Family
Why you don’t need to worry about feeling weird during your documentary family photography session
You have to be open-minded to let a photographer join you in the intimacy of your home. To let them witness the chaos, the love and the intricacies that make you and your family so unique.
Some people think it would feel weird to have a photographer following them around clicking away but not really interacting with them. I understand where they’re coming from and I hope this little tour behind the scenes will show you why you don’t need to worry about feeling strange during your documentary family photo session with me.
My goal for your session is to create a visual story of your life that will make you feel seen for who you truly are while documenting unstaged, meaningful and powerful family moments.
To do so, you need to be able to relax and feel comfortable with your photographer.
That’s why I interact with you as much as possible before and during your session to allow you to act as natural as if I wasn’t there. But I’m no fly on the wall. We talk, laugh and get to know each other. If you start singing with your children, I might join in. If your kids start doing silly faces, I’ll probably win the contest!
Don’t just take my word for it. Look at the television reportage India Lafond, a Radio-Canada journalist, made of me during a short family photo session. You can see me in action at 23:48.
Summary of the interview
Our society focuses a lot on perfection—filters to remove blemishes, look thinner, younger… My hope is for children to be photographed just as they are so they grow to be confident and proud of who they are and where they come from.
I photograph people’s everyday life without guiding them. When they see their photos, they have a good representation of their reality.
One thing I’m proud of is the award I won with the photo of a son seeking the comfort of his mother’s arms. A beautiful moment of connection captured on the spot.
I can spend entire days with families and it doesn’t even seem long. We play and the kids are happy to be in front of the camera. They’re like little stars for a day.
The little girl of the family I photographed here wanted me to stay for a sleepover after their photo session or come back the next day.
Photographing people for a long period of time helps to create new friendships.
I believe the more we see people’s normal life, without trying to embellish it, the better the world would be!
Want more tips to avoid feeling weird during your documentary family photography session?
I'm Marie-Pierre, an easygoing mother of two and a documentary family photographer. I believe we can all learn and grow from other people's experiences. Real life stories help us relate to each other, open our minds and feel better about ourselves.
this blog is a collection of featured client stories, tips, and articles on various family related topics. I hope you will find some inspiration!
