Real, Unposed Moments That Tell Your Family’s Story

Life isn’t made up of posed smiles and perfect outfits — it’s the laughter in the kitchen, the bike rides at sunset, the hugs that happen without warning. Documentary Family Sessions are designed to capture your family as you truly are — candid, joyful, beautifully imperfect — in the places you love most.

Whether that’s in the comfort of your home, exploring a DMV park, or enjoying a favorite local spot, I’m here to photograph the real moments that matter

candid photo of 2 boys reading together at home in the DMV area

What Is a Documentary Family Session?

A Documentary Family Session is an unposed, natural photography experience focused on your family’s authentic interactions. Instead of directing smiles, we follow what naturally unfolds — the laughter, the play, the quiet connection between family members.

These sessions are perfect for families who want photos that feel true to life, not staged. They reflect how your family lives, loves, plays, and grows — freezing the everyday moments you’ll look back on with warmth and fond memory.

This session is about freezing time in its most natural form. The way your family truly is.

mom and daughter having a dance party together at home

Where Your Session Can Take Place

Your life is unique, and so should your session feel. You can choose the location that reflects your story:

  • Your home — cozy morning routines, backyard play, backyard dance parties

  • Local parks or neighborhood spots

  • Favorite DMV landmarks or outdoor adventures

  • Everyday errands that feel like “you”

I’ll follow your lead, offer location suggestions when needed, and help plan an experience that feels natural and relaxed

What to Expect from Your Session

Documentary Family Sessions are designed to feel easy, unhurried, and joyful. Here’s how it works:

  • Time: Sessions typically last about 90 minutes to 2 hours, giving us the time to capture real interaction rather than a checklist of poses.

  • Location: You choose the place that feels meaningful — your home, a park in Silver Spring, or another favorite DC area spot.

  • Activities & Flow: We’ll capture moments as they unfold — from building forts, to story time on the couch, to park playdates — whatever feels real to your family.

No forced poses. No “say cheese.” Just you being you while I photograph the beautiful, honest interactions that tell your family’s story.

girls playing in the sand together in Washington DC Rock Creek Park

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.

boy smiling at home in a bathtub full of bubbles

What’s Included

Documentary Family Sessions begin at $1,200 and include:

  • Pre-Session Prep & Ideas — We’ll talk through activities and locations that fit your family’s personality.

  • ~90 min - 2 Hours of Photography — A relaxed, documentary-style session that captures candid moments.

  • 100+ High-Resolution Images — Carefully hand-edited photos that tell your story.

  • Download & Printing Rights — You can download, print, and share your photos as you wish.

Sessions take place within 20 miles of Silver Spring, MD (20906). Travel outside this radius is available with a small additional fee.

Additional Options:

  • Extended Sessions ($400 for each additional hour)

  • Outside 20 miles of 20906: $150 (or more depending on travel time)

  • Custom Albums: Starting at $300, beautifully crafted albums that tell your family’s story in print.

mom and daughter laughing together while baking brownies in the kitchen in Bethesda MD

  • Anything that feels like you — baking together, bike rides, cozy morning routines, park play, or even a snack break on the couch

  • Not at all! This session is all about natural interaction — no stiff poses or forced smiles.

  • Choose the environment that best tells your family’s story — your home, neighborhood spots, parks, gardens, or other meaningful places in the DC area.

  • Wear what feels comfortable and true to your family’s everyday life — casual outfits that let you be yourselves.

  • Your hand-edited gallery will be delivered within 1–2 weeks — sometimes sooner — so you can relive your story without waiting.

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.

family throwing leaves in the air and laughing in Rock Creek Park, Washington DC

Ready to Capture Your Real Story?

If you’re in Silver Spring, MD or the greater DC metro area, I’d love to help you document the real moments that make your family uniquely yours.

Let’s get started — contact me here and we’ll talk through your vision, location ideas, and what will feel most natural for your session.

LET'S GET STARTED