Why Your Next Family Photoshoot Should Be Documentary Style

In this very first blog post, I am going to take the time to talk through the immense value of seeking out a documentary style of photography, also known as candid photography, opposed to more traditional styles. Also, enjoy a look through a mini gallery of a family documentary shoot featuring my wife and son!

There are so many different styles of photography. When it comes to what you see for family photography, you can see some styles that are very traditional. Think like a couple or family in a beautiful field posing, hugging, and looking at each other lovingly. Those have the opportunity to make incredibly beautiful photos!

On the other hand, you can also lose the natural spark you or the other subjects may have if they felt more natural and less performative.

Documentary photography aims to flip that and capture the beauty AND the real.

Here is how documentary photography helps accomplish this:

1. Embracing Realness vs Perfection - Many people today are starting to search for more real and imperfect experiences. I believe this is in response to social media and the constant feeling of needing to perform for others that comes with it. Documentary Photography is all about capturing reality. Posing is minimal to non-existent. Instead the photographer just lets the scene unfurl naturally with no interference. This may seem confusing and even intimidating to some that haven’t experienced it, but the photos get an added layer that you just can’t get when you’re being heavily directed.

2. Natural Settings and Locations - So many people have had their pictures taken in their area’s popular field or body of water. How many of these people have high-quality photos of their family and loved-ones in the places they love and feel a personal connection to? Homes are beautiful and real. They are not always thought of as places to have professional photos taken. I am here to tell you that you can get some of the most meaningful and personal photos without ever leaving the comfort of your home! This can also extend to your favorite coffee shop, beer garden, park, or hiking trail!

3. Quicker Level of Comfort - The two previous reasons give documentary style its next advantage. You’re not being asked to perform or travel to some new potentially unfamiliar place, so you are already in a more comfortable state than the usual photoshoot. It gives shy kids (and shy adults) the opportunity to warm up to the camera in a less intimidating way.

4. Capturing Fleeting Moments and Details - While traditional photos often focus on grand poses, documentary photography excels at immortalizing the small, unscripted moments that truly tell your family's story. Think about the way a sibling gently teases another, a child's intense focus on a toy, or a parent's comforting hand on a shoulder. These are the genuine interactions and everyday rituals that define your family's unique dynamics. Without the pressure to perform, subjects often display more authentic laughter, concentration, or affection, revealing their true personalities. These candid details often become the most treasured images years down the line, as they evoke the true feelings and atmosphere of a particular time in your family's life.

5. A Stress-Free Experience for Parents (and Everyone!) - Let's be honest: traditional photoshoots can be stressful for parents. Getting everyone dressed, making sure kids are "behaving," and trying to coax smiles can be exhausting. Documentary photography offers a significant advantage here. There's no pressure to "perform" or worry about perfectly styled outfits. Kids are free to play, explore, and simply exist, which often results in more genuine and joyful images since they aren't feeling the pressure to sit still or pose. When the photographer is observing rather than directing, the entire family can relax and enjoy their time together, leading to a much more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

   Ready to capture the real, unscripted beauty of your family? Visit my services page to learn more about my documentary photography approach and book your stress-free session today!