What is Documentary Family Photography?
Reframing the art of the family portrait.
In our social media dominated world where images of idealised perfection are everywhere, arguing that it’s ordinary, unposed and unedited moments of family life that make the most ‘beautiful and moving photographs’ might seem a bit left field. Except we already know that real life is where the real magic happens. In family life especially, it’s the intimate and everyday moments that tell the stories of our lives. Sadly, often these are the same special moments that pass us by unnoticed, uncelebrated, in between all the rush and busyness of our lives.
Family life is seldom perfect… but there ARE perfect moments.
As a documentary photographer it’s my job, my passion, my art to capture those moments and share them with you. Storytelling lies at the heart of my approach. I love that a picture has the power to capture a moment and tell a story. Whether it’s a moment of togetherness, connection, joy, laughter, or, perhaps reflection. Whether it’s a certain smile, a particular, or peculiar expression, or a freaky dance move, I’m looking to make photographs that glimpse and preserve images of real lives, loved ones, families, and friendships that are filled with story and with meaning.
No ‘say cheese’ smiles or poses.
A documentary photography shoot is the opposite of a studio shoot. Clichéd backdrops, best clobber and cheesy smiles are definitely out, real life dramas, spills, strops and mucky pups are in. Basically, I will come to your house, garden, picnic or whatever, and just spend a few hours taking pictures, that say something unique about your family and your life together. To make pictures like this I believe takes a combination of curiosity and creative intuition that puts me and my camera in the right place at the right time to catch the moment unfolding. It’s kind of ‘readiness’ gained from years of experience as a photographer and art director, and perhaps most importantly as a mum. All that, and sometimes just a little bit of luck as well.
Special memories belong on your wall, not up in the cloud.
These days almost all of us have a camera in our back pocket. Often we’ll use them in quite a documentary way; snapping and sharing pics and selfies of our everyday adventures. The problem with selfies is that they are a bit ‘self-conscious.’ The chance of capturing something different and interesting in the moment usually disappears the second we hold our phones aloft and get everyone to grin. Maybe that’s why a lot of smart phone pics look the same, and most end up archived in the cloud. Being a documentary photographer gives me a wonderful opportunity to ‘look in’ to see and find magic in the unfolding moment — to share with you the gorgeous storied images you can’t capture yourself.
