What is Family Documentary Photography?
Family documentary photography is an approach that borrows from documentary photography and photojournalism.
The goal of family documentary photography is to photograph your subjects unposed. That is to shoot without giving any direction that might otherwise ruin a candid moment.
The purpose is to document the everyday moments as they happen no matter how ordinary.
Family documentary photography can be a great way tell your family’s stories. Once you get started, it can be very rewarding.
Getting Started With Family Documentary Photography
For those of you wishing to try family documentary photography, the best thing to do is to jump right in.
Here are a few guidelines and tips to help you along:
- Learn to allow things to happen. Using a documentary approach a bit of planning is good but you shouldn’t overthink things. Let the moments happen and go with the flow. While it may sound stressful, it is the unexpected moments that are the most rewarding.
- Always have a camera on you or nearby. This one’s obvious but if your camera isn’t at hand’s reach, you’re going to miss photos. You never know when an opportunity will strike so keep a camera around with a full battery and memory card. Your mobile phone is another great option as it’s usually on you. It’s like they say, “the best camera is the one you have with you.” Also, the more your family sees you with a camera, the more they’ll get used to it. With enough time they may come to forget it's there.
- Shoot at a child’s level. When photographing children you want to get on their level. Get down low to see the world from their point of view. This can also mean taking on a childlike state of mind (act as they do and don’t be afraid to get dirty).
- Any moment can be an opportunity. Don’t feel like you need a big moment to take a picture. Cooking, playing, reading, etc., are all opportunities. When it comes to family documentary photography, almost anything is camera-worthy.
- Try to tell a story with your photo. As much as possible your image should have a point of view. The best pictures have something to say, they make a connection with the viewer and they tell a story. There are many ways that photos tell stories but one suggestion is to be on the lookout for the action. This might be as simple as your child playing with your family pet or getting absorbed in a game. Once you become aware of a potential “story” follow along and see where it takes you. Chances are you’ll capture something good!
- Don’t be afraid to capture a wide range of emotions. We tend to photograph children when they are at their happiest. But the sad or difficult moments are also important. When telling your child’s story all sides of their personality are relevant.
Finally, remember to step away from the camera and enjoy some time with your children instead.
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