Candid photographs are magical. It’s that simple. Yes, my clients of course know they are being photographed, but the connections and personalities that shine through when they are just being themselves and I am making documentary family photographs are deliciously real. I don’t know how often I compose a documentary shot and think “Whelp…I just couldn’t have made that up,” because real life is the best! People, and families, are silly and complex, and while portraits are an important piece of history, the artful candids are so much more interesting.

Inspired by my Year in the Life project, in which I have regular documentary family photo sessions throughout the calendar year and then deliver the year's highlights in an album, this project will follow and document just one child throughout the school year. Of course the rest of the family will be around and included some, but these sessions will focus on one child.

Documentary family photography means unposed candid family photography of real life. Portraits are important too, but documentary photos preserve your memories in a special way. A real way, that transports you back to this precious moment your family is in right now.

Documentary family photography means unposed candid family photography of real life. Portraits are important too, but documentary photos preserve your memories in a special way. A real way, that transports you back to this precious moment your family is in right now.

Documentary family photography means unposed candid family photography of real life. Portraits are important too, but documentary photos preserve your memories in a special way. A real way, that transports you back to this precious moment your family is in right now.