summer documentary photography Archives - Paula Gerein Photography Edmonton

Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

July 22, 2024 by admin

Mother son together in lake - from an Edmonton Family Photographer

Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

Your favourite life memories, can – and should – be what documentary family photo sessions are about.

Summer is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your family, and what better way to do it than by spending a day at the lake? The sun, sand, and water provide a beautiful backdrop for family portraits that capture the genuine moments and interactions of your family.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the joys of lake life, share tips for a successful photo session, and explain why the lake is the perfect setting for capturing your happiest family moments.

Summary:

Introduction: The Allure of Lake Life
The Magic of Lake Life
Capturing Happy Moments
Incorporating Family Activities
Tips for a Stress-Free Photo Session
Why You’ll Never Regret a Swim
Conclusion: Embrace the Lake Life

Introduction: The Allure of Lake Life

There’s something magical about spending time by the lake. The combination of fresh air, sparkling water, and the sounds of nature creates a serene and joyful atmosphere. For families in Edmonton and central Alberta, the lakes offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Wabamun Lake, Gull Lake, Pigeon Lake, Sylvan Lake… The list goes on and there are so many gorgeous places we have access to.

Whether you’re swimming, building sandcastles, or simply lounging on the shore, these moments are worth capturing. A photo session at the lake allows you to preserve these memories in a way that’s natural, heartfelt, and uniquely yours.

The Magic of Lake Life

Lake life is more than just an outing; it’s an experience that rejuvenates the soul and brings families closer together. Here’s why lake life is so special:

Natural Beauty: Lakes are surrounded by stunning scenery, from clear blue waters to lush green forests. This natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for family photos.
Tranquility: The peaceful environment of the lake helps everyone unwind and relax. The calmness you feel translates into joyful, stress-free moments that are ideal for capturing.
Family Bonding: With no distractions from technology or the busyness of everyday life, families can truly connect. Conversations flow more easily, laughter comes more readily, and bonds are strengthened.

Capturing Happy Moments

The lake is a place where happy moments happen naturally. Here’s how to ensure you capture those joyful experiences:

Natural Interactions: Focus on your family’s natural interactions. Whether it’s a playful splash fight or a quiet moment of reflection, these interactions make for compelling photos.
Unscripted Play: Let your children play freely without worrying about posing. The spontaneous joy and energy of kids are perfect for candid photos.
Everyday Actions: Simple actions like applying sunscreen, eating a picnic lunch, or exploring the shoreline can be beautifully captured to tell the story of your day.

Incorporating Family Activities

Incorporating a variety of activities can add depth and interest to your photo session. Here are some ideas:

Water Fun: Swimming, paddleboarding, or boating are great activities to capture. The movement and excitement make for dynamic and engaging photos.
Beach Games: Bring along a frisbee, volleyball, or beach ball for some fun and active shots. Games often lead to laughter and candid moments.
Nature Exploration: Explore the natural surroundings with your family. Collect shells, watch birds, or go for a hike…

Tips for a Stress-Free Photo Session

A relaxed and enjoyable photo session leads to the best photos. Here are some tips to keep things stress-free:

Preparation: Pack everything you’ll need in advance, including snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and extra clothes. Being prepared helps prevent stress and ensures everyone stays comfortable.
Go with the Flow: Embrace the unpredictability of a day at the lake. Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned. Sometimes the unexpected moments are the most memorable.
Have Fun: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your time together.

Why You’ll Never Regret a Swim

Let’s talk about one of the best parts of lake life: swimming. You might hesitate at first — the water might feel a bit chilly, or you might worry about getting your hair wet. But trust me, you’ll never regret a swim.

Here’s why:

Instant Refreshment: There’s nothing like the feeling of diving into cool, refreshing water on a hot summer day. It’s an instant pick-me-up that leaves you feeling energized and happy.
Fun and Laughter: Swimming often leads to playful moments, whether it’s a splash fight, a race to the shore, or simply floating lazily on your back. These moments are pure joy, and they make for fantastic candid photos.
Memorable Experiences: Some of the best family memories are made in the water. Think about the excitement of teaching your child to swim, the thrill of jumping off a dock, or the peacefulness of a sunset swim. These experiences are priceless and worth capturing.
Stress Relief: Swimming is a great way to relax and unwind. The gentle movement of the water, the sound of the waves, and the feeling of weightlessness combine to create a calming effect that melts away stress.

