How it differs

There's lots to plan for a typical family session, from outfits to hair & makeup to locations. The stress can build as you prepare to make yourselves picture-perfect-- especially when you've got toddlers who would rather play in the mud than be dressed up in their "Sunday Best" and smile at a camera!

Take heart! Your documentary session is quite different, in the best ways. The purpose of this session is to document your family as you are, doing the things you love, in the places you love, with the people you love most. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" time, location, home, or outfits, you're documenting the perfectly imperfect life you have with your children now. Because whether we like it or not, our children are growing up faster than any of us want them to.

How to Prepare

Gone is the need for matchy-matchy outfits, clothes that are uncomfortable and don't feel like "you", perfect manicures, and a face full of makeup (unless, of course, that's what you normally like and do!).

So then, how do you prepare for your session?

Tell them that when the photographer shows up, you don't need to put on an act. Tell them the best thing they can do is ignore the photographer altogether, and forget she's even there. The goal during this session is to have a blast as a family, doing all the things you love. Tell them you've made plans to do all your favorite things-- like go to the park, play their favorite board game, throw a ball in the back yard, go to their grandparents' house, cuddle up and read their favorite book together, bake some cookies... or whatever else they love and want to do! The possibilities are endless, but I want them to know that today is for them to enjoy. It's an intentional family day! Tell them you want to have fun with them, and to simply ignore the person following you around with a camera. lol

Figure out what you want to do with your kids during your "family day". Maybe even ask each child "if we could do only one thing, what would you want it to be?" That way you get an idea of each child's most memorable and favorite activity, because we want to document the things that they love and want to remember as adults. When you create the list, send it to me so I can be fully prepared with the equipment and skills I need to document your day together.

Mama, I know you're overthinking this. You're stressing about "making sure it turns out well".

But truly, set aside perfection and allow me to document your family together. The goal with this session is to create images that make you feel and see the love your family has for each other. In 30 years your kids won't care that there were dishes in the sink, or unfolded laundry on the bed. They will care that "we had such a fun time with mom and dad that day!" So set your mind at rest, and focus on enjoying this time with your kids-- no strings attached.

The goal with your outfits is to wear things:

1. you'd normally wear
2. you are comfortable in
3. you can play and have fun in

There's no need for color-coordination or matching sets-- unless, of course, that's something that sets your heart on fire and you regularly do even when you aren't getting photos done.

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day. If you're going to be digging in the garden outside, maybe don't have your toddler wear his newest pair of jeans.

Let's make your documentary session a day to remember! I will be a fly on the wall, watching and capturing your family spending time together. I will do very little "coaching" or interrupting, but will instead let your day play out as it normally would if I wasn't there.

I can't wait to document your family!