’s the difference?
And in the end, it won’t even show, I promise!
Don’t worry about the little messes around the house: they really won’t show up in the photos! Dust on the shelves, toys on the floor, a little clutter here and there… none of that matters.
Kids don’t care, and I don’t either!
What truly counts are the moments you share: giggles, cuddles, and the tiny everyday joys that make your family yours.
With professional cameras and depth of field, the background naturally blurs, letting all those small distractions fade away while the real magic ( cuddles, love, and laughter ) stays beautifully in focus. These photos aren’t just for today; they’re a little heirloom for your children, full of the moments they’ll treasure forever.
If this is something you’re worried about, I also share gentle, realistic tips in my guide on how to prepare your home for a family photo session
Ready to capture your family, mess and all?
Still hesitating because of the mess? You’re exactly the kind of family I work with.
Don’t let toys on the floor or a little chaos stop you from making memories.
Send me a message today, and let’s plan a session that feels relaxed, fun, and totally true to your life. Your loving home, your family, your moments: let’s make them last forever.
