Making the Most of Indoor Portrait Sessions
As a photographer who's spent over two decades capturing families throughout the Metro Vancouver area, I've come to appreciate the unique magic that happens during indoor portrait sessions. While many of us naturally gravitate toward outdoor photography—especially here in beautiful British Columbia, where we're surrounded by stunning landscapes—indoor sessions offer their own special charm and countless creative possibilities.
Whether it's the unpredictable West Coast weather that brings you indoors, the comfort of being in a controlled environment, or simply the desire for a different aesthetic, indoor portrait sessions can produce stunning results. After photographing countless families in my Port Coquitlam studio and various indoor locations, I've gathered some insights that I'd love to share with you on making these sessions truly memorable.
Why Choose Indoor Portrait Sessions?
Let's be honest—Vancouver weather doesn't always cooperate with our photography plans! I can't count the number of times I've had outdoor sessions planned only to wake up to that familiar Pacific Northwest drizzle. But here's the thing: indoor sessions aren't just a backup plan. They're an opportunity to create something wonderfully different.
Indoor sessions offer complete control over lighting, temperature, and timing. There's no worrying about harsh midday sun, unexpected wind messing up carefully styled hair, or little ones getting cold during winter sessions. For families with young children or newborns, this controlled environment can be a game-changer. I've found that toddlers often feel more relaxed and cooperative when they're warm and comfortable, which naturally leads to more genuine smiles and interactions.
The intimacy of indoor spaces also creates a different emotional quality in portraits. There's something about being in a cozy, enclosed space that encourages families to huddle closer together, creating naturally affectionate compositions that might feel forced in a wide-open outdoor setting.
Preparing for Your Indoor Session
The key to a successful indoor portrait session starts long before you arrive at the studio or location. Preparation is everything, and a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring beautiful results.
When it comes to wardrobe choices, indoor sessions offer more flexibility than outdoor ones. Without having to worry about grass stains or weather-appropriate clothing, you can focus purely on what looks best and makes you feel confident. I always recommend choosing outfits that complement rather than match exactly. Think coordinating colors and textures rather than everyone in the same shade of blue. Layers work wonderfully indoors—cardigans, blazers, scarves—as they add visual interest and can be easily adjusted to create variety in your portraits.
Consider the color palette of the indoor space where you'll be photographed. In my studio, I have both neutral and colored backdrops available, but if you're doing an in-home session, take a look at your wall colors and furniture. Jewel tones photograph beautifully against neutral backgrounds, while softer pastels can create a dreamy, ethereal feel.
Don't forget about the details! Indoor sessions highlight accessories more than outdoor ones where the natural environment often provides the visual interest. A special piece of jewelry, a beloved toy for children, or even fresh flowers can add meaningful touches to your portraits.
Working with Natural and Artificial Light
One of the biggest advantages of indoor portrait sessions is the ability to work with consistent, controllable lighting. In my studio, I use a combination of natural window light and professional lighting equipment to create exactly the mood we're after.
Natural window light is absolutely magical for portraits—it's soft, flattering, and creates beautiful catchlights in the eyes. If you're doing an in-home session, I always scout for the best windows beforehand. North-facing windows provide the most consistent, diffused light throughout the day, while east or west-facing windows can create dramatic effects during golden hour.
But here's where indoor sessions really shine: we're not limited to natural light. Professional studio lighting allows us to create any mood or style you can imagine. Want dramatic, magazine-style portraits? We can do that. Prefer soft, dreamy images that look like they're bathed in morning light? That's possible too, even at 7 PM on a December evening!
Creating Variety in Your Indoor Session
One concern I often hear about indoor sessions is that they might feel repetitive or limited. Let me put that worry to rest! Indoor sessions can be incredibly diverse and dynamic. In a single session, we can create multiple looks just by adjusting lighting, changing backdrops, or moving to different areas of the space.
In my studio, I love incorporating different textures and props to add variety. We might start with classic portraits against a simple backdrop, then move to a more lifestyle setup with furniture pieces, and finish with some fun, candid shots using props or activities. For family sessions, I keep a selection of beautiful books, vintage toys, and seasonal decorations that can transform the entire feel of your portraits.
Movement and interaction are just as important indoors as they are outside. We're not confined to stiff, formal poses just because we're in a studio. Some of my favorite indoor portraits capture families playing together, parents tossing toddlers in the air (safely, with high ceilings!), or quiet moments of connection like reading a story together.
The Perfect Occasions for Indoor Sessions
While any portrait session can work beautifully indoors, certain occasions particularly lend themselves to the indoor setting. Newborn sessions are almost always best done indoors, where we can maintain a warm temperature and have all the necessary props and safety equipment at hand.
Holiday portraits are another perfect fit for indoor sessions. Every year, families flock to my studio for Christmas mini sessions, where we create a festive atmosphere complete with twinkling lights, cozy textures, and seasonal decorations. The controlled environment means everyone stays comfortable in their holiday finest, and we don't have to worry about December weather!
Professional headshots and branding sessions also benefit from the consistency and control of indoor settings. When you need to project a specific professional image, the ability to fine-tune every aspect of the lighting and background becomes invaluable.
Making Memories, Whatever the Weather
After all these years of photographing families, I've learned that the most important element of any portrait session isn't the location—it's the connections between the people in front of my lens. Indoor sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to focus entirely on these connections without any distractions from the environment.
Some of my most treasured photographs from recent sessions have been captured indoors: a grandmother meeting her newest grandchild for the first time, siblings giggling during a tickle fight on the studio floor, a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary with the same tender looks they probably shared on their wedding day.
Indoor portrait sessions offer endless possibilities for creating beautiful, meaningful images that you'll treasure for generations. Whether you choose a professional studio setting or the comfort of your own home, these sessions provide the perfect opportunity to capture your family's unique personality and the love you share.
Ready to book your indoor portrait session? I'd love to chat about your vision and help create portraits that celebrate this stage of your family's journey. Because every stage of life is worth capturing and cherishing—rain or shine, indoors or out!
Photos by Cheryl specializes in family photography, newborns, weddings, and professional headshots. Based in Port Coquitlam, BC, Cheryl serves the entire Metro Vancouver area. Contact us today at 604-644-4194 to book your indoor portrait session.
