You know those weekend mornings where everything just feels right? The kind where the coffee is hot, the kids are still in their pyjamas, and the kitchen somehow ends up looking like a flour explosion—but it doesn’t even matter because you’re all together? That’s exactly what this session with Tori, Matt, Jack, and Rynn felt like. A slow, sweet morning filled with tiny hands cracking eggs, stolen chocolate chips, and a little bit of joyful chaos.
There’s an undeniable comfort in being at home. It’s where your kids are most themselves, where they feel safe, where their little personalities shine. And when it comes to family photography, that comfort makes all the difference. The genuine moments—the giggles, the flour-covered noses, the way little hands reach up for a taste of cookie dough—those are the things you’ll want to remember years from now.
An in-home session isn’t about creating moments; it’s about capturing the ones that are already happening. And that’s exactly what made this session with Tori, Matt, Jack, and Rynn so special.
From the moment I walked in, I knew we were in for a good one. The kitchen hummed with activity—the soft clinking of measuring spoons against glass bowls, the rhythmic tap of eggs cracking, the sound of Jack giggling as he tried to sneak another handful of chocolate chips. The air smelled sweet, rich with vanilla and melting butter, curling into every corner of the house. Georgia, their dog, lingered hopefully nearby, waiting for any stray crumbs to fall her way.
Tori had mentioned in her pre-session form that their family loves slow mornings together—reading books, doing crafts, dancing around the kitchen, and sometimes even sneaking in a little homeschooling on the weekends. It’s when Matt, who works during the week, gets to be home and fully present with them! They love heading to the park, getting outside, and making the most of their time as a family. And, of course, baking together!
That rhythm was so present throughout the morning. It wasn’t just about baking cookies; it was about being together, creating something as a family, and embracing the little moments that make up childhood. Matt, who had warned me ahead of time that he can be a bit awkward in front of the camera, was fully in his element once we got going. The kids quickly shed themselves of their original shyness upon meeting me, and got pretty silly in the kitchen! They showed off their dancing skills, their books, and of course, their baking skills.
How to Plan Your Own In-Home Family Photography Session in Winnipeg
If you’ve been searching for a family photography in Winnipeg and wondering what an in-home session could look like, here’s the good news: you don’t have to do anything elaborate. The best sessions are the ones where your family gets to be you.
Here are a few tips for making the most of an in-home session:
1. Choose an Activity You Love
Baking, playing music, reading stories, making pancakes, building forts—whatever feels natural for your family is the perfect thing to do. It gives everyone something to focus on and keeps the session feeling effortless!
2. Don’t Worry About the Mess
Flour will end up on the floor. Chocolate chips will get eaten before they make it into the bowl. Clothes might get a little sticky. It’s all part of it. The magic is in the imperfections, so don’t stress about tidying up or making everything look ‘just right.’
3. Wear Something Comfortable
No need for fancy outfits! Stick to what you’d normally wear for a slow Sunday morning—cozy knits, soft tees, maybe even some pyjamas. Whatever makes you feel at home.
4. Let Your Kids Be Themselves
Some kids love the camera, some don’t. Some want to be in every photo, others are happier running off to play. Either way, I’ll work with them—there’s no right or wrong way for them to show up. The best part of leaning into this is being able to see your children’s personalities shine through in the photos afterwards!
5. Embrace the In-Between Moments
Sure, we’ll get some of those classic “everyone together” shots, but my favourite images? The ones where you forget the camera is there. The way your little one grabs onto your hand. The laughter between siblings. The quiet moments when you’re all just… existing together.
Why I Shoot Film for Winnipeg Family Sessions
This session wasn’t just digital—I also shot a roll of film! Because there’s something about film photography that just fits moments like these.
Film has this warmth, this nostalgia, this imperfect beauty that mirrors real life so well. There’s no instant preview, no endless retakes—it forces us all to slow down and be present. And when you get those scans back, they don’t just look like photos. They feel like memories.
The Keepsakes We Hold Onto
Before I packed up my camera bag to head out, Jack took some time to draw me my own keepsake —a small, colourful picture of our morning together!
And honestly? That’s exactly what photos are, too.
A way to hold onto the little things—the ones that don’t feel big at the time, but years from now, will mean everything.
If you’ve been looking for a documentary style family photographer to capture your family, as they are, doing what you love together, let’s make it happen! Because these are the good old days. 🤍
