And don’t underestimate spaces you already have access to. Your home office, your backyard, the coffee shop where you write your emails, or even the clubhouse at your apartment complex. If it’s somewhere you actually work or feel comfortable in, that can come through in your photos in a really genuine way. One major bonus to using your own space—or a place you have an “in” with—is that there’s no rental fee. That can free up part of your budget for other fun things like wardrobe, props, or professional hair and makeup. Sometimes it’s even a friend’s home that ends up being perfect. If they have a beautiful, on-brand space and are happy to let you borrow it for a bit, that can be a win.

 I know some clients hesitate to use their own homes because they don’t think it’s “photo worthy,” but don’t rule it out too quickly. It’s true that lived-in spaces can be trickier to work with, but if the colors and lighting are in the right ballpark, we can usually make it work. Often, it’s just a matter of clearing out or rearranging a few areas so that the parts we photograph feel clean and intentional. The rest of the house doesn’t have to be picture-perfect—just the parts in the frame. If you're unsure, feel free to send me a few quick photos of your space, and I’ll give you my honest thoughts on whether we can make it work for your shoot.