Does a Day-in-the-Life Session Feel Too Personal? Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing
Have you ever looked at a family photo and thought, “That’s not us”? Maybe everyone is smiling, standing just right, but it feels a little… staged? A little too perfect? That’s where documentary family photography comes in. It’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity. It’s about capturing your family exactly as you are, in the moments that matter most. And yes, that can feel personal—but that’s what makes it so powerful.
What We’ll Cover:
- Worried a Day-in-the-Life Session Is Too Personal? You’re Not Alone
- The Magic of Documentary Family Photography – How the documentary approach is different from traditional family sessions
- Will It Feel Weird Having a Photographer Around? What to expect during a day-in-the-life session
- But What If My Life is Too Chaotic?
- How to Convince Your Husband This Won’t Be Awkward
- Why Your “Ordinary” Life is Anything But Ordinary
- How To Get Started
Worried a Day-in-the-Life Session Is Too Personal? You’re Not Alone
Let’s be real—the idea of a photographer hanging out with your family for hours, documenting your everyday life, can feel a little intimidating. What if the kids fight? What if your house is a disaster? What if you spend half the day refereeing snack disputes and breaking up squabbles over whose turn it is on the iPad?
I get it. You want photos that show your family at its best, but real life? That can be messy, unpredictable, and, well, a little chaotic. And that is exactly why documentary family photography is so powerful.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to have a Pinterest-perfect home or an Instagram-ready family dynamic. Life isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. A day-in-the-life session isn’t about catching you off-guard or airing your laundry (dirty or otherwise). It’s about celebrating the love, the laughter, the tantrums, and the beautifully ordinary moments that make your family unique.
The Magic of Documentary Family Photography
Unlike posed family portraits, which require matching outfits and forced smiles, documentary photography captures your family as you are. It’s real, raw, and unapologetically you.
A few things that might happen during your session:
- Your toddler throws an Oscar-worthy tantrum (no judgment, we’ve all been there)
- The dog steals a sandwich right off the table (instant comedy gold)
- Your partner sneaks a quiet moment with their morning coffee (perfection in simplicity)
- Your kids tackle you with full-body hugs (cue the heart melt)
These moments aren’t interruptions to the session—they are the session. Every emotion, every interaction, every perfectly imperfect part of your day is worth remembering.
Will It Feel Weird Having a Photographer Around?
Honestly? Maybe for the first five minutes. But then it won’t.
I hear it all the time:
“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.
Within moments, I blend into the background. I’m not there to make you feel like you’re in a reality TV show. I’m your camera-happy new friend who just happens to be documenting the day as it unfolds. No pressure, no awkward poses, no pretending to be something you’re not.
“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.
But What If My Life Is Too Chaotic?
Ah, chaos. The spice of family life.
If your household is anything like mine, there’s a good chance that someone is yelling, someone is laughing, and someone is attempting to jump off a piece of furniture at any given moment. That’s just life. And it’s beautiful.
Your kid throwing a fit? That’s real. And what happens after—the deep breath, the comforting hug, the way they collapse into you for reassurance—is the kind of moment that makes this work so powerful.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth. And truth is gorgeous.
How to Convince Your Husband This Won’t Be Awkward
If your husband’s first reaction to booking a session is an immediate no thanks, don’t worry. I’ve seen it all before. The good news? Husbands are usually the ones who come back as my biggest repeat customers.
Here’s why:
- No stiff poses or awkward smiles. He doesn’t have to get dressed up and pretend to be someone he’s not.
- It’s actually fun. Hanging out with the family, lounging in sweatpants, sipping coffee, and playing with the kids? Much better than stiffly posing in a field.
- Less pressure. No stressing about getting the kids to behave for a perfect shot—just real, genuine moments.
By the end of the session, he’ll realize that not only was it easy, but it was actually a pretty enjoyable way to spend a day.
Why Your “Ordinary” Life Is Anything But Ordinary
All families have ups and downs—that’s normal. A day-in-the-life session isn’t about pretending those don’t exist. It’s about seeing through the mundane and highlighting the beauty in your everyday moments.
The way your partner looks at your kids. The way your child’s hand fits perfectly in yours. The little things that make up a life.
These photos aren’t just pictures. They’re a way to fall in love with your family all over again.
So, is a documentary session personal? Absolutely. And that’s the whole point.
How To Get Started
Thinking about booking a session but still feeling unsure? Let’s chat. No pressure, no commitments. Just a conversation about what a session could look like for your family.
Or, if you’re ready to dive in, let’s make some magic. Your life is beautiful, exactly as it is. Let’s capture it together.
Book your session here or reach out just to talk about options!
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Paula Gerein Photography
Documentary photography for families and businesses of Edmonton and Central Alberta, Canada. Available for travel.
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