You’re on board with the documentary approach and can’t wait for your family photos! You’re excited to capture your family’s real day to day. Then, out of nowhere, you begin to worry. The “what ifs” start to rear their head and you’re worried that maybe your family won’t be right for documentary photography. It’s holding you back from scheduling your session.
You wonder, “Will my kids start fighting or refuse to participate? What if we’re just too boring and there’s nothing to do but stare at each other all day? We’re going to be that awkward family who doesn’t know how to act in front of a camera! You’ve nearly talked yourself out of it. Oh no!
It’s Easier Than You Think
Firstly, take a deep breath and read this article. You really have nothing to fear and I’m going to show you why. You certainly aren’t alone in thinking that your family will be the one family that documentary won’t work for. Having doubts and fears before booking a session is really common. You’re trying something new and different, but let me tell you change is good. Your feelings are normal, yet they are totally unwarranted. Documentary photography is a stress-free zone and by the end of this post, you’ll see why. When you’re finished reading, you’re going to feel prepared and excited about family photos, rather than scared and apprehensive. I’ll walk you through the preparation and expectations so you can book your session with confidence and begin feeling excited again.
Repeat after me, “my photos will be amazing.” It’s true. They won’t be awkward, your family will not sabotage you, (they’ll likely thank you) and you won’t be stressed prior to my arrival. I’ll give you tons of ideas for how we can capture things you likely already do with your family without it feeling contrived or staged. We definitely don’t want that.
Are We Too Boring?
Let’s start with the most difficult question first, shall we? What if we’re too boring? Okay, so first of all, you’re not. A typical day in my life isn’t that exciting either. Half the time I’m sitting at my computer and the kids are doing their own things in their bedrooms. It seems like there’d be very little to photograph on a “typical” day in my life. But hear me out.
When I come to photograph your family, we’ll try to plan it for a day when everyone is available to connect and spend time doing things they love. We are not trying to do the most amazing activities all day and fit in the most worthwhile fun. Conversely, during your session we hope to document a variety of situations. That may include daily routines (making coffee or feeding the dog), trying something new together (new toy or game), doing something you all already know the family enjoys (riding bikes or bathing the dog), and lounging around the house (possibly even on screens) without any predetermined schedule. Providing some wiggle room and rest throughout the session will provide a stress-free, authentic flow throughout our time together.
It’s totally fine to have a short list of “what we could do” that you collectively decide on before the family photos, but only to use as a springboard, not as a fixed schedule of activities. It may help mitigate the boredom factor and spark some fun to have these activities predetermined, but I do urge you to stay flexible and spontaneous.
What we Might Document at Your Photo Session
To help you with loosely planning your day, I’ve included a list of activities that you likely already do, which we can incorporate into your session naturally.
Everyday Activities
- Baking cookies with grandma
- Getting out the slip n’ slide
- Walking the dog
- Lemonade stands
- BBQ with family/friends
- Bedtime routine
- School drop off/ pick up
- Feeding baby
- Family meals
- Brushing hair/teeth
- Fixing the car
- Checking the mail
- Game night
- Video games
- Artwork (sidewalk chalk, bathtub markers and face paint count too!)
- Pool party
- Giving the dog a bath
- Playing sports
- Raking leaves or yard work
- Playing at the park
- Planting
- Building (forts, legos, towers, play house, bird house)
- Play (bubbles, trampoline, bike riding, dancing, books, balls, puzzles, toys)
- Practicing
- Chores
Holiday
- Preparing for a holiday (hanging lights, baking, trimming the tree, crafting, etc.)
- Going to an event (fair, market, concert)
- Visiting a landmark
- Camping
- Vacation
- Day trip somewhere
- Relatives staying over
Transitions
- Moving to a new house
- Kids leaving for college
- Retirement
- Graduation
- Welcoming a new member of the family (baby, adoption, pet)
- Coming out party
- School dance
- Firsts (first job, first day of school)
- Birthday
Does this spark any ideas? I hope it helps you picture what a day in your life could look like. There are so many things you already do with your family that are extraordinary.
Embrace the Unexpected During your Photo Session
Another common concern you may have is that your kids will complain or argue with you and their siblings. Well, guess what? They probably will. Conventionally, we’re told that joy is where it’s at. That’s what we’re all striving for- rainbows and unicorns, amiright? Wrong. Being happy is great of course, but I see the immense beauty in getting through hard things as a family and I’m guessing you do too.
Our lives consist of joy-filled moments and pain. But what a treasure it is to have someone there when you’re feeling those emotions. That’s where human connection is so powerful. Photographing those moments is rare, yet so powerful. Empathy and compassion are unearthed when weakness or vulnerability are present. We are multitudes and your session will encapsulate all emotions, not just the “good” ones.
Getting Family Members on Board
Another worry you may feel creeping in is that your spouse/partner/child will refuse to participate, and that’s a valid concern. I mean, it’s kind of important that everyone be in the family photos. But this is avoidable if all members of the family are informed about the session and know what to expect before I arrive. In all my years photographing families, I have never had a family member completely refuse to be in the photos.
Since there is absolutely no pressure on anyone to perform or be in the spotlight, there’s generally no reason to not want to be in the photos. However, I do honor and respect everyone’s right to be left alone. During documentary sessions, there is a ton of time for breaks from the camera. Oftentimes, I’m focusing my attention on one or two family members or even pets, which gives everyone small breaks from constantly being in front of the lens. Coercion with lollipops or other sugary treats is a thing of the past.
Final Words
And lastly, I know many of you are worried about how awkward you’ll be in front of the lens. Like, do I really just go on about my day? That seems so weird. The thing is, at first it might be! It will likely take your family some time to warm up to the idea of having your real life photographed. But like all families I’ve photographed in the past, the awkwardness quickly fades away and the fun begins.
You’ll get used to the idea of not being directed and enjoy the freedom it gives you to be yourself and interact with your kids and partner in an authentic way. It doesn’t take long to find your flow, and by the time you look at your watch, our time together has come to an end. You can’t believe it! And it was… I daresay… joyful and easy?
