How to Prepare for a Family Documentary Session
Have you ever scrolled through your photo albums and come across a picture that just takes you back? A moment so raw and genuine that you can practically feel it? That's the magic of family documentary sessions, and let me tell you, they're unlike any photography experience you've had before. Imagine this: your family, surrounded by the comfort of your own home, doing what you do best – living life, being yourselves, and creating memories. No stiff poses, no forced smiles, just your beautiful chaos frozen in time.
Now, before you start thinking this is just another version of lifestyle photography, let me clarify – because it's really not. A family documentary session goes beyond even lifestyle perfection. They're about capturing the real and genuine essence of your family's story in its most authentic form. Instead of meticulously arranging everyone in a picturesque park, I step into your world, your haven, and document the moments that define you.
But the question I still get asked quite often is, “how do I prepare for a family documentary session.” Especially when the intention is sort of to not “prepare” at all? Well here are a few important tips I encourage families with before their big session day. And I hope they help you as you get excited and prepared to document your family in their truest and most beautiful day to day life.
Keep it Simple and Laidback
Let’s face it no matter how documentary a session is as the camera comes out, it’s hard not to be conscious of it. But I’ve found that the least amount of stress preparing for the session helps you stay the most laidback you can be during it. Spending weeks worried about how you’ll look or planning outfits, in the end adds to the pressure and pulls away from the truly natural moments you want documented. Family documentary sessions are about capturing the real laughter that echoes through your home, the natural hugs from your uninhibited toddler, and mess that is our every day life. If you are able to bring a laidback energy to your session your photos will reflect that. So keep the “thinking” and prepping simple. Leave the kitchen a little cluttered and the hair uncurled, and just be yourself!
2. Plan Family Activities
Before the family session think about some planned activities that bring out joy and connection from your family. These may be special activities that will delight your kiddos or things you do every day together that feel comfortable and connecting. Some great examples are cooking together, sprinkler fights or pool fun, or keeping things simple by just walking your family property with all the pets in tow. My family just had our session and we did a giant NERF fight. The possibilities are truly endless. The more you can engage and immerse yourself in the activity the easier it is to forget I’m there all together!
3. Dress comfortably and confidently
It's easy to feel self-conscious in clothes you don't normally wear. So I encourage families to wear what makes them feel the best and to choose clothes that work for their everyday activities. There's no need to put on a fancy dress to go for a foraging expedition in the woods with your messy two-year-old. And I think we can all agree that there's nothing fun about being underdressed when it's cold outside. So choose clothes that work for your activities and the weather but most of all dress in things that help you feel like yourself. I've had so many families who even just let their kids choose what they wear. It adds an element of their personality and fun to the photographs. One note to keep in mind, stay away from neon colors. Those often cast color casts on faces.
4. Unplug and dedicate the time to be fully present
Another great way to prepare is to truly unplug for the session time. Leave your phones and tablets in a safe place so you aren’t distracted from the moments and activities occurring in front of you. I usually find the activities to be plenty engaging but it’s always a good idea to forget about the phones or work emails for a bit. It’s when we give ourselves time to adjust and become full present that our personalities and comfortability starts to unfold.
5. Talk with your family and little ones beforehand…
