A fellow photographer that I admire compared documentary photography to wildlife photography. I think that’s a perfect way to explain it! The photographer captures their subjects in their “natural habitat”, keeping a distance and without manipulating the scene.

Yeah I know, it’s not what you are used to, it might feel a bit strange at first, but it’s so so worth it to have the photos that come out of a documentary session.

And BONUS, it’s so much easier for you to prepare for… no matching outfits or bribing your kids to sit still!

Because they are REAL.

WHAT I DON’T DO:

• Themed holiday mini sessions.
• Forcing kids to sit and smile perfectly at the camera.
• Grumpy dads who would rather be anywhere but getting their pictures taken.
• Pictures that look like everyone else’s.

WHAT I DO:

• Take the time to celebrate holidays and milestones in your home.
• Kids playing with their own toys and giving genuine smiles as they play.
• Dads who don’t notice I’m taking their picture.
• Photos that are unique and meaningful to your family and no one else.

I know the photos of your kids wearing new clothes sitting in front of a colourful backdrop can be beautiful. But the photos of your kids wearing their favourite shirt, drawing with chalk on your driveway laughing at a joke you said is just as beautiful. Having photos of them doing their favourite things will ALWAYS bring smiles. And when you’re together in your home, where you have made a life together, the images can only bring back these happy memories.

The family below had me over for an afternoon of playing and laughing and it was wonderful. When I look at their photos I smile, so I know they do too. They had a game of checkers on the floor, and little sister wanted to join in. I met the pets on their hobby farm, goats and horses. They relaxed in the grass and on their deck (their favourite place to hang out in the summertime). And they made memories with their dogs. One of them was at the end of her life, so the photos are so much more than just pretty pictures for them.

I wanted their photos to reflect them in that moment, the dynamic of their family, the things that are important to them.

“We are a country family. We have a small hobby farm with horses and goats. H is a super energetic story teller who loves superheroes. R is the happiest baby you’ll ever meet and has the most amazing hair! We’re a laid back family who loves relaxing on our deck, playing with our dogs and being outside.”

— Alicia

So to me, documentary photography is not just beautiful photos of your family. It’s a record of who you are, it’s your story. Scroll to the end to see the behind the scenes video of me shooting this session.

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