Why documentary newborn and family photographs matter

The thing about documentary newborn and family photographs is that they always move me in some way – which didn't used to happen back when I did more posed lifestyle photos.

Some thoughts on why these photographs matter:

Firsts

My friend and fellow photographer Maki had been wanting a baby for so long. She carefully held him when baby-wearing for the first time, out of the worry of a mother who wants to protect her little newborn son.

Helpful routines

Baby Hazel was going down for her first nap of the day with a bottle in hand when I saw these bottles at the edge of her crib – suggesting a regular routine.

Just who they are

I'm so lucky to be invited into families' most intimate spaces as well as to be part of the silliest ordinary moments that happen in their lives.

"The shoot yielded absolutely beautiful shots that show our toddler’s personality and what it feels like to be around her at this age." - Elise

Helping hands

So many living in this area have moved here for work, which means that family may be far away. Grandma and grandpa travelled far to help take care of newborn Lena.

Everyday occurrence

The big and little things that happen in a family's everyday routines will stop when the kiddos get older.

"I adore the pictures of the girls horsing around with their Dad. I see this scene almost every day, but somehow having a photo of it helps me pause and appreciate the beauty of it." - Alexa

The growing bond

When a mom told me that she had really hard time after a difficult birth, I felt that the moments while she was bonding with her newborn baby were very important to capture.

Easy-going adventure days

Traditional family sessions are really no fun for the kids (and not always enjoyable for the parents, either!) so pictures of a relaxing, fun, and wild time together may be a better fit.

Frankly I don't want to even imagine trying to get four kiddos to sit down and pose for photos for an hour!

You are important

You may take all the pictures in the world of your kiddo, but having pictures that show how important you are to them matter, too.

What parents don't see

There may be something you do every day, and you have no idea what goes on while your back is turned. Ivy was having the time of her life in the back-seat of her mom's car, and the pictures I took during the car-ride really made me see that you can make interesting pictures anywhere. ANYWHERE.

Sibling love

During a posed session older siblings can show a bit of irritation when they have to pose for the sake of a new family member. But – if they can be just naturally involved in whatever goes on, they are usually excited.Funny story – Rocco's big brother had decided baby's name should be Bob. Later he changed his mind, because he wanted to keep the name for when he has his own kid someday.

The perfect imperfections

I love the newborn photos of Anahita, with her rosy cheeks and peeling skin. Sure – retouching her face would make the photo "prettier" – but isn't she quite perfect as she is?

Get in the picture just as you are

Rosalin was apprehensive about being in pictures after just having given birth. After she saw a few of the photos of Myra with her dad, she wanted to be in the pictures too. And Myra will be so happy that she did.

Pets can be a part of the family session

I love this picture of birthday girl Maia not being energetic enough to join the kiddos running around the dining room. The family wanted pictures of her while she is still with them, and I thought it was an amazing idea.

The teamwork of parents

So often one parent will be behind the camera while the other one is in front. Here I was so happy to capture these parents working as a team to take care of their toddler's boo-boo.

The weirdness goes away

This picture of David (11) got me thinking about how kids do weird stuff – and how for most people those uninhibited impulses go away in teen years, or by adulthood.

You can be yourself

How amazing that your love of 16 years still makes you laugh like this!

I guarantee that Michaela's kiddos will look at this picture when they are all grown up, and maybe even see themselves in it.