About Documentary Family Photography Archives - Paula Gerein Photography Edmonton

Why Moms Need to Be in Photos Too: Capturing Memories with Your Kids and Partner

August 12, 2024 by admin

Mother helps daughters brush teeth - from an Edmonton Family Photographer

Why Moms Need to Be in Photos Too: Capturing Memories with Your Kids and Partner

Moms, let’s get real for a moment. You’re the ones usually behind the camera, capturing all the milestones and everyday moments of your family’s life. But who’s capturing you?

It’s time to step out from behind the lens and make sure you’re part of the visual story of your family. Here’s why it’s so important for you to be in those photos, and how it will impact your children and yourself in the long run.

Summary:

Introduction: The Invisible Photographer
The Emotional Impact of Being in Photos
Setting an Example for Your Kids
Creating a Balanced Family Narrative
Overcoming the Reluctance to Be Photographed
Practical Tips for Moms to Get in the Frame
Professional Photography: A Worthy Investment
Conclusion: Embrace Your Place in the Family Album

Introduction: The Invisible Photographer

Moms, you know the drill. You’re always the one snapping photos at birthdays, school events, and family vacations. Your phone’s gallery is filled with beautiful moments of your kids and partner, but where are you? Being the family historian is an honour, but it often means you become the invisible photographer. Let’s change that narrative.

The Emotional Impact of Being in Photos

Having photos of yourself with your children and partner is more than just about preserving memories. It’s about showing your kids that you were there, involved, and a significant part of their lives. When they look back at family photos, they should see your smiling face, not just the back of your head holding a camera.

Presence: Photos of you with your children show that you were present and actively engaged in their lives.
Validation: It validates your role in the family and the effort you put into raising your kids.
Legacy: These photos become a part of your family’s legacy, something your children and grandchildren will cherish.

Setting an Example for Your Kids

By stepping into the frame, you’re setting a powerful example for your kids. You’re teaching them the importance of family, presence, and self-worth.

Self-Worth: Seeing you in photos helps children understand the value of each family member, including themselves.
Role Modeling: You’re showing them that moms are not just caregivers but also integral parts of family memories.
Inclusivity: It emphasizes that everyone in the family is important and deserves to be remembered.

Creating a Balanced Family Narrative

A family album filled with photos of everyone but you presents an unbalanced narrative. Your family story is incomplete without you in it.

Balanced Representation: Ensure that your presence is equally represented in family photos.
Complete Story: A complete family album tells the whole story of your family, including the matriarch who holds it all together.
Relatable Memories: Your kids will appreciate seeing you in photos, reinforcing their memories of you being there during their childhood.

Overcoming the Reluctance to Be Photographed

Many moms avoid the camera because they’re not comfortable with their appearance or they’re too busy orchestrating the perfect shot. It’s time to let go of those inhibitions.

Imperfection is Perfect: Embrace the fact that real moments are not about looking perfect but about being present.
Be Kind to Yourself: You are beautiful just as you are, and your family loves you for who you are, not how you look in photos.
Let Go of Control: Allow yourself to be part of the spontaneous moments rather than worrying about orchestrating them.

Practical Tips for Moms to Get in the Frame

For day-to-day moments at home when you don’t have a photographer with you, here are some simple ways to ensure you’re included in family photos:

Self-Timer: Use the self-timer feature on your camera or phone.
Ask for Help: Hand the camera to someone else occasionally, or ask your partner to snap a few shots.
Candid Shots: Engage in activities with your kids where someone else can take candid photos.

Professional Photography: A Worthy Investment

Investing in professional photography sessions is a fantastic way to ensure you’re captured beautifully with your family. It takes the pressure off you and ensures high-quality, lasting memories.

Quality Images: Professional photographers know how to capture the best angles, light, and candid moments.
Stress-Free: You can focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about getting the perfect shot.
Memorable Experience: The experience itself is fun and creates additional memories for your family. Kids love when I come to visit and while I would like to think that’s because of my incredible personality, it’s really because they just know they are going to have a really fun day with their parents and siblings.
Treat Yourself: You deserve this. You deserve to treat yourself to something nice.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Place in the Family Album

Moms, you are the heart of the family. Your presence in photos is a testament to your love, dedication, and the role you play in your family’s life. Don’t let another year go by where you’re the invisible photographer. Step into the frame and celebrate your part in your family’s story.

