Freezing the tender and quirky moments of your beautiful life

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Documentary Family Photography

For adventurous families who just want to be themselves...

If your crew is a little wild, here you will not be tamed. If you greet life with bandaids, dirty fingernails, and a fabulous sense of humour – this was probably meant to be.

For the sentimental photos that grip onto you...

Do you wish time would slow down just long enough for you to snatch one more chocolate-covered smile, one more dance party, one more goodbye kiss…?

For however you choose to define "Family"...

Nuclear, couples, single-parent, blended, friends, multigenerational, fur-babies… Whoever you hold tender and dear, is family. This is about life and our relationships in all their gloriously messy and goofy, infuriating and tear-jerking, fascinating and passionate ways.

Everyone is welcome. Come as you are.

The most meaningful photos are created when there is a certain surrender to the rollercoaster of family life. Like a whiff of familiar perfume or an old song on the radio, these photos will jolt you back there, in the moment, remembering how it all felt.

 

Your kids want to go puddle jumping? I’ll have my rubber boots ready. Pillow fight at bedtime? Let the feathers fly. Quiet coffee on the deck? I won’t disturb your peace. I am there to document your family’s unposed life and love.

 

Immersing myself into your family, consider me a visiting relative or friend hanging out with her camera.

These are the glimmers of what is important in life, the stuff that truly counts. This is worth documenting, don’t you think?

"Love, chaos, and togetherness. You captured it beautifully."

OMG!! I love the photos! They totally capture the experience of summer at our house this year. I LOVE the shot of my husband kissing me as we all fall out of the hammock. If I think about what kind of feeling I want to have when remembering this stage in our lives (or what I would want my kids to remember)… Well, this image is just such the perfect reflection of that. Love, chaos, togetherness. You captured it beautifully.
Amanda & Keenan
Red Deer, Alberta

Reviews

Client love letters

5/5
I cannot describe the feelings when I saw the pictures for the first time. I cried (I’m not a crier). The photos are perfect in every way. We try to store moments and lock them into memory but as we age those memories fog over and in time, are gone completely... but those pictures will remain. They will stay there as long as my husband and I roam the halls of this house so we can remember how incredibly beautiful it all was.
Stephanie & Dave
Edmonton Alberta
5/5
The photos from Paula already mean the world to me and truly bring back all the feels from that time in life and I know they will continue to mean more and more over the years. On top of her incredible photos, she was just so easy to connect with and I felt so comfortable having her inside our home, documenting all the mess and chaos and tantrums along the way.
Shirley & Paddy
Calgary, Alberta
5/5
Paula is such a gem. She is amazingly warm and observant. She sees special moments and captures them in a heartbeat. She is a loving magician with an incredible eye for detail. Photoshoots from her have turned into the most precious capturing of my family I am forever grateful for. If you are looking for something unique, she is your gal.
Noor
Edmonton, Alberta

These are the glimmers of what is important in life, the stuff that truly counts. This is worth documenting, don’t you think?

"The photos are perfect in every way"

I cannot describe the feelings when I saw the pictures for the first time. I cried (I’m not a crier). My husband and I both sat in silence with our mouths agape for the duration of the slide show. When it was over I watched it again. Again. Again. The photos are perfect in every way. We try to store moments and lock them into memory but as we age those memories fog over and in time, are gone completely... but those pictures will remain. They will stay there as long as my husband and I roam the halls of this house so we can remember how incredibly beautiful it all was.
Stephanie & Dave
Edmonton, Alberta

Relaxing

It would be utterly exhausting to pose and attempt to stay 'on point' for hours. Thankfully, that is NOT how documentary family photo sessions work. Over here - pants and smiles are optional.

Wild & Free

Don’t be shy if you want to do something adventurous (I’m game!), and I can even photograph you on your vacation! Yet if you prefer being close to home, quiet coziness is also always perfect. The choice is yours.

No Rules

Your session can be done at any time of the day, with any family and friends you want, doing anything you want to do. I'm happy to come along for the ride.

Memorable

This is your chance for uninterrupted quality time with your most loved people. A day to leave behind what nags you and embrace whatever you would do if it was your last day on earth. A day for making memories.

