Four Myths About Documentary Family Photography
If you are used to family photo sessions that are more portrait based, you might have certain expectations of how a photo session will go. Pose-Look-Smile-Cheese
Documentary Family Photography or Family Photojournalism captures real unposed authentic moments of your family.
Forget what you think you know, and get ready for a relaxed and fun family photo session. Here are some of the common myths about a Documentary Family Photo Session.
We are boring
Honestly, great! Life is fleeting. While the days may seem to drag, the years fly by. There is magic in even the quietest of moments. Whether you are snuggled on the couch or baking cookies. Having a “boring” afternoon isn’t boring at all. It is a moment, a brief, fleeting moment, that you and your family can come together and just be.
Your day doesn’t have to be filled with big moments to make it worth documenting.
It is taking a moment to be together and embracing the quiet.
My kids will act up
Honestly, embrace the chaos! I want your kids and you to be who they truly are. That means honoring whatever your kids bring to our session. I’m going to let your kids be kids, to let them act organically to each situation that presents itself, and I will let you parent if need be.
Embracing those moments of chaos usually leads to some pretty spectacular photos.
My husband will not want to participate.
Honestly, I bet he does. When your husband finds out that he doesn’t have to put on a fake smile, when he finds out that he doesn’t have to perform, and when he finds out he just gets to hang out with his beautiful wife and amazing kids, I bet he participates.
Documentary photography takes all the stress out of a photo session.
Let's pick an activity that your family enjoys and let your family just be. Not only will he participate, but I bet he will encourage others to participate as well!
We have to perform
Honestly, unless you are putting on a play, no, you don’t. One of the most significant differences between documentary photography and lifestyle portrait photography is the posing or, rather, the lack thereof.
There will be no forced smiles and cheesy poses.
I don’t direct anyone to look at the camera, I don’t place anyone in a certain area, and I don’t ask anyone in your family to do something they don’t want to do. I simply am a chatty fly on the wall that may or may not have a cup of coffee close by.
I understand that life is exhausting and hilarious, messy and glorious all at the same time. I encourage you to embrace the madness. Rather than be stressed about everyone looking perfect and performing, let’s slow down and find the magic you and your family are making. Documentary family photography creates the space to do just that. No performing and no pressure. Just you and your family.