Different than traditional portraits, documentary photography captures real-life moments, telling the authentic story of your family in a natural and unposed way. This style of photography allows your true personalities to shine through, preserving genuine memories you can cherish forever. Here are some simple tips to help you get ready for a documentary family photo session.

1. Embrace the Everyday

dog licks the dishes as mom loads the dishwasher

One of the best parts of a documentary session is that you don’t need to worry about dressing up or finding the perfect location. Documentary photography focuses on capturing your family’s authentic, everyday moments. Whether this happens while doing the dishes, making breakfast, shopping for groceries, or cuddling on the couch — the possibilities are endless. The more natural and relaxed you feel, the better and more authentic the photos will be.

2. Forget About Perfection

mom kisses toddler on the couch in front of family pictures

There’s no need to clean your house from top to bottom or ensure everything is perfectly in place. In fact, the little messes and everyday chaos are what make documentary photos so special and unique to your family. Don’t worry about creating a “picture-perfect” setting. Just be yourselves, and let the beauty of your real, everyday life be captured.

3. Let the Kids Be Themselves

two toddlers cling to dad's legs at grocery store

Kids are unpredictable, and that’s okay! In a documentary session, there’s no pressure for your children to sit still or smile for the camera. Let them play, laugh, cry, and be themselves. Their natural expressions and actions will create beautiful, authentic images. The key is to focus on having fun and letting the photographer document those moments.

4. Be Open and Trust your Photographer

two toddlers brush teeth as dad and dog look on

Documentary family photographers are skilled at finding the magic in ordinary moments. Trust your photographer to guide the session and capture your family’s story in a meaningful way. Be open to going with the flow and allow them to document the day as it unfolds. Remember, they are there to capture the essence of your family’s unique dynamic.

5. Prepare for a Relaxed Experience

A documentary family photo session is less about posing and more about enjoying time with your loved ones. Take this opportunity to have a stress-free day and make some wonderful memories together. Whether you’re cooking, playing a game, or simply hanging out, your session should feel like a fun family day rather than a formal photoshoot.

6. Communicate with Your Photographer

toddler wearing dress stand in puddle of leaves

Before the session, have a conversation with your photographer about what makes your family special. Share any routines, activities, or moments that are particularly meaningful to you. This will help the photographer understand your family’s dynamic and tailor the session to capture those authentic moments.

7. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

mom wearing rain boots smiles at her toddler wearing dress

Finally, remember to relax and enjoy the experience. Your documentary session is about capturing your family as you are. By being present and engaged, you’ll help create beautiful, genuine images that reflect the love and connection within your family.

Conclusion

toddler sits in driver's seat of car in garage

Preparing for a documentary family photo session is about embracing the beauty of everyday life and letting go of the idea of perfection. With these simple tips, you can approach your session with confidence and excitement, knowing that the resulting photos will be a true reflection of your family’s unique story.

How to Prepare for a Natural, Unposed Family Photo Session at Home