So, dive in! Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just enjoy wading in the shallow end, those moments in the water are guaranteed to be highlights of your lake day. I have a waterproof camera that I bring along to every lake session to make sure I’m ready for all your moments in and out of the water!

Conclusion: Embrace the Lake Life

The lake setting provides the perfect environment for capturing your family’s happiest moments, with its natural beauty, tranquility, and opportunities for genuine interaction. Whether you’re splashing in the water, playing beach games, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, these photos will tell the story of your family’s lake life adventures.

Book Your Lake Life Photo Session Today

Ready to capture the magic of your family’s day at the lake? Don’t wait! Book your lake life photo session today and let’s create beautiful, lasting memories together. Get in touch to schedule your session and learn more about session options. Let’s embrace the sun, sand, and water and make this summer one to remember.

Enjoy the lake life, and remember — the best moments are often the ones you least expect. And trust me, you’ll never regret a swim.

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

How to Photograph Your Own Family on Summer Vacation and Keep Your Things Safe at the Beach

July 15, 2024 by admin

A girl in an orange inner tube chases a ball in the lake water during her family's documentary photo session with Paula Gerein Photography.

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How to Photograph Your Own Family on Summer Vacation and Keep Your Things Safe at the Beach

Summer vacation is the perfect time to capture beautiful memories with your family. Whether you’re at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or exploring a new city, there are countless opportunities to snap photos that you’ll cherish for years to come. However, photographing your family while also keeping your belongings safe, especially at the beach, can be challenging.

This blog post will provide you with practical tips for taking great photos of your own family while also keeping your items secure during your summer adventures.

Summary:

Introduction: The Joy of Summer Vacation Photos
Choosing the Right Equipment
Capturing Natural Moments
Making the Most of Golden Hour
Incorporating Fun Activities
Tips for Keeping Your Things Safe at the Beach
Using Creative Angles and Perspectives
iPhone Photography Tips for Beginners
Editing and Sharing Your Photos
Conclusion: Enjoy and Capture the Moment

Introduction: The Joy of Summer Vacation Photos

Summer vacations are filled with special moments and adventures. From sandy beach days to mountain hikes, these experiences are perfect for creating lasting memories. Taking photos of these moments allows you to relive them and share them with loved ones. However, balancing the need to capture these memories with the practicalities of keeping your things safe can be tricky, especially at the beach. Here’s how to do both effectively.

Choosing the Right Equipment

The first step to taking great vacation photos is choosing the right equipment. You don’t need professional gear to capture beautiful images—often, your smartphone or a simple point-and-shoot camera will do the trick.

Smartphones: Modern smartphones have excellent cameras with various settings and modes to enhance your photos. They are also convenient and easy to use and many newer models are waterproof.
Compact Cameras: If you prefer a dedicated camera, compact cameras are lightweight and easy to carry. Many offer advanced features without the bulk of a DSLR.
Action Cameras: For adventurous activities, consider an action camera like a GoPro. These are durable, waterproof, and perfect for capturing high-energy moments.

Capturing Natural Moments

The best vacation photos are often the candid ones. Aim to capture natural interactions and genuine expressions rather than posed shots.

Be Patient: Wait for natural moments of joy, like laughter or a child’s expression of wonder.
Stay Ready: Keep your camera handy so you can quickly snap photos as moments happen.
Interact: Engage with your family while taking photos to help them feel relaxed and natural.

Making the Most of Golden Hour

Golden hour—the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset—offers the best natural lighting for photography. The light is soft, warm, and flattering, making it ideal for capturing beautiful images.

Early Mornings and Late Afternoons: Plan your photo sessions during these times for the best lighting.
Sunset Silhouettes: Use the setting sun to create stunning silhouettes of your family against the horizon.
Play with Light: Experiment with backlighting and shadows to add depth and drama to your photos.