By ensuring you’re in the photos, you’re not just capturing memories—you’re making a powerful statement about your importance in your family’s life. Let’s document these beautiful, everyday moments together.

OH HEY!

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

Whenever I get your newsletter I get excited. It's quirky, I laugh, I learn something new and your pictures are drool worthy!!

You are amazing! Love the read and all photos that go along with it. Your creativity amazes me and you have a talent for words.

I woke up to enjoy your email by the fireplace with hot coffee, and as always, loved every minute. You are so inspiring. I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

Paula Gerein Photography

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

Contact

Don’t Wait to Book Your Family Photo Session: Every Day is the Right Time

August 5, 2024 by admin

husband and wife cuddle on their front porch in Edmonton

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Don’t Wait to Book Your Family Photo Session: Every Day is the Right Time

We often fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect moment to book a family photo session. But here’s the truth: the perfect moment is now.

Your loved ones won’t remember the details you fret over, like the state of your kitchen or your waistline. What they’ll cherish are the moments you shared together—the cannonballs into the pool, the spontaneous food fights, and the cozy snuggles by the campfire.

If you wait for everything to be ‘just right’, you might miss out on capturing those deeply special memories. Let’s explore why every day is the right day to book that family photo session.

Summary:

Introduction: The Myth of the Perfect Moment
Cherishing Spontaneous Joy: Embrace Imperfection
The Importance of Presence Over Perfection
Memories That Matter: Moments Over Looks
Why Waiting Doesn’t Work
Making the Most of Today: Tips for Spontaneous Photo Sessions
Overcoming Common Excuses
Documenting Aging Parents: Treasuring Time Together
Conclusion: Capture Today’s Moments

Introduction: The Myth of the Perfect Moment

We all have that mental checklist of things that need to be just right before scheduling a family photo session. Maybe you’re waiting to lose those last few pounds, or you want your home to be spotless. But life doesn’t wait for perfect conditions, and neither should you. Here’s why you should seize the moment and book that session now.

Cherishing Spontaneous Joy: Embrace Imperfection

Let’s face it, life is messy, chaotic, and wonderfully imperfect. And that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. The times when everything goes wrong often make the best stories and the most cherished memories. Remember the time you all got caught in the rain during a family hike? Or when the kids decided the living room was the perfect place for an indoor picnic? These moments of spontaneous joy are what make your family unique.

Spontaneity Equals Authenticity: Documentary family photo sessions capture the real, unfiltered moments of your life. These are the memories that reflect your family’s true spirit.
Imperfection is Relatable: Future generations will cherish these honest depictions of everyday life more than any staged, picture-perfect image.

The Importance of Presence Over Perfection

Your family cares about your presence, not your perfection. When you look back at photos, what stands out is the connection and love you share, not the little details you worry about.

Being There: Your kids won’t remember if you had a few extra pounds or if the house was a bit messy. They’ll remember that you were there, laughing and enjoying the moment with them.
Showing Up: Just showing up and being part of their lives is what counts. Whether you’re tired, stressed, or not feeling your best, your presence is what matters most.

Memories That Matter: Moments Over Looks

Think about your own childhood memories. Do you remember what your parents looked like on any given day, or do you remember the things you did together? The camping trips, the late-night talks, the everyday routines—these are the moments that stick with us.

Creating Lasting Memories: Photos of everyday moments, like baking cookies or playing in the backyard, become priceless treasures.
Focus on Fun: A family photo session should be fun and relaxed, capturing your family’s genuine interactions and emotions.

Why Waiting Doesn’t Work

The idea of waiting for the perfect time is a myth. Life is unpredictable, and waiting often means missing out on capturing today’s special moments.

Time Flies: Kids grow up fast, and life’s moments are fleeting. Waiting for the perfect time might mean missing out on capturing the essence of your family as it is now.
Perfection is an Illusion: There will always be something that’s not quite right. Embrace the imperfections and focus on what truly matters—your family’s love and connection.

