What even is documentary family photography?
Unposed, reportage, unscripted, candid, but way better than just ‘natural’... it means photographing real everyday family life.
That means no posing or having to sit still or be on your best behaviour for someone else.
It’s a form of photojournalism, which means photographs that document life as it is without being directed, posed or set up.
It means letting go a little bit and allowing someone to capture those meaningful everyday real life moments; embracing chaos, humour and playfulness. This is what being yourselves in your photos is all about. Sometimes real life is messy and sometimes, well most of the time, it’s imperfect. Documentary family photographs celebrate that, and you!
Real life is more than good enough to be photographed - the everyday can be beautiful and artful. It’s this that will come to mean the most; to you, and to the kids who think your family life looks great just the way it is.
“A freeze frame of our lives at that moment in time.”
Is it a new thing?
I still remember the moment many years ago when I realised that documentary was an established genre, especially in the States, where my first mentor was based.
It’s a growing genre in the UK. A Google image search for family photography will usually show you what photographers call lifestyle photography - posed, pretty and happy images in fields. There’s nothing wrong with that (and there’s always time for a natural family portrait in a documentary session) but your family album doesn’t have to look like that - it can look like you.
Wedding photography for a long time now has included plenty of reportage footage - behind the scenes style shots of getting ready and lots of candid moments from the day. You can think of documentary family photography as that kind of thing but without the wedding stuff - your everyday rather than your big day.
But how do I know what to do? Will it feel weird?
We talk beforehand, so everyone will know what to expect on the day and we figure out what type of activities, locations or moments will mean the most to you in photographs later on. Shorter sessions focus around an activity or two, while longer sessions unfold naturally as the day goes on. I simply join in or chat to you all, so you don’t even notice the camera all that much. I can even turn the clicks off.
It’s very common to have a documentary photo session at home, or at least to start off there.
It really is easy! You don’t have to dress up, or pretend, or even leave the house if you don’t want to. No one has to put their shoes on or have a wee first.
It’s fun! You’ll spend your photo session doing everyday things you love, in places you love. You don’t have to do anything for the camera, so everyone stays relaxed. You can play instead of pose. Best behaviour really is optional.
Because it’s real life, you’ll all be yourselves during your photo session. That way I get to capture what’s unique about your family and to champion everyone’s individuality.
So, it doesn’t feel much like a photoshoot at all.
“I was surprised by how easy it was! You just fit right in and it felt like you were just hanging with us for the day. No stress.”
How do I know if it’s for me?
Documentary family photography is popular with so many people these days.
It’s a gentle way to be photographed, so it’s great if you’re introverted, camera shy, not into posing or performing for the camera, or if you’ve been talked into it by your other half.
It’s a great way to capture life from all angles, so energetic or big families can get on with their busy day together knowing that moments and connections are being documented forever.
It’s a beautiful way to record real life as it is right now, so it’s great for families who are expecting changes: a new baby; a house move; those with elderly family members or pets; or those who just feel the kids are growing up too quickly all of a sudden.
It’s particularly suitable for neurodiverse family members, or kids who are always on the move, as there are no expectations of behaviour or conformity. Being yourself is what it’s all about.
Documentary suits anyone who values their family just as it is, or who has made their peace with imperfection. A sense of humour about the joys of family life can be a great fit too!
Everyone is different and that’s what makes documentary so perfect for families.
