These sessions are all about storytelling—the chaos, the cute and the not-so-cute.
Because one day, you’ll look back on this stage—the neediness, the toddler tornadoes, the messy, unpredictable magic—and you’ll miss it. Not just the “everyone smile pretty” moments, but the real, honest, beautiful mess of it all.
So forget everything you think family photos should look like, and let’s capture the real stuff. No posing. No matching outfits. No “everyone say cheese.” Just you and your wonderfully imperfect world.
Whether it’s a cozy morning at home, a family adventure at the park, or something in between, we’ll freeze those spontaneous moments that truly make up your family’s story.
You be you. I’ll handle the rest.
What Is a Documentary Family Session?
It is all about honoring your version of life—the one you’ve created with the people you love. They’re about capturing connections, relationships, and the little moments that often go unnoticed. It’s about how life feels, not how it looks with a filter slapped on it.
And yes, that means getting YOU in the frame too—yes, you, Mom.
The best part? There’s no pressure to look or act perfect. Whether your days feel more like a hurricane than a Hallmark movie, your story is still worth capturing. And trust me—it’s a story you’ll want to remember. From making breakfast together to exploring your favorite local spot, the goal is to document the love, laughter, and even the little chaos that happens in between.
This session is about freezing time in its most natural form—the way your family truly is.
What to Expect:
Time Frame: Sessions typically last about 90 minutes to 2 hours, giving us plenty of time to capture genuine moments and interactions as they naturally unfold. This gives time to let the moments happen, rather than force the moments.
Location: You get to choose! Whether it’s in the comfort of your home or an outing to a place that’s special to your family, I’ll follow your lead, but also have some ideas!
Activity-Based Fun: Choose an activity (or a few activities) that feels true to your family. This could be baking together, pillow fights with the kids, a cozy movie morning, or an outdoor adventure like picking apples or visiting a park. I’ll capture the story as it unfolds, letting the magic of everyday life shine through.
Why Invest in a Documentary Family Session?
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to forget the small moments that make up the heart of your family. Posed photos are great, but they don’t always capture the in-between moments—the laughter, the playfulness, the love that happens naturally when no one is looking. Documentary Family Sessions allow you to freeze those memories forever, preserving the real interactions that are so uniquely you.
Capture Authenticity: Forget forcing smiles or staging the perfect shot. This is about your family in its realest, most authentic form.
Storytelling: Every family has its own story. Let me capture the heart of yours—whether it's the everyday routine of your home life or a special family outing, these sessions are about telling your unique story.
Cherish the Little Things: Whether it’s your kids’ favorite game, a simple family breakfast, or a cozy Sunday morning, these moments matter. And they deserve to be remembered.
What’s Included:
Pre-Session Consultation: We’ll chat about what makes your family unique and plan out an activity that fits your lifestyle.
~2-Hour Documentary Session: A relaxed, natural session capturing the real moments as they happen.
100+ High-Resolution Photos: You’ll receive a gallery of hand-edited, high-quality images that tell your family’s story.
Download and Printing Rights: All images come with the rights to download, print, and share as you please.
Pricing Structure:
Documentary Family Sessions start at $1,200 and include:
A pre-session consultation
2 hours of candid, documentary-style photography
A gallery of 100+ high-resolution, hand-edited images
Full download and printing rights for all your images
Sessions take place within 20 miles of 20906
Additional Options:
Extended Sessions ($400 for each additional hour)
Outside 20 miles of 20906: $125 (or more depending on travel time)
Custom Albums: Starting at $300, beautifully crafted albums that tell your family’s story in print.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of activities can we choose for the session?
You can choose any activity that feels authentic to your family. Some families like to document their morning routine—making breakfast, getting ready for the day—while others choose something more playful like a trip to the park, an afternoon in the garden, or even bubble baths for the little ones. The key is to pick something that’s meaningful and fun for your family. I can help you brainstorm some ideas!
What if my kids won’t behave?
I am fully prepared for the kids to misbehave at some point—because, well, that’s just how kids roll. (I’ll be more surprised i they don’t misbehave!) I’ll keep shooting through it all—temper tantrums, sibling squabbles, a mid-session meltdown, even the occasional pants-peeing incident. (Yes, it happens!) And honestly? Those moments either lead to kids turning things around or dialing up the chaos, which can make for some of the most hilarious and memorable photos you’ll treasure forever.
Do we need to pose for the camera?
Not at all! The beauty of documentary sessions is that they capture moments as they happen naturally. I’ll be there to photograph your family interacting in a real, relaxed way. There’s no need to worry about perfect poses or looking at the camera.
Where can the session take place?
The location is entirely up to you. Many families choose to have these sessions at home, where their daily lives unfold naturally. Others opt for an outdoor location like a park, a favorite café, or a family outing to a local attraction. It’s all about capturing your family in a space that feels right to you.
What if my house is too messy?
Good news: Your house is perfect just the way it is because it’s where your family feels most at home.
Think about the photos from your own childhood. Can you tell if the house was spotless or a little messy? Would you even care? Chances are, you’re squinting at the details in the background, not to judge your parents’ housekeeping, but because you want to remember it all—the toys, the furniture, the way life felt back then.
Your house is part of your family’s story, and it deserves to be part of the photos too. If you think it’s too small, too big, or just too whatever—guess what? That’s life. Over the years, you’ve made it yours, and every corner tells the story of where your family is right now.
So leave the mess. It’s perfect.
What should we wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and reflects your family’s personality! There’s no need to dress up unless that’s part of the activity. Whether it’s cozy pajamas for a morning session or casual outfits for an outdoor adventure, just be yourselves.
I need to lose weight first or I don’t like how I look
Have you ever looked through your childhood photos and thought, “Ugh, I wish my mom had lost a few pounds before getting in the picture,” or, “Why are there so many pictures of me with my parents?” Of course not. You’re just happy those photos exist, right?
We’re all our own worst critics, but here’s the thing—your kids don’t care about any of that. What they will care about is having real photos of themselves with you. Time is flying, and this chapter of your family’s story will be over before you know it.
So, think about it this way—you do SO much for your family. How amazing would it be to have a visual record showing what a total rockstar you are? You were there, making it all happen. Leave your kids with something awesome to look back on—something that reminds them how much they were loved and how much you were a part of it all.
Can we still get the family Holiday card photo?
Yes, of course. We’ll make sure to get a posed photo at the beginning or end so you have “that photo”, but the rest of our time will be spent relaxed and just being you!
What’s the difference between a documentary session and a regular family session?
A regular family session typically includes more posed shots with everyone looking at the camera, while a documentary session is focused on candid, unscripted moments. It’s less about getting the perfect shot and more about capturing the essence of your family through natural interactions and activities.
How long does it take to receive the photos?
You can expect your fully edited gallery within 1-2 weeks of your session. I carefully hand-edit each image to ensure your family’s story is told beautifully.
