You’re Booked — Let’s Make Some Magic!
Thanks for booking a documentary family session. I’m excited to meet everyone!
This guide covers how the day works, what to plan, and what to wear. The short version: no posing, no performing, no deep cleaning. Just a couple of hours together, doing things you’d normally do together.
What to Expect
Your session runs about 2 hours, at home, a park, or anywhere your family feels comfortable. We’ll work around naps, snacks, and moods. I’ll mostly stay in the background while you go about your day, and if you’d like a posed family photo or two, we can grab those quickly at any point during the session.
For more, read “What to expect at a Documentary Family Shoot”.
Plan Something to Do
This one makes the biggest difference. The photos reflect what’s happening in front of the camera. When a family is busy making pancakes, blowing bubbles in the yard, or playing at the playground, the moments come on their own. When everyone’s sitting around waiting for photos to happen, the photos tend to look like waiting.
So pick one or two things you already enjoy together: baking, a board game, a backyard water fight, sidewalk chalk, a walk to the park, reading a favourite book. It doesn’t need to be special. It just needs to be yours.
If you have older kids or teens, let them know there’s no posing or forced smiles. It’s a regular hangout with someone taking pictures.
What clients are saying:
“We hired Andrew to take candid, documentary-style photos of our family enjoying one last Saturday morning in our home before putting it up for sale. From the moment he arrived, Andrew was kind, warm, and professional—he made every one of us feel comfortable and at ease, which is no small feat with a camera-shy crew! He captured our family so naturally and beautifully, reflecting the love, laughter, and chaos that have filled our home for the past 10 years. The photos feel so genuine and full of heart. The turnaround time was incredibly fast, and looking through the gallery together was a truly emotional and joyful experience. We’re so grateful to have found Andrew and plan to work with him again for future milestones. Highly, highly recommend!.”
What (Not) to Worry About
Please don’t feel the need to deep clean. Tidy-ish is plenty, and a little clutter is just what family life looks like. Keep snacks, water, and wipes handy. Meltdowns, messy kitchens, and silly faces are all part of it. Getting the shot is my job. Yours is just to be together.
What to Wear
Wear what’s comfortable and feels like you. No need to match. Layers and textures photograph well, and pops of red or blue look great. Try to avoid big logos, neons, sheer fabrics, and anything you’ll be tugging at all session. Let teens dress like themselves, and if we’re heading outside, bring an extra layer.
After the Session
Within 5 business days you’ll get your full edited gallery on Pic-Time, plus a slideshow set to music. From there you can download everything, share the link with family, and order prints, albums, or wall art, which I can install for you.
If you loved your session, a Google review or referral means a lot to a small business. And I’d love to see you again for the next milestone.
