Family
Parents: to take the photos or to be present?
Don’t you ever feel like trying to capture family memories through photos is a bit of a double-edged sword? As parents, we strive to document these fleeting moments, but it’s tricky to decide whether to be behind the camera or fully immersing ourselves in the experience.
I can still vividly remember the chaos of my kids’ first birthday parties, where my husband and I took on the roles of planners, chefs, and entertainers. Amidst the laughter and excitement, I longed to document every single detail of the day, from our Pinterest-inspired snacks and cake to the fun and games. However, I found it so difficult to balance the role of organizer and photographer with that of a parent fully present in the celebration.
Looking back, I find myself wishing for more than I originally imagined. It would have been amazing to have photos of myself during those moments. But adding that to the mix would’ve made things even trickier! Don’t you agree that the birthday planners deserve to be part of the birthday memories too? It adds an extra layer of significance to the whole experience!
The struggle of being a parent photographer
Similarly, attempting to capture candid shots of my toddlers during walks proved to be a comical challenge. As I attempted to run ahead to take photos, they would inevitably chase after me, their eagerness to stay close thwarting my photographic efforts. It’s a scenario many parents can likely relate to—the struggle of trying to capture the moment while simultaneously living it.
Now, you’re probably wondering what my magic solution to this documentarian-parent problem is, right? Well, I can suggest two:
1. UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY
Set your camera on a tripod, use your camera’s interval meter and let it snap away every few seconds. You’ll end up with tons of crappy photos, but there should be a few gems in the mix!2. SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
Hire a professional photographer to do the documenting for you. This will allow you to be fully present while ensuring high-quality memories are preserved.
I hear you already saying you can’t have a photographer with you all the time. Nope! You’re right.
But I have something you might be interested in. It’s called Heartfelt Chapters—Year-long Photography Membership for spirited Edmonton families. It’s a new service I’m about to launch that will give you the chance to have multiple documentary family photo sessions a year. It will be the perfect way to document your routine, outings, birthday parties, holiday traditions, and any part of your life you want photos of.
Curious to know more?
Join my waiting list to get all the information and be the first to know when the membership is available. You’ll also get first dibs at early-bird pricing!
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!
