You may have heard of documentary photography in the past… or maybe you haven’t and you’re currently intrigued by those words.

To put it simply, family documentary photography is about photographing your family in the most authentic, natural and unstaged way possible. Think of it like an on-the-ground journalistic approach where it’s about capturing the “real life” of people, being an observer of life that goes on without any artefacts.

I’m going to help you check if this is the type of photography you’d love for your own family memories. Everybody’s different so let’s see if this is right for you:

1. See it as pure family time, no filter

Your weeks are busy, the diary is full between school/nursery/work/chores so see a photoshoot as a time just for you as a family: no to-do list, no chore, no screen-time, just you spending together, playing, chatting, giggling like nothing else matters. No pretending, no filter, just you and your beautiful family.

2. Don’t worry about how your kids behave

That’s probably the most reassuring part: I see that parents often worry too much about their children’s behaviour ahead of a photo session. The good thing about a documentary photoshoot is that your kids can just be themselves, they don’t have to sit still looking at the camera for ages making a fake smile (you know which one I’m talking about).
And actually, because nothing is forced, it allows them to be very relaxed about it and easily ignore me (which is a good thing in my books!). Yes, there might be tears if your little one falls while playing but that’s life with a toddler, right? So let’s embrace it and remember those “fun” times in photos.

3. Your family home at the heart of it

When you realise how many hours you spend in your home with your family, you realise most of your life is spent there with your children and partner. It’s the place that is witnessing your kids growing up: the sofa you all cuddle up to watch a movie together, the wall with the drawing your eldest did when she was little that you haven’t covered yet, the table you all sit around for dinner chatting about everything and anything, etc… I always refer to a home as a nest because that’s what it is and should be: a safe place where everyone is true to oneself.

One of the families I photographed wanted photos before they move house to make simple memories of their family life in their house where their three children grew up. Imagine how powerful it will be to look at their photo album in years to come? Take a look at this photo session.

4. You will be in the photos for once

Let’s be honest here: how many photos do you have of you in the photos with your children compared to how many of our family where you’re not in it? I think I know the answer because what most parents miss is having photos of them together. Think of the photos your children will want to see when they’re older; they won’t care about your hairstyle, your makeup or anything, they will just be thrilled to remember those tender and fun moments they used to spend with you.

5. The weather won’t matter

Of course, we all like a warm, sunny day but let’s face it: we live in England so the chance of sunshine staying for more than 30 minutes at a time is quite slim. If the sky is grey, it’s totally fine, it doesn’t stop you from having fun with your kids, sing along, bake a cake, play a game, etc… If we had planned to go outside in the garden, we can always stay inside until the rain settles and enjoy some spontaneous family time. The moment after the rain can also be a great opportunity for jumping in puddles for the lil’ ones.

6. You don’t need to prepare anything

No need for accessories, props or fancy heels, start the day as you would normally do and let me join you for 1-2 hours.
Pick your favourite comfy clothes, put a bit a make-up on (only if you feel like it!) and that’s all you need. If your photoshoot takes place in your home, you won’t even need to leave the house!

7. Your pets are welcome to join in

Pets are part of your family so I think it’s important to include them in your story. If you have dogs, take them for a walk and if you’ve got a smaller animal, some cuddles on your children’s lap will certainly make memorable photos.

Does that sound like something you’d love to have?
If you also want to get your own authentic family photos, message me to tell me all about the photos you want with your children.