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How to Prepare for a Documentary Family Photoshoot: Tips for a Stress-Free Experience

So, you’ve booked a documentary family photoshoot. Yay! 🎉 But maybe you’re wondering… what the heck does a documentary shoot even look like? Is it like a traditional photoshoot? Do you need to prepare differently? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some simple tips to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Here’s the thing: documentary photoshoots are all about capturing the real, unpolished moments that make your family your family. There’s no need to stress over perfect poses or matching outfits (phew, right?). But there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your session, so let’s dive in!

1. Set Expectations: It’s Not About Posing, It’s About Living

Unlike traditional photoshoots where you might spend hours arranging the perfect shot, documentary family sessions are all about capturing the moments as they naturally unfold. You won’t be asked to “say cheese” or line up in perfect rows. In fact, it’s actually better if you don’t.

The photographer will be hanging out with you, quietly documenting the everyday moments that define your family. Whether it's that moment when your kid bursts into laughter during breakfast or when your partner gives you a sweet look from across the room—those are the magic moments we’re after.

So, take a deep breath. You don’t need to worry about being “picture perfect.” Just be yourselves, and let me do my thing.

2. Choose a Location Where You’re Comfortable

One of the best things about a documentary photoshoot is that it usually happens in a space where your family feels at home. That might be your house (yay!), your favorite park, or even a fun spot you like to visit on weekends. The idea is to pick a location that reflects your personality and where everyone feels relaxed. After all, it’s way easier to capture authentic moments when no one’s stressed out about being in an unfamiliar environment.

If you’re shooting at home, think about where you naturally spend time together. The kitchen? The couch? The backyard? These spots aren’t just “nice to look at”—they’re part of your family story. These are the places where memories are made, so don’t worry about having a perfectly clean house (who has time for that?!). It’s the little details—like your kids’ favorite toys or the art you’ve hung on the walls—that make it special.

3. What to Wear: Keep It Casual and Comfortable

Let’s be real—your family is probably not going to want to wear matching outfits, and I’m not going to tell you to do that either. The beauty of a documentary photoshoot is in the authenticity, and that starts with what you’re wearing. You want to feel comfortable, and you want your kids to feel like themselves, too.

Skip the stiff, fancy outfits and go for things that reflect your family’s personality. Jeans and cozy sweaters? Perfect. A favorite band t-shirt? Even better. Coordinating is great, but no need to overthink it—just wear what feels right for the occasion.

Oh, and pro tip: Avoid anything too bright or overly patterned or branded. While pops of color are awesome, too much contrast can pull attention away from the real moments happening in the frame.

4. Preparing Your Kids (and Pets!)

If you have young kids, you’re probably already familiar with the art of making everything seem fun, even when it’s not. 😅 When it comes to documentary photoshoots, the more relaxed your kids are, the more natural the photos will turn out. Let them know that the session will be low-pressure—no need for “perfect” smiles or “posing.” Encourage them to just play, interact, and have fun as usual! If your kids are like mine, a little bribe or treat to look forward to when the session is done, may help them make it through our time together a little easier. I also like to keep a few treats and toys in my bag that I can pull out if it’s really going off the rails!

And if pets are part of the family? They absolutely should be included, too! You know how it is—pets bring their own level of chaos and love to a shoot, which is exactly what makes them so special. Keep some treats or toys handy to keep your fur babies engaged, and let them roam around the space freely.

5. Let Go of Control

This one is key: the beauty of documentary photography is that it’s not about posing or perfection. It’s about capturing your real life in all its messy, beautiful glory. There might be moments where things don’t go according to plan—and that’s okay. Maybe the toddler has a meltdown, or someone spills their drink. Guess what? That’s life. And it’s real, and that’s exactly what we want to capture.

The best advice I can give? Trust the process. The less you worry about trying to control every detail, the more enjoyable the experience will be. Let your family be themselves, and let me catch those fleeting, beautiful moments of connection and laughter.

So Here’s the Deal

If you’re nervous about your documentary family photoshoot, that’s totally normal! But remember, this session is about capturing your family as they are—imperfect, real, and perfectly themselves. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Embrace the mess & chaos. Really experience the moment - because this is your life.

Once the session is over, you’ll have a collection of photos that tell your family’s story—raw, real, and filled with emotion. And let me tell you, those are the memories you’ll treasure forever.

Ready to book your session? If you're in the Denver Metro area, let’s connect and start telling your family’s story!