Making the Most of Today: Tips for Spontaneous Photo Sessions

Booking a spontaneous family photo session can be a delightful and stress-free experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

Choose a Familiar Setting: Your home, a favourite park, or a beloved family hangout can provide the perfect backdrop for your photos.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: Forget about matching outfits and focus on comfort. Wear what makes you feel good and reflects your family’s style.
Embrace Natural Moments: Don’t worry about posing perfectly, that’s much too exhausting. Let me, as your photographer, seek out the candid moments of your family interacting naturally.
Have Fun: Treat the session as a fun family activity rather than a chore. Play, laugh, and enjoy the time together.

Overcoming Common Excuses

We often find reasons to delay booking a family photo session, but most of these excuses are rooted in unnecessary worries. Here’s how to overcome some common hesitations:

“I’m not photogenic.” Everyone feels self-conscious in front of the camera, but a good photographer will know how to capture your best angles and moments. Remember, the goal is to capture your family’s genuine interactions, not to create a flawless portrait.

“Our house isn’t picture-perfect.” The beauty of documentary family photography is that it focuses on real life, not perfection. Your home, with all its lived-in charm, is the perfect backdrop for authentic photos.

“We’re too busy.” Life is busy, but that’s all the more reason to capture the moments that matter. A photo session doesn’t have to take all day—an hour or two is enough to create lasting memories.

Documenting Aging Parents: Treasuring Time Together

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget to capture the moments we spend with our aging parents. These moments are precious and deserve to be documented just as much as our children’s milestones.

A Legacy of Love: Photos of your parents with your children, sharing stories or simply being together, create a visual legacy that your family will treasure for generations. Let’s not forget how much you will love having photographs of yourself together with your parents!
Capturing Wisdom and Personality: Documenting the interactions and expressions of your parents can capture the wisdom and warmth they bring to your family. You will treasure mementos that remind you of their personality, their little quirks, and everything that makes them who they are.
Everyday Moments: Whether it’s cooking a family recipe together, gardening, or just sitting and talking, these everyday interactions with your parents will continue to be special no matter how much time passes and life changes.

Conclusion: Capture Today’s Moments

Don’t wait for the perfect moment to book your family photo session. Today, with all its imperfections, is the perfect time to capture the love and joy your family shares. Every day that you wake up is an opportunity to create and preserve beautiful memories.

By embracing the present and letting go of the pursuit of perfection, you’ll find that every day offers a chance to create beautiful, meaningful memories with your loved ones. Book your session today and celebrate the here and now!

OH HEY!

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

Whenever I get your newsletter I get excited. It's quirky, I laugh, I learn something new and your pictures are drool worthy!!

You are amazing! Love the read and all photos that go along with it. Your creativity amazes me and you have a talent for words.

I woke up to enjoy your email by the fireplace with hot coffee, and as always, loved every minute. You are so inspiring. I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

Paula Gerein Photography

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

Contact

The Beauty of Unposed Photography: Capturing the Real Moments with Your Newborn

July 29, 2024 by admin

A mother snuggles her newborn baby moments after they finish breastfeeding

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The Beauty of Unposed Photography: Capturing the Real Moments with Your Newborn

When it comes to capturing those early days with your newborn, there’s one thing I swear by: unposed photography. You will not find any “baby-in-a-basket” things with me. They are simply too much work for a new parent and they show nothing genuine about what it is like for you to welcome a new baby into your home.

Let’s be real—newborns are unpredictable beings. From their tiny yawns to their adorable baby squirms and diaper explosions, there’s no script when it comes to capturing those things. When you’re snuggled up with your newborn, there’s a bond that words simply can’t describe. It’s a love that’s raw, unfiltered, and utterly beautiful. With unposed photography, we have the freedom to let that love shine through in every photo.

Summary:

Introduction: The Essence of Unposed Photography
The Magic of Unscripted Moments
The Realities of Newborn Life
The Bond Between Parent and Child
The Downside of Posed Newborn Sessions
Benefits of Unposed Photography
Tips for a Successful Unposed Newborn Session
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Capturing the Details
Conclusion: Embrace the Imperfections

Introduction: The Essence of Unposed Photography

There’s something uniquely captivating about unposed photography. It captures the real, unscripted moments that define the early days of welcoming a newborn into your home. Unlike staged, overly stylized setups, unposed photography is all about authenticity and capturing life as it happens. Documentary newborn photography lets you show your child their first home and what life was like when you brought them home..

