1. It’s totally different from most other family photo sessions you’ve had
Expect to have a brand new experience with your family. Because documentary family photos focus on authentic interactions and not on perfect poses, be prepared for a photo session that’s focused on having fun and enjoying one another’s company.
2. Documentary Family sessions center around family activities you enjoy together
Whatever your family is into (board games, legos, baking, sports, outdoor adventures, shopping), that’s what documentary family photography is made to capture. Think of all the good memories you’ve made with your family while doing your favorite activities. How great it would be to have photos of those moments? That’s what DFP is for!
Instagram-ready makeup and Pinterest-worthy home décor are not required.
3. Many Documentary Family Sessions happen in the home of the client
This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but for many family activities, the home is the main location where they take place. But Documentary Family Sessions can happen anywhere: in a park, at your favorite ice cream shop, at a rock climbing wall…even in the grocery store! Wherever your best family memories happen, that’s where a documentary family session can take place.
4. It’s super laid-back
Aside from being yourself, there’s nothing you need to do in order to make great documentary family photos. Your photographer is there to find the beauty in your authentic story (mainly in the form of hilarious, messy, or loving interactions with your loved ones). ***Instagram-ready makeup and Pinterest-worthy home décor are not required. ***
5. You won’t have to worry about holding poses
Your story shines when you are comfortable and able to interact freely with those you love most. There is much beauty to be found in small moments of joy, humor, and connection with your family members, and poses aren’t required for this beauty to come to the surface.
6. You won’t necessarily be in perfect light
To tell your story most accurately, we photographers capture you in the same light you use every day, whether it’s windows, overhead lights, lamps, or sun/moonlight. Your photographer is committed to telling the story of who your family is, here and now. When you look back years later, the photos will look as you remember life looking: with beautiful moments in sometimes imperfect light.
7. Your photographer cares for you and your family and wants to capture the beauty of your family’s story.
Because we get so invested in learning and telling your family’s story in photos, we come to really care for our clients. One of our favorite parts of our job is celebrating with you in your happiest moments, and grieving with you when life is hard. Your trust is dear to us, and we try our best to honor that trust with photos that only increase in value as life moves forward.
8. You don’t have to worry about the kids getting bored, wiggling, or becoming otherwise uninterested in the photo session.
Because DFP sessions are activity-focused, kids always have something to do that they enjoy. Maintaining specific poses or long attention spans aren’t necessary. The only responsibility the kids have is the same one you have: to just be yourself! I capture all of the silly antics, affectionate moments, and adorable giggles that naturally happen along the way.
9. Dads enjoy DFP sessions!
Instead of posing and holding fake smiles, dads get to do what they love best: play with their kids and hang out with you. Dads that I photograph tend to find themselves at ease in a DFP photoshoot that doesn’t require anything uncomfortable or inauthentic from them. They also love the resulting photos of them and their kids just naturally interacting.
10. Your photographer will capture more than just what your family looks like, but also what it feels like to be in your family
This is what will make your family’s photos timeless. DFP sessions are all about capturing the loving, silly, everyday interactions you share with your family. We aim to capture more than your family’s appearance during a perfect, Pinterest-worthy moment. We believe perfect family moments are ones where messes are made, laughs are shared, and love is felt. These moments never go out of style.
It’s all about telling the story of your life as a family: authentic, messy, hilarious, and loving!
The story of your family is the best one you’re ever going to write. If you’re looking to capture all the ways that you’re trying to write a beautiful story for your family, a documentary family session may be right for you! If you’re ready to take the brave step to try out this new type of family photography, click below!
