Family photography: Re-think Family portraits. Documentary photography preserves real memories…
In the history of photography, for how much of it, proportionately, have we been asked to look at the camera and smile? Simple answer: most of it. So no wonder that the movement for documentary photography is perhaps taking a while to establish itself...
Typing family photography into google is quite interesting. Anyone who would like a family photo session would probably approach photography in the same way they approached it for their wedding: with trepidation. Nowadays, the choice of style, the choice of packages, the choice of talents is exceptional. I do feel for my perspective customers... I expect I feel the same when I go to the supermarket and get overwhelmed with the choice on offer.
So I guess, as a passionate documentary photographer, I am obviously going to try to sway you in one direction. I take it that if you are reading this, you must already have a "penchant" (too pretentious?) for this genre... I guess I will start the description of what I offer by asking you one simple question: What do you want to feel when looking at the images I have produced for you?
The above question is an important one because you see, this is precisely what my style is all about. I want you to be able to look at my photos and be able to remember how you felt in that precise moment, and what I mean by feelings is that it includes sensations: what you could hear, what you could smell, what you could almost even taste. I want to be able to produce such a powerful memory for you and your family because I want you to be able to keep moments like you keep stuff you buy? I feel that the more traditional portraits don't provide you with that experience, they don't create and capture a precise memory. Traditional portraits may make you look sensational (nothing wrong with that either by the way, mustn't underestimate the importance of positive self-esteem)... but there are so many times when I have taken shots of my clients which at first don't necessarily look as posed, as pretty, as perfect, but another beauty shines through, personality shines through, character, laughter, rawness, authenticity shines through, which they end up realising is much more beautiful.
Documentary photography is therefore about capturing senses. Above, it's that split second when a dad is touching his son's tiny little fingers.
Documentary photography is about feeling the sunshine warming the side of your cheek.
Documentary photography can help you remember that temporary obsession with eating leaves.
Give documentary photography a go.
Collect moments. Not things.
