What I wish all my documentary family photography clients knew

A documentary family or newborn photo session is very different from a lifestyle session, or a posed portrait session. These are some things that I wish all parents were 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, because they are savvy little creatures. If you ask me to take these kinds of portraits, they may be your least favorite pictures. I truly believe that I can't direct anything as interesting as real life.

2. All real life is welcome here

Whatever happens during a regular (or irregular) day with your family, all that stuff is worth documenting for your kiddos to look back on later. Hugging your partner, letting kids watch tv as you cook lunch, bath time, brushing teeth, naps, sending your daughter to their room for a time out – all real life is welcome here.

3. Real is more interesting than perfect - that goes for your home, too

Whatever the state of your home is, it reflects on where you are in your life right now – keeping children fed and yourself sane are probably higher on the priority list than let's say, vacuuming.

4. Bribing your kids is not needed

During a documentary family session you don't need to bribe or threaten your kids to cooperate. In fact, those approaches will ruin the genuine mood you have seen me capture in other families' pictures. I like to say that I do the photo sessions on kids' terms. If you're not convinced and still think that your kids need a little extra incentive to relax in front of the photographer, surprise them with water colors, lollipops, a new puzzle or balloons during the session as an added activity.

5. 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! And no need to stress over your tantrum-throwing toddler; it happens and the moment will pass.

6. Concentrate on enjoying your family

You may wonder how you can act natural during your documentary session. The more genuinely you're engaging with your family, the better the photos will turn out. Parents often tell me the session felt like I'm just a friend hanging out, who happens to take pictures.

If you are more focused on what a picture will look like or what you'd like pictures of, you'll forget to be present with your family – and the pictures will show that.

You don't have to worry about being in my way, I will work around you.

7. I do this, so you can 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. If they can see that you are comfortable in your own skin, it'll help their confidence as they grow up.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/amazing/unreplaceable part of.

8. 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 and lifestyle sessions. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable.

9. I still get nervous before every single photo session

I really do. But it's a kind of good nervousness, like excitement, that tells me that I'm about to do something important.

10. I believe in tangible memories

You will be transported back to whatever happened during your session every time you flip through your photo book or look at the printed photographs on your walls. I want the kids of today to have photo books and prints to rummage through, just as previous generations have. Offering digitals only is a disservice to you.

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

I'm checking my email every seventeen seconds while I wait for a note 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 Google, Yelp, or Facebook helps other families find the right photographer for them. You can find out more about how to write a review for a photographer here.

After soaking up all this information, you are ready to do a fun and relaxed session with me. Be ready to let your hair down!