The Magic of Unscripted Moments

The true magic of unposed photography lies in its ability to capture unscripted moments. Newborns are unpredictable, and that’s what makes them so delightful to photograph.

Tiny Yawns: Those adorable yawns that seem too big for their tiny faces.
Baby Squirms: The way they wiggle and stretch, discovering their new world.
Diaper Explosions: Yes, even the messy moments are part of the story and can bring a humorous touch to your photo collection.

The Realities of Newborn Life

Let’s face it: newborn life is not all picture-perfect. It’s filled with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and moments of sheer exhaustion. But it’s also filled with love, joy, and countless precious moments.

Unpredictable Schedules: Newborns operate on their own timeline, making unposed photography ideal for capturing the reality of their schedules.
Natural Reactions: Unposed photography captures genuine reactions—whether it’s a sleepy smile, a curious gaze, or a tiny hand gripping your finger.

The Bond Between Parent and Child

The bond between a parent and their newborn is indescribable. It’s a connection that’s felt deeply and personally, and unposed photography allows that bond to shine through in every image.

Snuggle Time: Capturing moments of snuggling and bonding highlights the deep connection between you and your baby.
Everyday Interactions: The simple, everyday interactions—feeding, rocking, soothing—are what make your relationship special and unique.

The Downside of Posed Newborn Sessions

While posed newborn sessions with babies in baskets and other props might look cute, they come with several downsides:

Time-Consuming: Setting up and getting the baby to cooperate with these poses can take a lot of time, which is something new parents often don’t have in abundance.
Stressful for Baby: These sessions can be uncomfortable and stressful for the baby, who is often manipulated into unnatural positions.
Lack of Authenticity: Posed photos often lack the authenticity and emotional depth of unposed photography. They might look pretty, but they don’t capture the real essence of your family life.
Unrealistic Expectations: These stylized photos can set unrealistic expectations for new parents about what life with a newborn should look like, rather than embracing the beautiful chaos of real life.

Benefits of Unposed Photography

Choosing unposed photography for your newborn session offers numerous benefits, especially for busy, modern families.

Less Stress: There’s no need to worry about posing perfectly or getting your baby to cooperate with a specific setup.
Authenticity: The photos capture the true essence of your family’s life, making them more meaningful and memorable.
Timelessness: Unposed photos have a timeless quality that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Tips for a Successful Unposed Newborn Session

To ensure a successful unposed newborn session, keep these tips in mind:

Stay Relaxed: The more relaxed you are, the more natural and genuine the photos will be.
Be Yourself: Don’t try to create a perfect scenario. Let the moments unfold naturally.
Include Family Members: Involve siblings, pets, and other family members to capture the full dynamic of your household.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Creating a comfortable environment is key to successful unposed photography. Here are some tips to make sure everyone feels at ease:

Home Sweet Home: Conduct the session in your home where you and your baby feel most comfortable.
Keep it Simple: Avoid unnecessary props. Focus on the natural elements of your home.
Go with the Flow: Be flexible and go with the flow of your baby’s needs and moods.

Capturing the Details

The small details are what make unposed photography so special and you can guarantee that will be paying attention to these moments:

Tiny Features: Capture close-ups of tiny hands, feet, and facial expressions.
Firsts: Document firsts, like a yawn, a sneeze, or the first time they hold your finger.
Emotional Moments: Don’t shy away from the emotional moments—tears, laughter, and everything in between.

Conclusion: Embrace the Imperfections

The beauty of unposed photography lies in its imperfections. It’s about capturing life as it is, in all its messy, beautiful reality. These photos will tell the true story of your family, one that you’ll cherish forever.

By choosing unposed photography, you’re not just taking pictures; you’re preserving memories that reflect the true essence of your family. Let’s capture these precious moments together!

OH HEY!

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

Whenever I get your newsletter I get excited. It's quirky, I laugh, I learn something new and your pictures are drool worthy!!

You are amazing! Love the read and all photos that go along with it. Your creativity amazes me and you have a talent for words.