"You captured the love our family has in such a natural way"

Our documentary family photos are one of my favourite possessions. Not only do they depict our family’s idiosyncrasies and 'inside jokes' they are truly original to our little family. Compared to quite a few of my friends that use the same photographer here in the city and all have the same props, poses and backgrounds in their photos, ours are original and mean something special to just the four of us. They are displayed in our front room, when the hustle and bustle of life gets in the way I stop to smile at them and am reminded of the simple things, and reassured they are the best things. You captured the love our family has in such a natural way, you are amazing. Thank you!
Robin & Tyler
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

This is how we do it

(to quote Montell Jordan...)

01

We connect

I’m really easy to get along with – promise!

Click “LET’S DO THIS” and say 'Hi'. I'll get back to you in your preferred way (phone call, text, or email) and we'll talk photos!

02

We go through option

The part I work hard to make easy for you

We chat about where your session might take place (at home and/or away) and the amount of coverage you would like: 3 hours, 6 hours, or 12 hours.

03

We hang out



The most fun part

Your family does exactly whatever you want, with whoever you want (relatives & friends welcome!), and I tag along with my camera.

04

Your photos are presented to you!

The part where you might cry

A few weeks after your session you get to see your photographs! You then get to choose which art forms you would like for enjoying your photos - an album, digital files, photo prints, or any combination.

Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different…”

— C. S. Lewis

FAQ’S

GOT QUESTIONS?

Life is busy, work is busy, and caring for a family is busy. Let these be the reasons why you SHOULD plan a family photo session – to have a reason for your family to slow down and have some uninterrupted quality time together. A day for making memories.

 

Our loved ones only care that we showed up and were part of their life. They won’t remember the circumference of your waist or if you had a clean kitchen. But, they will remember the time you cannonballed into the swimming pool, the time a food fight started in the kitchen, the time everyone snuggled by the campfire waiting for northern lights. If you wait for the time to be ‘right’, it may never happen. Every day that you wake up is the right time.

 

When I first heard about the work Paula does, I thought, what an incredible way to capture our ‘real’ life! Then I immediately thought, ‘great, 3 hours of kids on technology or asking to be on technology. or better yet, fighting.’  But that was not how it happened. With the time set aside, it actually became a really special 3 hours of connection between me and each kid and between the kids themselves.  I adore the photos, but I also marvel at the experience we had. The time spent with Paula gave us an opportunity to slow down and appreciate those things and the photographs will forever serve as an incredible reminder.” — Nancy S.

Your family photos are for you, your relatives, your future generations, and for the purpose of remembering your life together. Whether you have toddlers bouncing off the walls, teens hovering over screens, or it’s just you and your partner – those people are yours and you are theirs. There is no manual or checklist for what makes an interesting life, and you all deserve to exist in photographs together doing only what you like to do. Just leave the rest up to me; let me show you how much beauty I see hiding in your mundane.

It can take time for genuine moments to unfold and for everyone to settle into a place where they are relaxed. The beauty of a longer session is how it holds space for variety – variety of setting, variety of activities, and variety of emotions. It is so fun to have photographs of joyfully exciting moments! Yet, when the energy runs out and things get quieter, we get to see another side of family connection where sooo much beauty hides in the pieces you wouldn’t usually think to photograph… But I’m right there waiting!

 

No matter how hard a person tries to cement the best moments to memory, they will still fade like a drawing left out in the sun. Yet, with documentary family sessions, from that moment on you get to have pictures helping you remember when life felt full of the very best things. 

 

With Full Day sessions or a Year in the Life, this is when you get a genuine grasp of life at that moment in time – a family yearbook. You aren’t just cherry picking parts, you get to have it all

Nervous about the photos turning out too vulnerable or embarrassing? Worried it’s going to feel like the paparazzi following you? People say I have a knack for making them feel instantly relaxed, like we’ve known each other for ages (see below client quotes). To my core I feel there is nothing better than someone who is unapologetically themselves and I am not with you to air your dirty laundry. Do you toss Bailey’s in your morning coffee or enjoy an afternoon joint on the deck? Most comfortable in only a housecoat or skin-to-skin with loved ones? It’s ok to let the ‘F’ bombs fly. YOU DO YOU. Nothing really phases me.

 

Do your kids (or you?) melt down on a regular basis? I get it – I’m a parent and a real person too and I know that life can be heavy sometimes. No matter how you are, is exactly right for a documentary family session because there is so much beauty in diversity – in the diversity of people, of moods, and all the kinds of days. If I photograph a tantrum, it’s not for shock factor but simply to show how hard parents work, the comforting and connection that often happens after a breakdown, and to show how much love there is in your family.

