Back in 2017, when I made the shift to documentary family photography, very few people in the Main Line area and greater Philadelphia region were familiar with this unique approach. Fast forward to today, and it’s incredible to see how the demand for this authentic style of capturing family moments has grown!
More and more families are specifically seeking out documentary family photography because they value real, unposed moments that unfold naturally in a relaxed, stress-free session. Gone are the days of forced smiles and stiff poses; today, it’s all about creating memories that truly reflect your family’s unique story, personality, and connection.
With the rise in popularity of documentary family photography, especially here in Main Line and Philadelphia, you might notice many photographers using the term “documentary” in their services. But how can you tell if a photographer is truly offering a documentary-style session? Here are a few key indicators that set true documentary family photography apart from the rest:
1. Real-Life Moments Captured
Documentary family photography is all about authenticity. There’s no posing or staging – just genuine interactions happening in environments that are meaningful to your family, most often your home. Think of the little moments: your child’s laughter, the chaos of a Saturday morning, or the quiet cuddle time before bed. These are the moments that matter, and documentary photography captures them as they happen.
2. Storytelling Through Photos
Every image in a documentary family session tells a story. It’s not just a picture; it reveals something about the people in it. Whether it’s your toddler playing with a favorite toy, your teenager lost in thought, or the playful banter between siblings, each image is a part of your family’s unique narrative. These are not just snapshots – they are memories that will last a lifetime.
3. A Variety of Shots
A strong documentary family photography portfolio will have a wide range of shots that mirror how you’d experience a movie. You’ll find wide-angle shots that show the environment (like your cozy living room or a favorite park), medium shots that focus on the action, close-ups that capture raw emotions, and detailed shots that highlight little things – like your child’s tiny hands or the way they hug their favorite stuffed animal. This variety adds depth to your story and makes each gallery feel complete.
4. No Matching Outfits
One of the beautiful things about documentary family photography is that it embraces the reality of your everyday life. There’s no need for perfectly coordinated outfits unless, of course, that’s something your family does regularly! The focus is on your connections, not your clothing.
5. Longer Sessions
True documentary family photography often involves spending more time with your family to capture those organic, meaningful moments. A session might last two, four, or even eight hours (like my Day in the Life session) to allow everyone to relax and for real life to unfold naturally. These longer sessions give me the opportunity to capture a full range of moments, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
If you’re in the Main Line or Philadelphia area and are looking for a family photographer who offers a true documentary experience, I’d love to chat! Whether it’s a 2-hour storytelling session or a full-day session, my goal is to capture the heart of your family and the beauty in your everyday moments.
Is Documentary Family Photography Right for Your Family?
If you’ve been thinking about scheduling a family photo session but feel hesitant about the idea of posing, coordinating outfits, or having to smile for the camera, documentary family photography might be just what you need. It’s an opportunity to freeze time and create a time capsule of your life as it is right now—beautiful, messy, chaotic, and real. And as your family grows and changes, these photos will become even more valuable.
Ready to document your family’s real life in a relaxed and authentic way? Contact me to learn more about my documentary family photography sessions in the Main Line and greater Philadelphia area.