Family Documentary
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Whether it’s a mini session to showcase one special activity or a longer custom session showing more of your day, this documentary photography session will capture unscripted, authentic moments.
I will capture you as you interact naturally, have fun, or just hang out. No posing is necessary. You’re free to pose for a family portrait, but only if you want to.
Your story is important. During the session you may choose activities that are meaningful to you or simply go about your normal day. My goal is to capture a slice of your real life and your relationships with one another.
Documentary sessions are great for families, but you don’t need to have children to do this kind of session. These are also ideal for individuals, couples, siblings, and people with pets too.
Scroll down to read the FAQ below for more information, and don’t hesitate to CONTACT me with any questions you have; I’m here to help.
Check out the galleries above, and visit the PRICING page to learn more about packages and booking.
Gift certificates are available as a unique gift idea for the special people in your life.
Based in South Jersey. Serving NJ, PA, DE, and the Jersey Shore. Will travel farther upon request.
FAQ
Why choose a documentary session?
Documentary photographs show the life you live. They go beyond the surface to show authentic moments and personalities that aren’t perfect, aren’t scripted, can even be messy, but give you the feeling inside that you’re looking at something real.
It may sound cliché, but I believe ordinary moments are extraordinary. These simple, un-posed moments have great value and will give you and your loved one the feels (especially when the kids are grown).
Is this going to be easy for us?
Yes! You don’t have to buy special outfits, clean your house, or make your kids smile or behave. They will have fun running around, showing off, and playing. My goal is to capture you as you are so there’s no need to pose or force anything.
Does it take all day?
Not unless you want it too. Sessions range from longer sessions that show more of your day to mini sessions featuring one special activity that respect the spirit of documentary photography in a more compact time frame.
Do we need to have kids to do this kind of session?
Nope; I can photograph individuals, couples, extended families, siblings, people with pets, etc.
How do we prepare for our session?
Before your session we will chat about any questions you have and come up with a basic plan of what to do or not do during our time together, but the images themselves are unscripted. There’s no need for any special preparation. Wear what you normally would.
What happens during the session?
I’ll take photographs while you interact as a family doing things you like or normally do. Just be yourselves. Whether your toddler is happy or throwing a tantrum, they can both be documented 🙂 I will move around photographing from various perspectives. Sometimes I’m quieter and other times I interact with you and your children.
If you need ideas, think about what you like to do as a family. What is meaningful to you? What kinds of things do you do on the weekend? You may choose an actual day in your life (including running errands and doing the dishes) or use the session as an opportunity to do activities you don’t always make time for.
Here are some ideas that can be incorporated into an outdoor session:
More active: go to the park, explore your town or city, ride bikes, take a walk, go on a hike, play in the backyard, play with pets, explore the wilderness or a river/creek/field, play sports, go to the beach
More relaxed: play with toys, eat an ice cream, have a drink, have a picnic, draw with sidewalk chalk, read books, tell a story, draw pictures, make s’mores, take a nap, lay down and relax, family cuddle time, take a break and do nothing but enjoy the sunshine, just hang out
Your family is unique. These ideas may not apply to how you spend your time. I’m looking forward to learning about you and what you would like to include.
What if we want a posed family photo?
In that case I’ll be happy to take one for you during your session.
Will any of the photos have us looking at the camera?
I won’t pose you or ask you to look into the camera so most of the images will be candid. However, sometimes people look into the camera when I’m photographing them, or I get close to your child to take a photo and they look at me.
