Documentary family photography offers a unique and heartfelt alternative to traditional family photos. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a beautiful session with the Wreath family. I’ve been photographing the Wreath brothers’ milestones for a few years now but this was my first session with Eric and Emily. We started the session in their backyard with the sun shining through the trees.

When we were brainstorming about ideas for their session, Emily shared, “My husband and I were talking about our favorite things to do and when we feel super happy and engaged as a family, and it’s while we’re doing baby Calvin’s bedtime routine. It starts around 6:30 and we feed him, give him a bath, and read to him. I know that’s a little unconventional but I’d love it if we could do that!” Of course I lost my mind over it, immediately beyond excited and honored to be invited into such a cherished space.

Documentary family photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about investing in your memories and preserving the everyday magic of your life. These sessions are designed to capture the raw and authentic experiences of a family, from the laughter during bedtime routines to the quiet, loving moments shared in the comfort of home. By focusing on these real-life scenes, documentary family photography helps families remember not just how they looked, but how they felt during these ordinary yet special times.

Investing in documentary family photography allows you to slow down and appreciate the everyday beauty that often goes unnoticed or underappreciated. Each image captures a slice of life that, over time, becomes tangible memories to look back on. It’s about celebrating the small, yet meaningful moments that shape our lives. Through the documentary approach, you can keep those precious memories alive for years to come.