 

I am your camera-happy new friend who came to spend the day hanging out in whatever way you are. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

What previous clients have said:

 

The idea of having someone you don’t know in your home for 3 hours taking photos of your family in order to capture the everyday, hardly sounds natural. But it was. I credit most of this to Paula, who, from the moment she stepped into our home, brought with her an openness to the way we live our life, an absolutely judgment free approach to what she observed, and a gentle kindness that welcomed each of us to be ourselves.” — Nancy S.

 

As soon as we met Paula we were at ease. She has a warm and welcoming demeanour and made the whole photo experience relaxed and positive for us all.” — Alissa M.

Even though I believe there is nothing more beautiful than a genuine smile and people being unapologetically their self, I know some clients worry about how they will look in a real-life photograph. Let me tell you what previous documentary family photography clients of mine have said about this concern:

 

Photographers always make me apprehensive as I’m not one who is eager to be photographed and I was even more nervous when I wasn’t being posed (Would I look TOO natural? Are my kids going to be obnoxious? How do I hide my double chin?). But when Paula started photographing us, none of that mattered. The moment in time when I was mixing chocolate chips into batter or when my husband was having a snowball fight with the kids was all that existed and double chins or screaming kids or the spill on my husband’s shirt was totally irrelevant. It was just time and space and Paula capturing it all.” — Stephanie M. 

 

The photographs Paula took of our family captured so many aspects of our daily life that just don’t get documented… knowing glances, moments of affection, unexpected hilarity, and the ‘just being’.  Having these photos that remind me of what life ‘feels like’ is an incredible keepsake. I even loved the less flattering photos (of me). I will forever be glad for the 3 hours with Paula. It is a wonderful thing to be seen.” — Nancy S. 

“I don’t really want photos at my home, can we go somewhere else?” You bet! Near or far, the options are endless. We can go to any of your favourite hangouts such as the playground, a restaurant, the grandparents’… Want to swim in the lake or hike in the mountains? I love adventure and am happy to tag along. Or, if you have bigger plans on the horizon, I can even meet you on your vacation. Depending on how far you’re planning, there may be a travel fee, but my wandering soul will follow you anywhere.

Documentary family sessions aren’t just for happy people with animated little kids, they are for all the highs and lows throughout your life. Birth sessions to end-of-life photo sessions; random Saturdays in the kitchen to vacationing in the mountains; navigating teenage years to an empty nest. All moments and all moods are part of life, and therefore, part of documentary family photography.

 

If you have a delicate life situation that would be meaningful for you to have photographs of, then please, let’s talk.

 

I don’t know you, but having you by our side felt like you were a caring friend. I am in a challenging place right now and looking at the pictures genuinely brings joy to me.” — Farrah C.

Whether your special needs are physical, mental, or social, I am here to give you the extra time and attention you or your family requires. In fact, the documentary approach is known to be the most inclusive type of family photo session because there is no pressure to appear a certain way or to do certain things, and everyone is given the freedom to be just as they are. I am happy to adapt in any way that meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable.

Absolutely. I am a business that proudly embraces everyone and offers a safe space for all ethnicities and the entire LGBTQIA2S+ community. I firmly believe that everyone(!) deserves the highest degree of respect. I am excited to work with you so come as you are and expect a smile and a friend.

About me

Hello, I’m Paula (she/her). I have been described as someone with a quirky and somewhat dry sense of humour, a positive attitude, and a calming aura. After graduating university with a Commerce degree, my 20’s and 30’s were spent mostly in Europe chasing dreams and love, and that’s where I discovered that I wasn’t destined to climb the corporate ladder but I had an artist’s heart all along.

 

Edmonton, Canada is where I have built my home and business yet wanderlust still runs strongly through my veins and I will eagerly go anywhere.

 

For me, photography is a form of time travel, bringing stories and loved ones vividly back to life, making me smile with appreciation of the experiences I’ve had and inspired for things yet to come. This is what I want my photography to give to you.

  • I love being outdoors and believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only badly dressed. Water and I are like magnets but I’m terrified of lake weeds and sea cucumbers.
  • Intimate live music performances send goosebumps down my spine and music plays 24/7 in my house. I’ve played the piano since I was 6 and my current favourite songs to play are cinematic moody ones.
  • I’m married to a Dutchman and we have 2 daughters and 2 cats.
  • My culinary guilty pleasures are Mr. Noodles, ketchup slurped straight from the little takeout packs, and peanut butter by the spoonful. I also get pretty excited anytime I find popcorn, prosecco, and deep fried pickles.
  • I volunteer for the Kids With Cancer Society of Northern Alberta on Wednesday mornings and for special events.
  • I have an ongoing street photography project of discarded banana peels I find laying around. As a kid I thought it was hilarious when cartoon characters would slip on peels in the street and I guess the fascination has continued.

