Why Winter Is Ideal for In-Home Family Sessions

In-home Zug family photo sessions give you a relaxed, stress-free way to capture your family this winter—no bundling up the kids, no racing against the weather, no meltdowns in the cold.

Here’s what I’ve learned after photographing families for years: some of the most beautiful, heartfelt images happen right at home. On the couch. In the kitchen. With messy hair and cozy socks.

When Swiss winter arrives and the days get shorter, your home becomes the perfect backdrop. It’s warm. It’s familiar. And your kids can just be kids while I capture the real moments—the giggles, the cuddles, the chaos you’ll want to remember.

This isn’t about having a picture-perfect house. It’s about capturing your family exactly as you are right now, in the place where your everyday magic happens.

Quick recap:

• In-home family photo sessions let you skip the cold and capture real, relaxed moments right where your family feels most comfortable.
• Swiss winter light streaming through your windows creates soft, beautiful images you’ll treasure forever.
• Sessions last 45 minutes. Perfect time for everyone (even little ones) to relax and be themselves.
• Your home tells your family’s story. These photos will bring back not just faces, but feelings.
• Perfect for newborns, toddlers, and busy families who want gorgeous photos without the stress.

What Is an In-Home Family Photography Session?

An in-home session is exactly what it sounds like—I come to your home, and we spend time together while I photograph your family in your own space.

We might hang out in the living room, make hot chocolate in the kitchen, read stories in the kids’ bedroom, or just snuggle on the couch. I use the natural light from your windows (trust me, it’s beautiful) to create images that feel warm, intimate, and timeless.

There’s no studio. No awkward posing. Just your family being yourselves while I capture the connection between you.

I’ll gently guide you through moments, but I never force stiff poses. My style is relaxed and documentary—I’m there to notice the little things and preserve them for you.

Five Reasons Families in Zug and Zurich Love Winter In-Home Sessions

So why do so many of my families choose to stay cozy indoors for their winter photos? Here’s what they tell me:

1. No Weather Worries

Snow? Rain? Freezing wind? Doesn’t matter. You’re warm and comfortable at home. No rushing to catch the light before someone gets cold. No toddler meltdowns because tiny fingers are frozen. Just easy, relaxed vibes from start to finish.

2. Everyone Relaxes Faster

I see it every single time—kids (and parents!) settle in so much quicker at home. Your little ones can run around, grab their favorite toys, and forget I’m even there. That’s when the real magic happens. When everyone stops “trying” and just lives, the photos come alive.

3. Your Home Is Part of Your Story

That well-loved couch. The breakfast nook where you share Saturday pancakes. The corner where toys are always scattered. These details matter. Years from now, you won’t just see your children’s faces in these photos—you’ll feel this chapter of your life all over again.

4. The Light Is Absolutely Gorgeous

Here’s a little secret: Swiss winter light is stunning for photography. The soft, diffused daylight that filters through your windows creates this beautiful, painterly glow. It’s gentle, flattering, and makes everyone look naturally radiant. No harsh shadows, no squinting—just lovely, warm images.

5. It’s So Much Easier with Little Ones

If you have a newborn, a toddler, or a houseful of kids under five, you already know how exhausting it is to get everyone out the door. With an in-home session, you don’t have to pack the diaper bag, time it around naps, or worry about anyone getting hungry mid-session. Everything you need is right there. You can even stay in pajamas if you want (seriously, some of my favorite sessions have been in PJs).

What to Expect When I Arrive

Every family is different, so every session looks a little different too. But here’s the general flow:

When I’ll arrive: I usually show up mid-morning, somewhere between 9:00 and 10:30 AM. That’s when the natural light in most Swiss homes is at its softest and most beautiful.

How long we’ll spend together: Plan for 45 minutes. That gives us plenty of time to move through a few rooms, try different activities, and let everyone (especially the kids) warm up to the camera.

What we’ll do: Whatever feels natural for your family! We might bake cookies, play a board game, read bedtime stories, jump on the bed, or just cuddle up together. I’ll suggest ideas and gently guide you, but there’s no script. We go where the moment takes us.

How I work: I’m quiet, observant, and I move with your family’s rhythm. I’m not going to ask you to say “cheese” or hold an awkward pose. I want to capture how you actually feel together—and that only happens when everyone feels comfortable.

How to Prepare (Spoiler: It’s Easy)

I know what you’re thinking: “But my house isn’t Instagram-perfect!”

Good news—it doesn’t need to be. At all.

Here’s all I ask:

Tidy up one or two spaces. Pick the rooms where you spend the most time and do a quick declutter. I’m talking 10-minute tidy, not deep clean.

Open the curtains. Let that beautiful natural light pour in. The more light, the better.

Leave the personality. Kids’ artwork on the fridge? Keep it. Favorite stuffed animals? Yes, please. These details make your photos yours.

Don’t stress about perfection. A lived-in home is a loved home. I’m not here to photograph a showroom—I’m here to photograph your family. The mess, the chaos, the love. That’s the good stuff.

Most importantly? Just show up as you are. Be present. Snuggle your kids. Laugh. Play. I’ll take care of the rest.

You can also read more here: https://maryfernandezstudio.com/in-home-family-photos-zug-guide/

Where I Photograph Families

I’m based in Zug, but I make regular trips Zug and Zurich areas.

In Canton Zug: Zug city, Baar, Cham, Steinhausen, Rotkreuz, and surrounding areas.

In Canton Zurich: Zurich city, Winterthur, Horgen, Thalwil, Küsnacht, Zollikon, and nearby communities.

Whether you’re in the heart of the city or a quieter village nearby, I’d love to come to you.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” for family photos, let me tell you—there’s no perfect moment. Your kids are only this little right now. Your home looks exactly like this only in this season. This is the moment worth capturing.

Winter is actually one of my favorite times for in-home sessions. There’s something so special about the cozy, slowed-down feeling of these months—and your photos will reflect that warmth.

Ready to book your session?

I’d love to hear about your family and chat about what you’re envisioning. Let’s create photos that feel like you—relaxed, real, and full of heart.

Book Your In-Home Session in Zug or Zurich

Because the most beautiful family moments don’t need a fancy location. They just need the people you love—right at home

About Me

Hi! I’m Mary, a family and brand photographer based in Zug and Porto, with a special love for working with international families in Switzerland.

I know what it’s like to live far from extended family and want to document these precious years. That’s why I’m passionate about creating images that feel authentic, warm, and deeply personal—photos you’ll actually want to hang on your walls and share with grandparents across the ocean.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll probably find me exploring new corners of any city I’m visiting, eating sushi or watching movies!

I can’t wait to meet your family.

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