12 Things A Documentary Family Photographer Wishes You Knew

A documentary family photo session is very different from a formal portrait session. These are some things that I wish all parents where aware of before having a session with me:

1 . I am terrible at posed family group photos

I am not a natural at them, and I see how uncomfortable it makes the kids (and sometimes the parents, too). Kids can see right through me if I try to make it a fun experience; they are savvy little creatures. So if you ask me to do this, they may be your least favorite pictures.

2. Bribing and threatening your kids will not work

During a documentary family session you don't need to do either of these things. Bribery and threatening your kids will ruin the genuine mood you wish that I would capture in your photos. If you're not convinced and still think that your kids need a little extra incentive, surprise them with water colors, lollipops, a new puzzle or balloons during the session as an added activity.

3. Your kids are magical beings

Forcing them to "behave" for a photo session makes them think that they aren't good as they are. As someone who used to work in daycare for 6 years I have a little secret for you: ALL kids act crazy sometimes. And that's ok with me, it makes for fun pictures!

4. Concentrate on enjoying your family; the pictures will turn out better

If you're thinking about your posture, or trying not to smile because you are self-conscious about your teeth, you will not seem present in your photos. The more genuinely you're engaging with your family, the better the photos will turn out. In other words, forget that there's a photographer present. I'm just a friend hanging out with camera at the ready. And no need to stress over your tantrum-throwing toddler; it happens and the moment will pass.

5. Real is more interesting than perfect

Finding beautiful, funny or emotional moments in real life is just the best! Don't feel bad about your home being a mess either; whatever the state of  your home is, it reflects on where you are in your life right now. And that's ok.

6. You should be in photos for your kids

Firstly, you want to set a good example for your kids by showing them you are comfortable with being in photos (read about this subject in my previous post).Secondly, these pictures are something that your kids will cherish when they're older. You want them to be able to look back on their story, that YOU were a priceless part of.

7. Your clothes matter

To have an honest record of your family, you should dress like you do every day. Too match-y is not real, and is best reserved for formal portraits. Neutral colors are best, and steer clear of solid white or black.

8. I still get nervous before every single photo session

I really do. The photo session is important to you, which makes it important to me, and that puts pressure on creativity!

9. Whatever happened during your session affects me as well

You will be transported back to whatever happened during your session every time you look through them. Because I spend several hours working on your images, I relive the moments from your session over and over again, too! Luckily I've worked with a lot of awesome families which means amazing feelings accompany me during the otherwise tedious editing process.

10. It is expensive and exhausting to run your own business

I really have a passion for capturing moments for families and I wish I could do it for a price that was more affordable, because everyone should have beautiful pictures of their family.Unfortunately, a huge chunk of the session fee goes to running my business, and another one towards taxes. My prices are what they are so I can still bring a chunk home after everything else is paid off – and I'm talking hypothetically here, since I'm still building up my business!The time that I physically spend at photo sessions is a small portion of my job. I have to wear many "hats" in my business: bookkeeper, marketer, social media account manager, receptionist, editor, graphic designer, web developer, blogger, sales rep and artist. I'm so grateful to this amazing woman who does my taxes, but I have to pay her, too!

11. I can't wait to hear your reaction about your photos

I'm checking my email every seventeen seconds while I wait for a comment from a family I've sent pictures to. I pour so much love into the pictures, and hope they make the family as happy as they make me.

12. Recommendations and reviews are important

There are few things that make me feel better than a client who raves about their photos enough to encourage their friends to book me for a session of their own. A written testimonial or a review on Yelp/Facebook helps me book future clients, too, and is greatly appreciated. My business is still starting out, and building a client base takes several years.After soaking up all this information, you are ready to do a fun and relaxed session with me. Are you ready to let your hair down?