I think most families don’t look for documentary photographers for one reason: they don’t even know it’s an option.
Even most of you, who were curious enough to click a link about it, are probably thinking, “What does this even mean? Documentary family photography?”
The logistics of a shoot are quite simple. I come to your house and I follow you around while you do things with your family. It’s really that easy.
I offer options: 1-hour, 4-hour, and 12-hour sessions. It has become abundantly clear to me that the longer I’m with a family, the better the photos become, but more on that later.
A documentary session just means I’m not going to tell you what to do. I’m not there for a “shoot.” I’m there to record the rhythm of your life.
Think about all your daily routines as a family. They are so ingrained into your schedule that you probably don’t even classify them as activities anymore.
Your kids wake up or maybe wake you up. You probably feed them at some point and maybe put some clothes on them (or pajamas all the way … no judgement here!). Maybe you make coffee together or sing a toothbrushing song or watch the birds out the window or feed the dog/cat/rabbit/iguana. Maybe you go to a coffeeshop or get brunch as a family every Saturday.
I’m sure you have little patterns that developed without anyone noticing. But these are so noteworthy and so important. Those patterns are what make children look back on their lives and remember how much they were loved. They know it because you took the time with them every morning to do what you do, together.
My mom used to come into my room almost every morning when I was little and sing a song and literally dance at the foot of my bed. I never woke up without a smile on my face. What I would give to have a photo of her doing that!
Now mentally scroll through the rest of your day with your children and spouse. Think of all the conversations and interactions … The eye roll at the terrible jokes. The dancing in the car. The tenderness when your squirmiest kid puts her head on your shoulder for .5 seconds.
Do you have any photos of these moments? Those patterns?
Documentary family photography is for those moments. I come to your home and document the love, sass, patterns, dysfunction, and grace within it.
This is as simple as it comes. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions about these sessions. Obviously, I’m happy to talk about it any and all the time!
