February 8, 2025
Let’s talk camera settings for in-home photography!
Shooting inside a home comes with its own unique challenges—unpredictable lighting, constant movement (especially with kids!), and the need to make quick adjustments on the fly. But that’s also what makes it so fun!
My settings aren’t set in stone—they shift constantly based on the available light, movement, and the feeling I want to capture. That said, I do have a baseline I lean on to keep my images looking consistent and intentional.
These settings help me create images like I want them, without overcomplicating things.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how I approach in-home sessions, here’s a peek behind the camera!
Shutter Speed: Keep It Sharp (Unless You Want Motion Blur!)
My golden rule for shutter speed? 1/250 or higher. This keeps things sharp and ensures I don’t lose any precious moments to motion blur—especially when kids are running, jumping, or wiggling around (which is basically always). I’m don’t have the steadiest hands, if you’re steady, you could go slightly lower.
That said, I do drop my shutter speed in two situations:
+ When I want to incorporate intentional motion blur—like a gentle movement of hair, a child twirling, or a soft, dreamy effect that adds to the story.
+ When the scene is still and I need to let in more light—think cozy cuddles on the couch, a parent rocking their baby, or a quiet detail shot – if no one is moving, then I can drop if I have to.
But most of the time, I like to keep things sharp and crisp. Moments happen fast, and I don’t want to miss them!
Aperture: Wide Open for Emotion & Connection
I love shooting wide open, usually between f/1.4 and f/2.2. This is a creative choice that helps me:
+ Draw focus to emotion and connection – By keeping my subjects in focus and softly blurring the background, I bring attention to the most important part of the image: the people and their interactions.
+ Maximize the available light – Indoors, you don’t always have the luxury of perfect lighting, so a lower f-stop helps make the most of what’s there.
+ Create a dreamy, natural look – That beautiful background blur? That’s all thanks to a wide aperture, and it makes images feel soft, intimate, and full of depth.
Of course, there are times when I stop down to f/2.8 or higher— But in general, shooting wide open helps me create the intimate, love-filled images I’m known for.
ISO: EMBRACE THE GRAIN!!
Now, let’s talk ISO—because I know a lot of photographers hesitate to push it too high. But here’s the truth: high ISO is your best friend indoors.
I’d rather crank up my ISO and get a well-exposed image in-camera than try to fix an underexposed shot in post. Underexposure leads to muddy shadows, weird color casts, and way more noticeable noise when you try to brighten the image later.
And honestly? I love grain. It adds texture, a film-like quality, and a sense of nostalgia. I never stress about noise while I’m shooting. If there’s ever too much, that’s what Lightroom Denoise is for!
So if you’ve been afraid of high ISO, let this be your sign to let go of that fear. Noise is manageable—but a blurry or dark image isn’t!
Your Settings Should Serve the Moment
At the end of the day, settings are just a tool. There’s no one “perfect” formula because every home, every session, and every moment is different. The key is to adjust based on the environment and the feeling you want to capture.
Here’s how I think about it:
A lower aperture (f/1.4 – f/2.2) gives you that beautiful blur and dreamy depth.
A higher shutter speed (1/250 or more) freezes action and keeps things sharp.
A high ISO? It’s just a number—use it to get the exposure you need.
You don’t have to follow rigid rules. Instead, let the light, movement, and emotion guide you. It’s not about perfect technical settings—it’s about creating images that feel real, alive, and full of connection.
Want to Dive Deeper Into Shooting In-Home?
Camera settings are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to in-home photography. To truly capture the magic of a family’s space—the light, the textures, the feeling of home—you need to know how to see the light and use it intentionally.
That’s exactly what my new guide, HOME – Your Guide to Meaningful In-Home Lifestyle Photography, is all about!
Inside, you’ll learn:
+ How to find and use light in any home
+ How to adjust your approach based on different spaces
+ How to create images that feel warm, natural, and filled with connection
If you’re ready to level up your in-home sessions, check out the HOME guide here!
And as always, I’d love to hear from you – what’s your go-to approach for in-home sessions? Do you embrace high ISO, or does it still make you nervous? Drop a comment below!
