Life is busy, but preserving your family’s memories doesn’t have...Read More
Let’s face it—traditional posed family photos can be a bit, well, awkward. Think stiff smiles, unnatural poses, and the stress of getting everyone to cooperate. If you’ve ever tried to corral a toddler, a teenager, and a reluctant spouse into a perfect shot, you know what I’m talking about. Enter documentary family photography: a breath of fresh air that captures your family in its natural, chaotic, and beautiful state.
Summary:
There’s something magical about candid moments. They capture the essence of who we are, without the pretense. Documentary family photography is all about embracing authenticity. It’s about capturing those little moments that make your family unique—the way your child laughs, the look of concentration on their face as they play, the loving glance between partners.
Why Authenticity Matters
Take a moment to think about your favourite family memories. Are they the ones where everyone is perfectly posed and dressed to the nines? Or are they the candid moments, the ones where someone is mid-laugh, eyes crinkled with joy? That’s the beauty of documentary photography—it captures the moments that matter most.
2. Say Goodbye to Stress: No More Forced Smiles
One of the biggest perks of documentary family photography is the lack of pressure. No need to dress up in matching outfits (unless that’s your thing) or worry about getting everyone to sit still. You get to be yourselves, doing what you love, in the comfort of your own home or favourite outdoor spot.
Stress-Free Sessions
Picture this: instead of spending hours trying to get your toddler to smile for the camera, you’re playing in the backyard, everyone is relaxed, and the photographer is capturing the real essence of your family. It’s less “say cheese” and more “let’s make memories.”
3. The Beauty of Imperfection: Celebrating the Chaos
Life isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Documentary family photography celebrates the chaos—the messy hair, the mismatched socks, the silly faces. These imperfections are what make your family uniquely yours.
Imperfection is Perfect
Think about it: the photo of your kid with ice cream smeared all over their face is probably way more fun and memorable than a stiff portrait. It’s these imperfect moments that tell the real story of our lives. And let’s be honest, who has time to be perfect anyway?
4. Reliving the Everyday: Finding Magic in the Mundane
We often think that only special occasions are worth photographing, but there’s magic in the everyday moments too. Documentary family photography highlights the beauty of daily life—breakfast time, playtime, bedtime stories. These are the moments that truly define our lives.
Everyday Magic
Imagine flipping through a photo album and seeing the simple, everyday moments that made up your life. The morning snuggles, the chaos of getting ready for school, the quiet moments of reading together. These are the memories that matter most, and documentary photography makes sure they’re never forgotten.
5. Making Memories Last: Timeless Over Timed
Traditional posed photos can sometimes feel dated. Documentary family photography, on the other hand, has a timeless quality. By focusing on genuine moments and emotions, these photos remain relevant and cherished for years to come.
Timeless Appeal
Think about the classic photos you’ve seen of your grandparents or parents—those candid shots that capture a real moment in time. They’re timeless because they’re real. Documentary photography ensures your family’s story is captured in the same timeless way.
6. How to Prepare for a Documentary Family Photography Session
So, you’re ready to break the mold and try documentary family photography. Great choice! But how do you prepare for a session that’s all about being natural and spontaneous?
Tips for a Successful Session
Remember, the whole point of documentary family photography is to capture your family’s authentic story. So, have fun with it and let your true selves shine through.
7. Real-life Examples: Success Stories
Need some convincing? Let’s look at some real-life examples of families who embraced documentary photography and loved the results.
The Colgan Family
The Colgans decided to document a typical Saturday at home. The moment I walked in the house and heard Michael Jackson blaring from the speakers, I knew we were going to have an amazing time. From pancake breakfasts to Lego in the living room, then backyard soccer and a bike ride up and down the street, their photos captured the essence of their family life. They now have a beautiful album filled with real, heartfelt moments.
The Fistric Family
The Fistrics wanted to capture their family’s love for the outdoors while also capturing the home and neighbourhood where they live. As their photographer, I spent the day with them talking the dogs out for a walk around the neighbourhood and then backyard fun like ice cream and slip ‘n slide, capturing moments of laughter, exploration, and togetherness. The result? Stunning photos that reflect their adventurous spirit.
The Milan Family
The Milan chose to document their family’s bedtime routine shortly after they moved into their new home. While we started with everyone in the kitchen making homemade pasta, we finished off with photos of storytime, cuddles, and goodnight kisses which are now some of their most treasured memories.
These families embraced the authenticity and spontaneity of documentary photography, and the results speak for themselves. Their photos are not just pictures; they’re stories filled with love, laughter, and real-life moments.
8. Conclusion: Dare to Be Different
Traditional posed family photos have their place, but if you’re looking for something different, documentary family photography is worth considering. It’s about capturing the real, the raw, and the beautiful moments that make your family unique.
Join the community of families who value authenticity and cherish the beauty of everyday moments.
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Documentary photography for families and businesses of Edmonton and Central Alberta, Canada. Available for travel.
© Paula Gerein Photography 2024
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