What is Documentary Family Photography?

Documentary family photography is when a photographer uses a more journalistic approach in photographing a family. “Taking a documentary approach” means that the photographer does not intervene with the scenes in front of him at all: there is no posing, directing, moving items around, telling you what to wear or where to stand. The photographer just comes and “documents” your family as you live your life.

Documentary family photography isn't about having everything in the perfect place - if the house is cluttered with toys and games, that shows in the photos. When you look back on the photos in years to come, that genuine, home feeling will be what you remember.

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Who to chose to document your family?

Because documentary family photography is an “approach” and not an “aesthetic”, you may find vast differences in style from one documentary photographer to another. A photographer’s style is greatly influenced by who they are as a person and what they are drawn to. I personally am a fairly outgoing person with a strong love of family history and stories - this shows in my photography. I love photographing happy times and big events but I also enjoy the quiet, intimate times when a family really comes together. As a dad, I am also drawn to documenting the nuances and subtleties of the relationship between parents and their children. Because of these differences in styles, it’s important to check out a photographer’s portfolio before you hire them, and speak to them on the phone to make sure your personalities "click".

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Is it suitable for your family?

Documentary family photography won't suit everyone, but along with Lifestyle and Portrait photography, it is another option available for you to consider - I'd love to have a chat with you to see if this is something you feel could suit your family.