documentary family sessions

A documentary family session is meant to feel easy and natural — kind of like having a friend hang out while you do your thing. There’s no posing, no pressure, and no expectation for kids to “behave.” You don’t need to plan anything special unless you want to. I’ll simply follow along and photograph your family as you move through real moments together.

Sessions are available in 1 hour, 90 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours, so we can choose what fits your family best. That might look like a cozy morning at home, making pancakes, playing in the backyard, heading out for a walk or a park visit, running errands, or winding down with bedtime routines. Longer sessions give us time to slow down, move through different activities, and capture the in-between moments that often mean the most.

The goal is for you to feel present with your people — and for the images to reflect your family exactly as you are in this season of life.

documentary sessions 101

frequently asked questions

What if my kids are shy, wild, or emotional?

Do we need to clean our house first?

Do you give any direction at all?

What should we do during our session?

How do we choose the right session length?

What if things don’t go “as planned”?

What should we wear?

That’s completely okay — and honestly, expected. Kids don’t need to act a certain way for beautiful photos to happen. I photograph what’s real, including big feelings, quiet moments, and everything in between. There’s no pressure for anyone to perform.

Only as much as you want to. A quick tidy is fine, but a perfectly clean home is not required. Your home is allowed to look lived in — toys, dishes, and all. Those details are part of your story.

Very little. I won’t pose you, but I may gently guide you toward good light or suggest staying close together if it helps the story. Otherwise, you’re free to interact naturally with your family.

Anything you’d normally do together. That might be making a meal, reading books, playing outside, going for a walk, running errands, visiting a favorite park, or settling into bedtime routines. You don’t need a packed agenda — simple moments are more than enough.

Shorter sessions are great for capturing one slice of daily life. Longer sessions allow time to slow down, move through multiple activities, and document transitions — which is often where the magic happens. I’m always happy to help you decide what fits your family best.

That’s part of the beauty of documentary sessions. Some of the most meaningful images come from unexpected moments. There’s no such thing as doing it wrong.

Comfort over coordination. Choose clothes you can move in and feel like yourself in. Soft, neutral tones tend to photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is that you feel good.

view pricing & services

Documentary family sessions capture real life as it unfolds — no posing, no pressure. I photograph your family doing what you naturally do together, whether that’s at home, outside, or out in the world. With session options ranging from 1 hour to a full day, these images tell an honest story of connection, movement, and the season you’re in right now.

starting at $450

services

Initial phone consultation / discovery call
Regular check-ins to ensure stress-free session planning
A helpful documentary session guide with all the A's to your Q's
Full access to your personalized online digital gallery of images
1-hour, 90-minute, 3 & 6-hour session at location of client's home

What's included?

standard session

This session is perfect for families who want a glimpse into their everyday life but don’t have time for a longer session. We’ll capture the sweet, candid moments that unfold naturally—whether it’s making pancakes in the kitchen, playing in the backyard, or snuggling up for story time. No stiff poses, just real connections and love.

Here’s what you’ll get:
- One hour of shooting time
- All the images in your gallery (75+)
- Online gallery for viewing and downloading
- Access to beautiful prints and products to display your images

Session cost: 2 payments of $225

$450

premium session

With 90 minutes together, we have time to document a fuller picture of your family’s daily rhythm. We can capture multiple activities—maybe breakfast followed by a nature walk, or playtime at home leading into a bedtime routine. This session allows for deeper storytelling, capturing the little moments that often go unnoticed but mean the most in the long run.

Here’s what you’ll get:
- 90 minutes of shooting time
- All the images in your gallery (100+)
- Online gallery for viewing and downloading
- Access to beautiful prints and products to display your images

Session cost: 2 payments of $275

$550

half day in the life

This is for families who want the most immersive documentary experience. Over the course of three hours, I’ll document the beauty in your everyday life—whether that means a slow morning together, an outing to your favorite weekend spot, or the chaos and joy of a regular day at home. These are the moments that become part of your family’s story, the ones that will be treasured for generations to come.

Here’s what you’ll get:
- 3 hours of shooting time
- All the images in your gallery (200+)
- Online gallery for viewing and downloading
- Access to beautiful prints and products to display your images

Session cost: 4 payments of $200*

$800

day in the life

This session is an 6-hour, documentary-style experience that captures your family’s everyday moments in a raw and authentic way. No posing, no pressure—just real life as it unfolds, from morning routines to bedtime snuggles. It’s perfect for families who want to preserve the beauty of the ordinary and create a lasting time capsule of this season of life. More than just photos, it’s a love letter to your family’s story.

Here’s what you’ll get:
- 6 hours of shooting time
- All the images in your gallery (400+)
- Online gallery for viewing and downloading
- Access to beautiful prints and products to display your images

Session cost: 4 payments of $300*