5 reasons to choose a documentary family photoshoot
Documentary family photography is more than just ‘unposed’. It captures the beauty of everyday life, telling the authentic stories of families as they naturally unfold. It's an honest way to preserve family moments and create a visual legacy that generations can treasure. This fundamental distinction sets a documentary family photoshoot apart from other family photography genres.
A documentary photoshoot doesn’t need elaborate preparation from you and is designed to feel effortless, so that you can all be your authentic selves, within the environments you are most comfortable with. The sessions are longer to allow family moments to unfold within your everyday routines and activities, resulting in photographs that truly capture the beauty of ordinary family life.
Here are five reasons why a documentary photoshoot may be the right choice for you:
1. You decide the location, with your home being at the heart of it
The photoshoot takes place in your own home or at a location that is special to you. Unlike other photography genres where the photographer dictates the location, often a studio used by multiple clients, having the session in your home makes it truly unique and deeply personal to your family's story.
2. The session can be at any time of the day, whatever the weather
There's no need to chase the ‘Golden Hour’ or rush to a park just as the children are ready for bed, constantly fretting about the weather. Light is light, and it's my job to craft memorable photographs using the available light, at any time of day, come rain or shine.
3. You can wear whatever you like
You don't need to coordinate outfits with earthy colours or wear white maxi dresses that you might need to buy. Just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. In fact, allow the children to select their own outfit, giving them the freedom to express themselves and be at ease during the photoshoot.
4. There is no posing or staging, all you need to do is be yourselves
In traditional family photography, 'moments' are often orchestrated using standard prompts, repeated across various families, typically within similar settings and at specific times of day, meaning that your photographs may look and feel similar to others.
Documentary family photography takes a different approach. There is no staging or prompts, allowing the photographs to authentically represent your family, set against the backdrop of your personal environment.
5. No need for best behaviour, and weirdness is embraced
Children are quirky and do weird things! In a documentary photoshoot, we celebrate and capture their uniqueness. Children are not just allowed but actively encouraged to be their authentic selves. You'll never have to fret about keeping a toddler perfectly still or coaxing out a smile for the camera. When documenting real family life, tears and tantrums are not hindrances, but genuine and normal moments.
Has this persuaded you to try the documentary way? Get in touch to find out more, I’d love to hear from you!
I am a family photographer based in Dulwich, working mainly in East-Dulwich, Herne Hill and Peckham, but available to travel all over London and beyond.