"We are not very photogenic people"
"So when I hear the word 'photographer', usually it’s a little bit scary because we are not very photogenic people. We don’t know how to pose is the biggest problem. So yeah, it can be very intimidating to work with a photographer for us." - Chloë, mom of one
"We aren't photogenic" or "we aren't comfortable with posing" are two things I hear from parents a lot.
Sometimes the words are uttered during our consult call as parents feel a sense of relief that they found a type of photography that documents them with a brand new baby without all the hassle of traditional portrait sessions.
Sometimes the words are uttered by moms of toddlers, as they express sadness that they let those thoughts steer them away from booking a newborn session. They wish they knew of this alternative approach to newborn photography earlier, because they would have felt more comfortable with a relaxed session at home.
What is "photogenic" anyway – looking attractive in pictures? Why do we care so much?
"It’s nice to have something tangible to see and show them when they get older, especially." - Cherlyn, mom of two
The most important part about documentary photography is to capture you as you are, so that one day you and yours can look back on different times of your life.
The people in your life know what you look like, and they won't care whether or not you looked "photogenic" – they just want to see YOU.
"I think when you have a photographer coming to take pictures, you need somebody who can make you forget the camera." - Chloë, mom of one
Documentary newborn and family photography is an approach that is curious about where you are in your life right now, just preserving the wonder of it for your kids. Because the photographer isn't there to direct you into "perfection", you may quickly forget that you are being photographed and can concentrate on your baby or kids – which really does make for the best pictures to represent who you are.
"We are actually highly unlikely to ever have family photos taken and find it so awkward to pose in a studio setting. So never did we think we'd ever hire a photographer for anything.
However I saw Jenna's work through my doula and was so charmed by her journalistic story telling style. I was immediately sold and had our "one day in our lives" photo session with our newborn.
The pictures turned out to be a true depiction of how we want our kids to remember their early days -- steady, spontaneous and playful (with some dreadful notes of dad having to work from home, in true Silicon Valley fashion haha).
These early days with a newborn are truly stressful and emotional but Jenna's photos captures the joyful, fleeting moments they are." - Lauren, mom of two
To be honest, I don't feel "photogenic" either. I, too, struggle with not only getting in pictures, but actually keeping the pictures.
However, I'm making a more conscious effort to not only be in pictures, but to have those pictures printed. Even if they're just 4x6 prints in a box in my cupboard, those will be worth something to my loved ones someday – and I don't have to look at them if I don't want to.