Documentary Style Family Photography | Answering your most asked questions
So maybe you’ve heard the term “Documentary Family Photography” before and you’re intrigued, but you’re not really sure what it is. Today I’m going to try and answer the questions I get asked the most about this very popular photography genre.
What exactly is Family Documentary Photography?
From having breakfast together as a family, to the kids’ bath and bedtime routine, it's those 'in-between' moments that I love to photograph. Documentary Family Photography is unposed photography that reflects real family life, with no direction from the photographer. These family photo shoots are unscripted and entirely spontaneous. I will document the events as they come!
You might have also heard the term “lifestyle photography”. Lifestyle photography can often look like documentary family photography, as the moments captured often look candid, but family lifestyle sessions are directed by the photographer, so these family photo shoots are very different to documentary family sessions! Lifestyle photographers also generally advise their clients on what to wear on the day of the shoot, something I definitely don’t do.
2. Who is best suited to a Family Documentary Photo Shoot?
If you are not a fan of being in front of the camera (and let’s be honest, who is?!) and you’re after honest and authentic family photos then a documentary family photo shoot is for you! I won’t ask you to dress up for your photo shoot or to say ''cheese''. A documentary family shoot is for anyone who’s normally rarely in the photos because they are the ones taking them. It’s for the kids who just want to be themselves and it’s for anyone who wants to get those real family life moments documented in gorgeous images.
3. What should we do during our family photo session?
I always advise families to think of at least a couple of activities that they enjoy doing as a family together - this doesn’t have to be super detailed or complicated. Think about your ordinary Saturday or Sunday morning and what the weekend is all about for you as a family. Maybe you like baking scones together, jumping on the trampoline in the back garden, going to explore the South Downs or going for a morning walk along the beach. My documentary family sessions are all about creating memories of everyday activities.
4. Can we also get some traditional family portraits during our session?
Yes you can! In both my Slice Of Life family photo session and my Morning In The Life shoot I can reserve about 10 to 15 minutes to get you those family portraits that you might like to give to the grandparents or other family members. I still won’t make you say “cheese” though! I might advise on a beautiful backdrop (like those gorgeous flowers in the pictures below!), but will still keep the shoot as relaxed and natural as possible. For me it’s important to document your personalities in these more traditional family portraits, so they are still true to you and your family.
5. What happens after our family photo shoot?
Two to four weeks after your family photo session you will receive a link to your own private online gallery where you can select your favourite images. Your gallery also includes a slideshow set to music and a link to the online shop where you can use your complimentary print credit and purchase all kinds of gorgeous print products.
If you're interested in learning more about documentary family photography, or would like to schedule your own documentary photo shoot, then I would love to hear from you!