Awards & Appearances

"To say we were blown away is still an understatement"

I had NO idea what to expect with these pictures and to say we were blown away is still an understatement. We both had tears in our eyes reliving our family’s casual Saturday morning, knowing that we’ll always have these moments with our boys frozen in time. The snuggles, the giggles, the fun. Our family’s love.
Zahra & Nate
Edmonton, Alberta

Raw photographs of pure joy, intimacy, and real life. Let’s tell your story. It's one that will be treasured long after kids grow up and memories fade.

Raw photographs of pure joy, intimacy, and real life. Let’s tell your story. It's one that will be treasured long after kids grow up and memories fade.

Reviews

Client love letters

5/5
After Paula shared the slide show with us, we watched it over and over again. And again. We got so much pleasure from seeing ourselves with each other in ways we have not before. I will forever be grateful for the time with Paula. There is a brilliance in this way of documenting life.
Nancy
Edmonton Alberta
5/5
I had NO idea what to expect with these pictures and to say we were blown away is still an understatement. We both had tears in our eyes reliving our family’s casual Saturday morning, knowing that we’ll always have these moments with our boys frozen in time. The snuggles, the giggles, the fun. Our family’s love.
Zahra & Nate
Edmonton, Alberta
5/5
Our photos are one of my favourite possessions. Not only do they depict our family’s idiosyncrasies and 'inside jokes' they are truly originally to our little family. When the hustle and bustle of life gets in the way I stop to smile at our pictures and am reminded of the simple things, and reassured they are the best things. You captured the love our family has in such a natural way. You are amazing.
Robin & Tyler
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Session Options

$400 Session Fee

Slice Of Life

3-Hour Session
  • 3 hours of documentary family photography
  • A photo slideshow set to music
  • Three 8x12" photo prints from your session
  • Optional add-on: "The Works" - Keepsake album plus digital files (jpegs), 1200
  • Optional add-on: Digital photo files (jpegs), 40 photos minimum, 900
  • Optional add-on: Keepsake album (hardcover 12” x 12”), 400

SLICE OF LIFE:

A slice-of-life session often centers around a main family activity and is great for families new to documentary photography. Does your family have a Friday games night tradition? Taco Tuesdays or Sunday morning hike? We’ll choose a part of the day that will remain dear to heart for years to come.

HALF DAY:

Magic happens when people have time to let their guard down and relax, and a half-day session is perfect for this. This is the most sought-after session as it gives time for activities while also fitting easily with a daily family schedule. A great mix of excitement and downtime.

$1000 Session Fee

Full Day

12-Hour Session
  • 12 hours of documentary family photography
  • A photo slideshow set to music
  • Twelve 8x12” photo prints from your session
  • Optional add-on: “The Works” – Keepsake album plus digital files (jpegs), 1700
  • Optional add-on: Digital photo files (jpegs), 40 photos minimum, 1400
  • Optional add-on: Keepsake album (hardcover 12” x 12”), 600

FULL DAY:

Seasoned lovers of Documentary Family Photography will tell you a full-day session is the immersive experience you didn’t know you were missing. This is absolutely the best way to capture your family adventures, giving you a family yearbook that encapsulates genuine personalities, your connections, and the places that are most memorable to you.

"The most precious capturing of my family I am forever grateful for"

Paula is such a gem. She is amazingly warm and observant, and she sees special moments and captures them in a heartbeat. You hardly notice she is there and if you do it brings out the best in the situation and everyone and creates a special moment captured. I love the action pictures she shoots. She is a loving magician with an incredible eye for detail. Photoshoots from her have turned into the most precious capturing of my family I am forever grateful for. If you are looking for something unique, she is your gal.
Noor
Edmonton, Alberta

OH HEY!

Once a month I send a fun email with quirky musings and “insider” specials. Join us!

Boy makes a silly face - from an Edmonton Family Photographer

Paula Gerein Photography

Documentary photography for families and businesses of Edmonton and Central Alberta, Canada. Available for travel.

 

© Paula Gerein Photography 2024

All rights reserved.