I woke up to enjoy your email by the fireplace with hot coffee, and as always, loved every minute. You are so inspiring. I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

Paula Gerein Photography

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

Contact

Ideas for a Summer Documentary Family Photo Session

June 14, 2024June 7, 2024 by admin

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Ideas for a Summer Documentary Family Photo Session

Summer is the perfect time for a documentary family photo session. With long days, beautiful weather, and everyone in a relaxed mood, you can capture genuine, heartfelt moments when everyone is having those “this is the best day ever” kind of days. Whether you’re looking to freeze a day at the park or an evening barbecue, this blog post will guide you through some fantastic ideas for a summer photo session that will resonate with your family and make for timeless memories.

Summary:

Introduction: The Magic of Summer Photo Sessions

Embrace the Great Outdoors
Capture a Day in the Life
Family Traditions and Activities
Seasonal Settings and Themes
Spontaneous Moments and Candid Shots
Incorporate Pets and Extended Family
Tips for a Successful Summer Photo Session

Conclusion: Make Your Summer Memories Last

Introduction: The Magic of Summer Photo Sessions

Summer brings a special kind of magic. The warm sunlight, vibrant nature, and laid-back vibes create the perfect setting for capturing your family’s story. As someone who loves documenting real-life moments, I’ve found that summer photo sessions often yield the most authentic and cherished images. Let’s dive into some creative ideas that will help you make the most of your summer documentary family photo session.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

One of the best parts of summer is the ability to spend time outside. From parks and beaches to forests and lakes, Edmonton and central Alberta are brimming with picturesque locations. Here are some outdoor ideas:

Picnic in the Park: Set up a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in a local park. Capture the joy of your family playing games, eating together, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Don’t forget to document the inevitable moment when someone spills juice all over the picnic blanket. Classic.

Beach Day: Head to a nearby lake for a fun-filled day of swimming, sandcastle building, and sunbathing. The candid moments of kids splashing in the water and parents relaxing on the shore make for beautiful, natural photos. Plus, nothing says “perfect family moment” like trying to get sand out of everyone’s swimsuits.

Hiking Adventure: Explore the stunning trails around Edmonton. Document your family’s adventure as you hike through lush forests, stop for scenic views, and enjoy the beauty of nature. And by “enjoy,” I mean “listen to the kids complain about the uphill climb and the mosquitoes.” Ah, nature.

Capture a Day in the Life

Documentary photography is all about telling a story. Why not capture a typical summer day in your family’s life? This approach provides a genuine glimpse into your daily routines and interactions. Here’s how:

Morning Routine: Start the session with your family’s morning activities – making breakfast, getting ready, and those cozy moments over coffee. The chaos of everyone fighting for the bathroom is just part of the charm.

Afternoon Play: Move on to the children’s playtime, whether it’s at home or at a local playground. Capture the laughter, the games, and the little adventures they embark on. Also, the moment when someone inevitably cries because they lost at tag.

Evening Wind-Down: Finish with your evening rituals – family dinner, storytime, or an outdoor movie night in your backyard. These everyday moments are often the most precious and memorable. And let’s be honest, it’s always fun to see who falls asleep first during storytime (hint: it’s usually the parents).

Family Traditions and Activities

Highlighting your unique family traditions and activities can make your photo session truly special. Think about what your family loves to do together:

Gardening Together: If your family enjoys gardening, document the process of planting, watering, and harvesting. The interactions and teamwork involved can create a touching narrative. Plus, you’ll get to capture the kids’ faces when they realize they’ve been weeding for an hour.

Cooking and Baking: Capture the chaos and fun of cooking a meal together, maybe over a bonfire or skewers for the BBQ! From preparing ingredients to enjoying the final dish, these moments are filled with genuine expressions and interactions. And nothing beats the candid shots of flour fights and the look of disappointment when someone burns the dessert.

Sports and Hobbies: Whether it’s a game of soccer in the backyard, a bike ride through the neighborhood, or a shared hobby like painting or playing music, these activities can make for dynamic and engaging photos. Especially when Dad tries to show off his soccer skills and ends up tripping over the ball. Priceless.

Seasonal Settings and Themes

Leverage the beauty of the summer season by incorporating seasonal settings and themes into your photo session:

Sunflower Fields and Gardens: Visit local sunflower fields or botanical gardens. The vibrant colors and natural settings mean tones of things to look at. Just be prepared for the kids to complain about how “boring” flowers are after five minutes.

