Why Documentary Family Photos are More Fun
The Benefits of a Documentary Family Photoshoot vs. a Posed Family Photoshoot
When it comes to capturing family memories, choosing between a documentary-style photoshoot and a traditional posed session can be a tough decision. Both styles offer advantages, but one may resonate more depending on the type of moments you want to preserve. Let’s breakdown the benefits of each, so you can understand which style is right for your family.
1. Authenticity vs. Perfection
A posed family photoshoot often focuses on creating picture-perfect moments where everyone is smiling, looking at the camera, and standing juuuuust right. These photos can look beautiful, but they often miss the essence of who you are as an individual and as a family.
In contrast, a documentary family photoshoot captures the real, unfiltered moments: the messy hair, the spontaneous laughter, and the little interactions that really define your family dynamics. It’s about documenting the raw, beautiful chaos of your everyday life, preserving the authenticity of who you are at that moment. This style tells a story - your story.
2. Emotionally Rich Memories
Posed photos are fantastic for getting that one “family portrait” to put on your Christmas card, but they often lack depth in terms of emotional connection. Documentary photos, on the other hand, go so much deeper. These images are filled with genuine emotion—like a child’s giggle as they play hide and seek with their little brother, or the quick loving gaze shared between partners. These are the moments that you’ll treasure for years to come. These are the photos you’ll want to look back on when you’re telling your story.
3. Telling YOUR Unique Story
Documentary photoshoots are a visual narrative of your life as it is right now. These images don’t just freeze one moment in time; they give a deeper insight into how your family interacts and how you spend your days together. What makes your family unique? Is it the silly games you play with your kids, the special park you explore often, or the Sunday dinners where your you all get together? Whatever it is, documentary photo telling isn’t just taking pictures, it’s telling a story.
4. Less Stress and Pressure
With a posed family shoot, there’s often the pressure to get everything "just right." And in my experience, the more you’re stressing if your outfits go together, or if your kids will participate, the more worked up you get and the less enjoyable the experience. If you’re stressed - your kids and family are definitely feeling that stress too. Documentary family photography, on the other hand, is more relaxed. There’s no need to "perform" for the camera. It’s all about being yourselves, which makes the experience far more enjoyable—and less stressful—for everyone. Often these shoots take place in your own home or in a place where everyone is comfortable, which just makes the whole experience…better - Ya know?
5. Timeless Quality
While posed portraits can feel dated as trends and styles change, documentary family photos have a timeless quality. The candid nature of these photos captures moments that are universal, making them just as meaningful decades from now as they are today.
In the end, whether you choose a posed or documentary family photoshoot depends on what kind of memories you want to preserve. If you're seeking to document your family’s authentic moments, create a visual story, and preserve those heartfelt, candid emotions, a documentary-style photoshoot might just be the perfect fit for you. The beauty of this style is that it captures life as it is—imperfect, real, and full of love.
Ok - so have I convinced you. yet?! Posed family photos definitely have their place - but man oh man, are you missing out on telling the real story of your life if you never experience a documentary and lifestyle session. If you’re local to the Denver Metro area, let’s connect and start telling your story.