Incorporating Fun Activities

Photos that capture your family engaged in fun activities are more dynamic and interesting. These images tell a story and highlight the joy of your vacation.

Beach Games: Capture the excitement of building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or chasing waves.
Outdoor Adventures: Document hikes, bike rides, or nature walks. Action shots of your family exploring new places add variety to your photo collection.
Local Experiences: Photograph your family trying local foods, participating in cultural activities, or exploring markets and landmarks.

Tips for Keeping Your Things Safe at the Beach

Keeping your belongings safe while enjoying the beach is crucial. Here are some practical tips to ensure your valuables are secure:

Waterproof Bags: Invest in a good-quality waterproof bag to protect your electronics from sand and water.
Safety in Numbers: If you’re with a group, take turns watching over your belongings while others swim or play.
Conceal Valuables: Use hidden compartments in your beach bag or bring Ziploc bags where you can stash your valuables like keys, wallets, and phones and bury in the sand underneath your towel. Remember to pin the Ziploc to your towel so you don’t forget about it!

Using Creative Angles and Perspectives

To make your vacation photos stand out, experiment with different angles and perspectives. This adds interest and variety to your images.

Low Angles: Get down to the ground level to capture a child’s perspective or the details of a sandy beach.
High Angles: Shoot from above to include more of the landscape and create a sense of scale.
Close-Ups: Focus on small details, like a child’s sandy toes or the texture of a seashell, to add depth to your photo collection.

iPhone Photography Tips for Beginners

If you’re using an iPhone to capture your vacation photos, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your device:

Use Grid Lines: Turn on the grid lines in your camera settings to help with composition. The rule of thirds can make your photos more balanced and interesting.
Tap to Focus: Tap on the screen where you want to focus. This helps ensure that your subject is sharp and clear.
Adjust Exposure: After tapping to focus, you can slide your finger up or down to adjust the exposure. This is useful for brightening or darkening your photos as needed.
Use HDR Mode: High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode captures more detail in bright and dark areas. This is great for landscape shots or high-contrast scenes.
Burst Mode: Use burst mode to capture a series of photos in quick succession. This is perfect for action shots or when you want to choose the best image from a sequence.
Portrait Mode: If you have an iPhone with portrait mode, use it to create a blurred background effect. This can make your subject stand out and give your photos a professional look.
Clean the Lens: It’s easy to forget, but a clean lens makes a big difference. Wipe your lens regularly to avoid smudges and blurry photos.

Editing and Sharing Your Photos

After your vacation, take some time to edit and share your photos. Editing can enhance your images, bringing out the best in each shot.

Simple Edits: Use basic editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. Crop and straighten your photos to improve composition.
Filter Fun: Experiment with filters to add a unique look to your photos. Just be careful not to overdo it—sometimes less is more.
Sharing Memories: Create a digital album or a slideshow to share with family and friends. You can also print your favourite photos to create a vacation scrapbook.

Conclusion: Enjoy and Capture the Moment

Photographing your family on summer vacation is a wonderful way to preserve memories and share your adventures. By choosing the right equipment, capturing natural moments, and incorporating fun activities, you can create beautiful and meaningful photos. Don’t forget to keep your belongings safe, especially at the beach, so you can focus on enjoying your time together.

By following these tips and embracing the spontaneity of documentary photography, you’ll create a collection of images that truly reflect the love and connection within your family. Enjoy your summer adventures and happy photographing!

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

Let's Talk

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!

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.

Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

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Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

OH HEY!

Paula Gerein Photography

Contact

How to Photograph Your Own Family on Summer Vacation and Keep Your Things Safe at the Beach

How to Photograph Your Own Family on Summer Vacation and Keep Your Things Safe at the Beach

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OH HEY!

Paula Gerein Photography

Contact

Ideas for a Summer Documentary Family Photo Session

Ideas for a Summer Documentary Family Photo Session

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

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

Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

OH HEY!

Paula Gerein Photography

Contact

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

Introducing Paula Gerein Photography and the Documentary Approach to Family Photography

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

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

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

Lake Life: Capturing Your Family in the Sun and Sand with Summer Family Portraits

OH HEY!

Paula Gerein Photography

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