1. It’s the best way to capture this stage of your life together
Documentary photographs are the closest thing to a time capsule that I know of. I’ve been feeling really nostalgic recently- my youngest son is suddenly looking and sounding so grown up- and as proud as I am of all his progress and achievements, a part of me longs to go back in time to see him as a toddler again.
I miss the way he’d get his whole face covered in whatever food he'd been eating, the way he'd pout his lips when he got upset, or how he'd open his mouth really wide for a spoon.
I can relive these moments through the photographs I took- and I find it’s always these little moments that felt so ordinary at the time are the ones I want to look back on.
2. No preparation needed
There is no need to prepare for a documentary session- I don’t want you to choose special outfits or block out part of your diary to go to a specific location, or even tidy the house (unless you want to). You will simply be doing the things you typically do together, and I’ll be there with a camera.
I will send you a questionnaire so I can get to know your family before I meet you- but you don’t need to make notes on your answers, you can just go through these on a phone call. And if you'd rather skip this altogether, that’s fine. This part of my process is designed to help me get to know the different personalities ahead of time and to make sure I know what you are looking for from the session.
3. These sessions are perfect for the camera shy or rambunctious kids
If your children (or partner!) aren’t sold on the idea of a photoshoot- well, perfect, because this won’t feel like a photoshoot at all- it will simply be you living your usual everyday life.
I learned to photograph my own family because I worried that I’d hate a “traditional” photo shoot (I didn’t know that documentary sessions were an option back then)- I actually really dislike having my photograph taken, especially in a posed way. In documentary sessions there is no pressure to perform- no one needs to smile on cue. If any of your family feel uncomfortable in front of a camera, this is for them.
Worried your kids won’t sit still? Perfect, I love capturing children at play, so I can’t wait to take photographs of them in motion!
3. You will be in the photographs too
There’s nearly always one parent who documents more of the family moments- they are usually the one filming or taking photos, so they often appear too rarely in these themselves. I really feel this deeply as it's true for me. I’m all too aware that my boys might go searching for a photograph of me one day, and I want to leave them some images that show our relationship in a meaningful, beautiful but also real way.
4. You are showing you value them exactly as they are
In today’s world of curated social media feeds and perfect AI-generated images, it’s more important than ever to show our children that we value them just as they are- that we see the beauty in them every single day. (I don't want my kids to think that I need them to dress a certain way or to pose for camera, I want to capture them exploring their own passions and just being entirely themselves.)
It’s also important to me that the sessions are as fun and relaxed as possible- I really believe that the more you enjoy the session, the more you’ll love looking at the photographs later. My families often comment on how their session felt special because it was time set aside to focus on one another, without distraction.
5. These photographs show real connection
I won’t ask you to pose for the camera, or to kiss or cuddle one another. The reactions I capture will be authentic, genuine ones and will capture the unique way in which your family shows love for one another. I'm always on the look out for the small gestures, connection and moments between family members. I'll be sure to capture the moment when your toddler looks to you for support if he or she falls over, the way your partner ruffles his daughter's hair as he walks past or the way you tickle them to make them laugh.
Whatever stage of family life you're in right now, these days won't last forever- but you can document them. If you live within an hour of Marlow and want a family photographer who will tell the story of your family as you really are, I can't wait to hear from you!