Summer Festivals: Document your family enjoying a local summer festival or fair. The lively atmosphere, colorful decorations, and joyful moments can add a unique flair to your photos. And let’s not forget the classic shot of everyone covered in sticky cotton candy and trying to win a giant stuffed animal.

Evening Bonfires: Capture the warmth and coziness of an evening bonfire. The glow of the fire, roasting marshmallows, and storytelling create an intimate and magical ambiance. Plus, the bonus of snapping that inevitable moment when someone sets their marshmallow on fire and panics.

Spontaneous Moments and Candid Shots

Some of the best photos come from unplanned, spontaneous moments.

Unscripted Play: Let your children play freely without posing. These natural moments of joy, curiosity, and creativity make for heartfelt and genuine images. Plus, you’ll get to see what mischief they get into when they think no one’s watching.

Everyday Joy: Sometimes, the simplest moments – like a family walk, a shared ice cream, or a quiet cuddle – can be the most meaningful and beautiful. Especially the cuddle part, when everyone’s exhausted from all the fun and just happy to be together.

Incorporate Pets and Extended Family

Pets are part of the family too, and including them in your photo session can add an extra layer of fun and warmth:

Pet-Friendly Activities: Spend some time playing with your pets, whether it’s a game of fetch, a walk in the park, or simply cuddling at home.

Extended Family Gatherings: If you’re having a family reunion or a get-together with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, capture these multi-generational interactions. They showcase the love and connection within your extended family and trust me, these moments really will be valuable as elders age and little ones haven’t yet formed memories.

Tips for a Successful Summer Photo Session

To make the most of your summer photo session, keep these tips in mind:

Choose the Right Time: Simply schedule your session during the time of day your family enjoys most! Early birds or night owls, we can accommodate everyone.

Dress Comfortably: Opt for comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that reflects you. Nothing more, nothing less. Coordinating and dressing up is absolutely unnecessary.

Stick Together: In any session we can always fly by the seat of our pants, but try to realize that if you are wanting photos of your family together, then you will need activities that keep you together.

Relax and Be Yourselves: The best photos come when you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment. Trust your photographer to capture the magic. And remember, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly – sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments.

Conclusion: Make Your Summer Memories Last

A summer documentary family photo session is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of your family’s life and the unique moments that define it. From outdoor adventures and daily routines to special traditions and spontaneous joy, these ideas will help you create a timeless visual story of your family’s summer.

Book Your Session Today

Ready to capture your family’s summer story? Book your documentary family photo session today and let’s create beautiful, lasting memories together. Reach out by clicking “Get in Touch” below, or visit my website to schedule your session and learn more about the session offerings. I can’t wait to be part of your family’s journey.

OH HEY!

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

Whenever I get your newsletter I get excited. It's quirky, I laugh, I learn something new and your pictures are drool worthy!!

You are amazing! Love the read and all photos that go along with it. Your creativity amazes me and you have a talent for words.

I woke up to enjoy your email by the fireplace with hot coffee, and as always, loved every minute. You are so inspiring. I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

Paula Gerein Photography

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

Contact

Introducing Paula Gerein Photography and the Documentary Approach to Family Photography.

June 14, 2024June 6, 2024 by admin

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Introducing Paula Gerein Photography and the Documentary Approach to Family Photography

Hello, I’m Paula (she/her). I am so excited you are here and I cannot wait to introduce Documentary Family Photography and myself as a family photographer serving the Central Alberta, Canada region and beyond. Let’s get started.

Summary:

Me, In a Nutshell
How Documentary Family Photography is Different from Traditional Portraiture
A Photographer with Experience
Highest Respect for All Humans
Is This for You?
Client Review: “There is a brilliance in this way of documenting life”
In Summary

Me, in a nutshell

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.

My very random facts

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 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.

2. How Documentary Family Photography is Different from Traditional Portraiture

Remember Sears Portraits?

