why a photojournalism session?
Because those portraits you had taken a few years ago at a park… Well, those are pretty, but they don’t tell anyone much about the people/person that you are. It’s a bit like you were put inside of a ready-made template, shiny and groomed, but not so much different than the next family.
The photojournalism style is about the reality of the life you built with the people around you, those you love (or don’t) or your individual journey of one… no matter what it looks like. They’re about your connections and relationships, and the little details that so often go unnoticed. They’re about authentic documentation of the way your real life feels, not how it may look on social media.
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The best part of all of this? There’s no pressure to look or act a certain way. Even if your life isn’t all rainbows and unicorns doesn't mean it's not worth documenting and/or sharing. Images speak to us. This is something I have taken to heart over the years. You never know what may inspire someone else, or even make them feel “seen.” Powerful in the best way!
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(How many posed pictures with everyone in coordinated outfits do you really need, anyway?)
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what do I need to do?
When thinking about booking an in-home session these are some of the things you may immediately begin to worry about:
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How will your house photograph?
Will the everyday “mess” be in every image?
What will all of you wear?
Will my family cooperate?
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Have your house everyday clean, not my “mother-in-law is coming to visit” clean.
Pick something comfortable to wear and let the kids do the same. (I’ll add myself to this category.)
Let me worry about getting the photos. I’ll see little nuances that maybe you wouldn’t…and they are all beautiful!
what will you do during your session?
Just relax! There will be an easy plan.
We’ll talk about what you will do (and not do) during your session.
I come into a family or individual’s (messy and gloriously imperfect!) home (or desired location) for one or more hours while you are doing all your normal stuff together.
No one is asked to stop and look at the camera or even to smile. Instead, as you play and work together, I’m there silently creating a series of images that tell a story about this particular season in your family’s life.
This can be done to mark a transition, to document a life season that is fleeting, or just because. (Don’t ever forget about the “just because” reason. That is important too!)
It’s all about natural moments.
can I do this style of photo shoot alone?
Of course you can!
Actually, when I think about my own life, there are most definitely slots of time when I was flying solo that would be so fun to look back on today. To be able do that through art? Glorious!
These are the sorts of images that begin to really express something of the quirky wonder that is you. These are the images that get more precious with time. You’ll be able to sit down and look at them in 5+ years and remember the particular way that your place was decorated when you only had yourself to please. Or to be able to see how much your fashion choices have changed since then. Through the eyes of my camera, I hope you’ll be able to see with fresh perspective the space in time which you chose to document.