The concept of documentary family photos is far from new, but it has gained newfound popularity in recent years leading to a surge of families wanting documentary photos but not knowing where to start. It can actually be really simple to plan your documentary family photos! Start by sitting with your partner and asking yourselves a few key questions:

1. What are you doing when you feel most engaged or connected as a family? Reflect on the activities that bring your family together. It might be a weekly game night, cooking meals together, or simply lounging around in the living room.

2. Along the same lines, what are you doing when you’re happiest or most content? Identify the activities that make everyone in the family feel joyful and relaxed. Whether it’s a Saturday morning ritual or letting your 7-year-old daughter tattoo a heart on your ankle, documenting these moments will help you hold onto the fun times when you’re trying to keep your cool after catching little Olivia sneaking out of the house in her teen years. (Did you know Olivia has been the most popular feminine baby name for the last four years?) (Did you also know that Olivia is not this little girl’s name but that her parents would be the coolest if they caught her sneaking out?). Jamie is a great tattoo artist at Okie Dokie Tattoos.

3. What are the kids’ favorite things to do? Pay attention to the small things that delight your children. It could be their fascination with a ceiling fan (every baby I’ve ever known), their beloved toys, or the places they love to visit. Capturing these preferences will preserve their unique interests and quirks, providing you with either the perfect tangible memories for your future nostalgia and/or the best embarrassment material to show their first boyfriend/girlfriend.

4. How do you spend your weekends or time off? Whether you’re out on an adventure, relaxing at home, or engaging in a favorite pastime, these moments are usually when the family is the most comfortable and the most like themselves.

5. What parts of your kids’ lives will you miss when they grow past it? Consider the stages of life that will eventually change. Whether it’s a beloved bedtime ritual, a specific way they play, or the way they interact with their toys, capturing these fleeting moments will allow you to hold on to memories that will soon be a part of the past.

6. What memories will you want to hold on to when the kids are older? Same question, different phrasing. Think about the moments and milestones that you’ll cherish as your children grow. These could include early milestones, special celebrations, or even everyday interactions. Documenting these memories will give you a tangible way to reminisce about the past.

7. What aspects of your family life are most meaningful? Focus on the daily routines, traditions, hobbies, and talents that define your family. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a Saturday morning ritual, these meaningful aspects are integral to who you are as a family and should be highlighted in your documentary photos.

When you sit down to plan your documentary family photos, and as you ask yourselves these questions, write down everything that comes to mind even if you think it’s not worth writing down. Your photographer can help you pick out the best ideas. If you’re ready to capture these authentic moments and create lasting memories, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help you tell your family’s story through beautiful, heartfelt photography. Contact me today to start planning your unique documentary session!