5 ideas for your documentary family photography session

Documentary Family Photographer, Central Coast NSW

So many people look at documentary photography images and adore what they see... families interacting naturally and authentically in their own home.

However when they reach out to get in contact with me for a photography session they start feel awkward and ask "But what should we do together?!". Often people are worried that hanging out at home will be boring and not photo worthy. 

I totally disagree, the down time is my favourite time to photograph, however if you want an activity to help bring everyone together for your session here's a few ideas...

 

1.       Cook a meal together

Make breakfast pancakes. Bake choc chip cookies. The kitchen is the heart of the home, make something that brings the family together. Let the kids decide in advance which treat they would like to make and let them lead the way during the session. The messier the better!

kids cooking documentary family photographer central coast nsw
kids cooking breakfast relaxed family photos
kids cooking natural family photographer

 

2.       Play in the backyard

Trampolines, cricket, slip n slide, the swing set, your backyard is the perfect place for your kids to feel confident and at ease in front of the camera

central coast family photographer
scooter riding lifestyle family photographer copacabana nsw
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3.     Family games afternoon

 Monopoly, scrabble, uno, snap, go fish... games bring the family together and engages their attention so they won't even notice what is happening with the camera.

Documentary family photographer central coast Katy Allen Photography-1534.jpg
playing uno in home documentary family photographer central coast
backgammon game relaxed family photos

 

4.     Morning routines

Snuggles in bed, brushing teeth, doing hair and getting ready for the day. Morning routines are an underrated part of our day. Our kids grow and become competent and independent bit by bit over time so that we hardly notice as they need our help less and less. I love capturing this time when our little ones are still dependent on us for help. Plus everyone feels more cuddly in the morning!

morning routines relaxed family photographer terrigal
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kids brushing teeth central coast family photograher

 

5.     Read books

Anytime we get to have our kids curl up on our laps for a moment of quiet is definitely photo worthy.

reading with dad central coast family photographer
reading with mum family photographer the entrance
kids reading lifestyle family photographer central coast

 

So there's some ideas to get you started with your documentary family photography session.

There's no need to have your session overly structured with a thousand activities, just pick one or two to have up your sleeve if it's needed.

Feel like you're ready to book a session?