Your In-Home Session: Ten Activities to Keep you Busy!

Ten Fun Activities for Families During an In-Home Session with Meg Mosher Photography

With the winter months just around the corner, I’m looking forward to all things cozy, comfy, and indoors! As the temperature drops below 40, many photographers go into hibernation until May. But not this year! This year I’m encouraging you to go indoors and bring me with you! Our homes are the most underrated location for photos! Not only are we the most comfortable in our homes, but they help tell our story. At any given moment in time, your home reflects where you are in life. And that is precisely why you NEED to have family photos taken in your home. But what will we do in our home, you might ask. Well, I’ve got you covered with 10 FUN activities for your in-home session this winter!

Baking Together

There’s something so cozy and genuine about capturing a family in the kitchen. And as a mom to four, I know how much kids like to help out in the kitchen! So let’s get together and make some cookies, bake some bread, or maybe pancakes are on the menu. Little hands covered in flour, Dad sneaking a taste of the cookie dough; these photos are sure to be some of your favorites!

During an in-home session, a family bakes bread together. The little girl on the counter with mom and dad watching with pride behind her. Mom is holding baby brother in a sling.

During an in-home session, a little girl cracks an egg with the help of her mother who is also holding her little brother. The family is spending time together and baking bread together.

 

Reading Books During Your In-home Session

Snuggling up on the couch or in a nursery with a favorite book creates calm, intimate moments that feel timeless. Your child’s curious gaze at the pictures, everyone piled under a blanket, worn out books stacked by the bed – makes for beautiful storytelling images. It’s all about slowing down and photographing those everyday rituals that mean the most.

Little girl reads a book on her window sill. Mom and Dad and baby sister are also in bedroom.

In-Home Make Believe

Let their imaginations lead the way! Whether it’s a pirate adventure, a princess tea party, or superheroes saving the day, make-believe play is where kids’ personalities truly shine. These moments bring laughter, energy, and joy into your session — and the photos radiate authentic childhood magic.

During their in-home session, two young children pretend to put makeup on their Grandma. They are playing pretend.

Jumping on the Bed

End your session with some carefree fun! There’s nothing like the joy of kids bouncing on the bed, hair flying and laughter echoing through the room. It’s spontaneous, a little chaotic, and completely perfect — the kind of playful energy that captures the heart of family life.

During her in-home session, a little girl jumps on her bed while her mother and father look on.

In-Home Session Crafting, Coloring, or Painting

Break out the paints, markers, or scissors and glue — crafts are the best way to get creative together! Whether you’re making paper crowns, painting handprints, or cutting out snowflakes, it’s all about connection and laughter. The focus isn’t on perfection — it’s about the messy hands, the proud smiles, and the little moments of teamwork that make for genuine photos.

Family gathers around the kitchen table to make gingerbread houses a couple of days before Christmas. Everyone has a fun time and it is festive and jolly.

Building with Legos or Magnatiles

Building together always brings out those sweet, focused faces and bursts of imagination. Stack towers, create a city, or build something totally wild — there’s no wrong way to play.

Family builds with magnatiles on the floor of the living room.

Put Together a Puzzle

Puzzles are calm, cozy, and full of connection. Gather around the table or spread out on the floor, searching for that next piece together. The quiet teamwork, little victories, and shared smiles make for beautifully authentic moments that show the heart of family life.

Extended family puts together a puzzle during the holidays.

 

Hold an In-Home Session Dance Party!

Turn up your favorite playlist and let loose! Dance parties are pure joy — twirls in the living room, giggles mid-spin, and little ones showing off their best moves. It’s all about capturing that carefree energy and the way your family truly comes alive together.

Three generational dance party to the Elsa soundtrack! Everyone has fun during this activity at the in-home session.

Cuddle Time at Your In-home Session

In our home, my four year old regularly requests “cuddle time”. It means “Mom, stop what you’re doing, sit down on the couch, and hug me”. She’s not going to fit on my lap forever, so as much as I can, I give into her request! During your in-home session we’ll slow things down and soak up the quiet moments as well as the crazy ones. Curl up on the couch, pile onto the bed, or wrap up in a cozy blanket — however it feels most natural. These cuddly, in-between moments often end up being the most meaningful photos from your session.

Cuddle time for the whole family (including the family dog!) on the couch during this in-home session!

Make a Mess!

Let go of perfection — sometimes the best photos come from a little chaos! Whether it’s flour on your nose while baking, toys scattered across the floor, or paint smudges on tiny fingers, that beautiful, real-life mess tells your story perfectly. Embrace it — it’s part of the magic.

When all else fails, let the kids make a mess!

 

 

Meg Mosher is a Photographer specializing in newborn, family, and documentary photography.  She lives in Guilderland with her husband, four young children and golden retriever who have all been subjects of her lens for far too long.  Meg is now booking 2026 newborn and family sessions.  Meg serves Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy and the entire Capital Region.  She also services the Hudson Valley.  Contact Meg here or email her at meg@megmosher.com to book your session today.

I'm Meg, an Albany-area family and newborn photographer providing artistic, authentic photography for families who love each other fiercely. 

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