From the time I was little, posed family photography never really spoke to me. I remember my mom dressing up my sisters and I to go do our annual portrait at Sears and it was always a painful process. I usually had to wear something I didn’t love but had to wear anyway because it matched my sisters’ outfits. We had to make sure to spill nothing on the way to the studio, not make each other mad enough that someone would cry and have puffy eyes, and then we had to smile and pretend we loved each other. Ok, deep down we actually did love each other, but we were the classic, “best of friends, worst of enemies” and I didn’t want to have to unnaturally put my hand on my sister’s shoulder and tilt my head, attempting to look like perfect little angels.

This is what I remember from those posed sessions – they were fake, they weren’t fun, and while they created a trail of family portraits I enjoy having to mark how we changed over the years, they do nothing to inspire memories and emotions in me.

When I first discovered the documentary family photography genre, my mind was blown. Whoa. This is family photography?! I was enthralled. I spent the following three days stuck behind my computer learning everything and anything I could about this approach to family photography that excited me. THIS. I thought. THIS is what family photography can and should be.

I want photographs that burst with expression of all the emotions and not just big cheesy smiles. I want to photograph a laugh as it explodes out of your mouth, coming straight from your belly. I want to photograph looks of disgust at poopy, overflowing diapers or from a child being told to eat their steamed broccoli for supper. I want to photograph tears of disappointment and frustration, from emotionally exhausted parents, toddlers, and teens. I want to photograph the way two bodies in love completely melt into each other when they embrace. I want it ALL.

All of this life, this beautifully, messy, perfectly imperfect life. THIS is what we can capture together with documentary family photo sessions.

3. A Photographer with Experience

Since that magical time of discovery, I’ve gone on to do over 125 documentary family photo sessions directly for families and also for non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Kids with Cancer Society, and others.

Family photo sessions have covered life in the city, on the farm, camping in the mountains, vacationing at the lake. I’ve photographed newborns, those nearing end-of-life, extended family reunions and weekends together, teens who let their parents hang out with them, wild and crazy little ones, tame and tired not-so-little ones. Variety is the spice of life. At the end of the day, we are documenting life and whether there is a special purpose for hiring a photographer on a special day, or whether you want a photographer to help create photographs as family mementos, there is space for it all.

So many beautiful families; so many life moments

4. Highest Respect for All Humans

I work very hard to teach my kids to have the highest respect for all humans. I firmly believe everyone(!) deserves respect regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, social status, political leanings, or opinion. A kind smile and a touch of understanding can go a long way, for you have no idea of the path the stranger next to you is navigating. Some might call this a diversity and inclusion statement, but I like to say that no matter who you are, you’ve got a safe place with me.

5. Is This for You?

If you’ve found your way here, then maybe you’re like me and documentary family photography was the thing you didn’t know you were looking for until you found it.

There could be a lot of reasons why someone is attracted to this genre of family photography:

You’re a sentimental kind of person who feels like you’ve won the lottery of life. You finish the day whispering to yourself, “How did I get so lucky?”, and you want photographs which will always bring you back to this moment in time.

Or…

You’re someone who greets life with bandaids, dirty fingernails, and a fabulous sense of humour and recognize that there is zero need to impersonate perfection.

Or…

Maybe your crew is a little wild and the idea of attempting a posed family portrait equates to the thought of fingernails running down a blackboard. You just want to have photos of your family while you are wild and free and having fun.

Or…

You’re an art lover who wants something beautiful and unique to only you. Photographs that are more art than snapshot; photographs that pull you in.

6. Client Review: “There is a brilliance in this way of documenting life”

From Nancy, who lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her two teens:

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.

Life is full and busy and we move from one thing to the next, often without appreciating or even noticing the myriad of special things that happen in any given day. 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.

There is a brilliance in this way of documenting life. It was special for our family but it has also been lovely to share the photos with other people in our lives, welcoming them into our everyday. It is a wonderful thing to be seen.

7. In Summary

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.

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.

Reach out anytime if you would like to talk. I would love to hear from you!

OH HEY!

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Whenever I get your newsletter I get excited. It's quirky, I laugh, I learn something new and your pictures are drool worthy!!

You are amazing! Love the read and all photos that go along with it. Your creativity amazes me and you have a talent for words.

I woke up to enjoy your email by the fireplace with hot coffee, and as always, loved every minute. You are so inspiring. I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

Paula Gerein Photography

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

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