3 Misconceptions about In-Home Documentary Photography

1) You just show up and shoot

Although it may seem that way or sound that way when I talk about what I do, there's a lot more to it than that. There is a lot of planning even if I am there to capture spontaneous interactions. I like to know who I'll be meeting to get a sense of what is important to the family which helps me to know what I should be trying to capture. I send clients a short questionnaire before we meet so that I can learn more about their family, little details, favourite activities, what their everyday routine looks like. All of this information helps me to prepare and can also be used to help guide a session. For example, this family mentioned their son's love of trucks and cars. I used it as an ice breaker when meeting them to get them to interact together. The fact that it is something the child loves at the moment, makes it important and worth capturing.

I also need to anticipate what type of gear I will need to bring along. Depending on the type of session and location, I have to decide whether I need a macro lens to capture tiny newborn details or my flash if the lighting may not be ideal.

2) You just take pictures as they happen

This is partly true. I don't like to manipulate the situation too much. I like to gently give some direction if needed but for the most part, I let things play out and follow along. However, this doesn't mean that I snap away without intent. I move around to figure out the best composition or sometimes I compose the image in my mind first based on light, lines, reflections or whatever I have to work with and I patiently wait until the subject enters the frame where I wanted them to be. I see interactions happening and I move in to capture a detail or I move back to add context to the scene. The goal is to make the strongest image possible while playing off of the surroundings and subjects. In my work, I like to create images that make you feel something and this means watching and waiting for everything to come together in just the right way.

3) Documentary Photography is so much easier than studio photography 

Just as lighting setups and posing in a studio are not as easy as the pros make it look, documentary photography is challenging in so many ways. It requires a very specific skill set: you have to be flexible, be able to think quick on your feet, be a good observer. You walk into people's personal spaces as a stranger and have to be able to make people feel comfortable within minutes so that they will look natural on camera and enjoy the experience. Walking into people's personal spaces, their homes, can be a very vulnerable thing and you have to approach it as such. Each family is different which is what makes this type of photography so interesting. Each family has its own dynamic that you have to quickly gauge and adjust to. Lighting is never the same from one place to another and it can vary so much even within the same house. You have to be able to figure out how to use it and other elements to your advantage. As most people can attest to, taking photos of your own kids can be a challenge because they move so quickly. Imagine trying to get those moments together with trying to familiarize yourself with the family, the space, the light.

I love what I do. Working as a photographer challenges me every time. It's different every time. I love meeting new families and also shooting the same families year after year and seeing how they have grown and changed.

What to expect from your family photo session with me

How does a family documentary photo session work?

For those who have already had a photo session with me, you will know the answer to this but for those who haven’t, I thought I’d take a bit of time to explain the process. 

When I am first contacted by a client, I follow up with a brief description of how I work and I ask questions to get more details on what my client is looking for. I want to be sure that my photography style is a good match for what they want. Sometimes this means answering more questions or a phone call to go more in depth. Once we have agreed on a date, I develop a list of questions that are tailored to that client. I want to get to know my client before I meet them so that I can really understand what is important to them and what they want to remember about this time in their lives. Maybe it’s an object like a favourite t-shirt, or maybe it’s an interaction like the way Dad turns his toddler upside down or sometimes it’s a general feeling of the chaos and movement of everyday life. The answers to these questions help to guide the session and inspire the activities for the session itself. For example, if I read about how special breakfast time is for a family, my first thought is to ensure we set a time that will allow us to capture this. I read my clients’ responses to questions several times ahead of the session and keep the details in mind while I shoot. The idea is to create photos that make you feel something and the only way to do this is to go deeper and to connect - to capture real life moments that are authentic.

You won’t find a “what to wear” section on my website. It’s all about being comfortable and dressed according to the activity you will be doing. You don’t need to do a major clean before I arrive since those real life elements are what help the story and make it your own. No posing required, just enjoy time with your family. If someone isn’t interested in doing a certain activity that day, that's ok too, we move on and do something else. 

I give very little direction and instead let everyone fall into the routine of being themselves. I take a lot of photos. I shoot details, objects, close ups of tiny toes and wider angles to get the whole room or family in the picture. All of these pieces come together to tell the story. 

Not sure what activities to do for your family session? I'm working on a list to help inspire you. Stay tuned!

Documentary photo sessions aren’t just for families with young children – they can include anything from a simple wedding, maternity sessions (documenting life before baby arrives, preparing the nursery etc.), documenting the story of your family's older generations or how about the creative process behind a business? More on those specific sessions another time!  

I’m happy to answer any questions so don’t hesitate to hit reply and send me a message.

L Turns 2

One of the things I like the most about a birthday party is the preparation beforehand. I think this may be tied to the idea of reminding myself to enjoy the process and not just the end result. The quietness before the chaos. When we are wrapped up in getting ready with a 'to-do' list a mile long, it's hard to focus on those moments that happen in-between. I followed the K family as they were preparing for L's Minnie Mouse themed birthday party - complete with custom handmade invitations, Minnie Mouse cupcakes and pink lemonade. My favourite image of that day was of Mom getting L ready on the change table - something about the light in the room and capturing the little everyday detail of getting ready. One day soon enough this activity will unfold quite differently as she outgrows the change table, the crib and as she becomes more independent.

 

Dads need pictures too

Men in particular tend to be reluctant to have their picture taken. By planning a photo session that centres around an activity, the "I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing" uncomfortableness tends to fall away. It gives everyone a purpose. The activity should be something that you usually do so that it is meaningful, but it can be a very simple routine: making breakfast, playing a game, sitting around the campfire, fixing things, reading. 

It doesn't have to be awkward and forced. I promise. 5 photos that prove my point:

Your family will thank you for taking the time to get in the picture with your family. 

Contact me for details on booking a session.