Why have a documentary session and how is it different from a lifestyle session?

For those who remember the days of film and point-and-shoot cameras, there was always a bit of excitement that came with the process of it. We would take 36 pictures, unknowing what we really captured and then take the film to the store to have it developed. The amount of time it took for those pictures to come back seemed like ions! When you flipped through all of the photos, little Jacob had turned around when you took the photo, so you caught the back of his head, Kensie was busy playing with all of her dolls spread all over the floor, and Zach had his hand in the cookie jar and was probably aiming for his third cookie (you know this because of the chocolate all over his face). That was the excitement of film. You never knew what you actually captured versus what you tried to capture and everything was unposed, clothing wasn’t planned, and those memories were forever locked into pictures. How cool was that!?!

That is what documentary sessions are. There is no questions of “what should we wear”, “how should we stand or sit”, “is little Jacob looking at the camera?” This is a “come as you are” session. Think of it this way… is there an activity your family loves to do together? Is there a special moment with someone that you want to capture and remember forever? Do you hate the hassle of planning what to wear and the stress of making sure everyone shows up to smile for the camera? Maybe, that’s just not your family. Maybe, your family has more fun playing a board game, hiking, reading books, sitting around a campfire, playing mini-golf, planting a garden…

Documentary sessions can also encapsulate important moments in life. We can capture moments with an elderly family member, a family reunion, or even more real and raw moments of losing someone close to you. Moments where you don’t necessarily want to pick up your phone and take pictures -you’d rather just be present and take in the moment but would still like someone there to document it for you. Documentary sessions are real life, candid, unposed, undirected, raw and as organic as you can get with photography.

I’d love to capture these moments for you while you relax and absorb these important milestones in your life. Remember that point-and-shoot camera mentioned earlier? For these sessions, I’ll be using a more professional film camera to capture your family along with my mirrorless digital camera. Film will bring that nostalgic vibe to your session along with the crisp sharpness of the newer mirrorless camera. The best of both worlds. Don’t hesitate to reach out if this sounds like the session for you.