What Really Happens During a Documentary Family Photo Session
A Toronto family photographer’s guide to what the experience actually feels like
When you’re thinking about booking a family photo session — especially with a documentary-style photographer — a lot of questions naturally come up:
What will we actually do?
Will it feel awkward?
Will the kids cooperate?
How much direction will there be?
That’s exactly why this resource exists.
As a Toronto family photographer who specializes in documentary family photography, I want you to feel confident before you book. This page walks through what a session actually looks like — not in theory, but in real life — so you know what to expect, how it flows, and why families often say it was easier and more fun than they imagined.
(If you’re preparing for a booked session, your Family Session Guide already sets expectations beautifully — think of this as the deeper story behind why it feels that way.)
Less Posing, More Presence
Traditional family photos are often posed: everyone looks at the camera, smiles on cue, and holds still for the shot.
Documentary family photography — the kind I do — is different. It’s about capturing:
how your family genuinely interacts
small moments of connection
movement, laughter, routines
joy that doesn’t need to be performed
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence, honesty, and connection.
This approach isn’t new to how families remember their lives; it’s just new to how many people think about “family photos.”
What Happens Before Your Session
Before your session even starts, we’ll talk about:
your family’s routines
where you feel most comfortable (home, park, local favourite)
what activities your kids enjoy
any concerns you might have (shyness, timing, weather)
These conversations are part of planning — and they make the session feel natural, not stressful. You can also explore when to think about booking in this resource on When Should You Get Family Photos Taken?
The Start of the Session — First 10 Minutes
Everyone has a different “warm-up” period.
Sometimes kids are curious about the camera right away.
Sometimes they ignore it entirely.
Sometimes they make a beeline for the couch, the dog, or a snack.
All of these are okay — and all of them are great opportunities for real photographs.
You won’t be asked to pose right away. Instead, we let your family settle in so the real moments start to unfold. I always take a few minutes to chat with the family before the camera comes out, to put everyone at ease (as much as possible).
How the Session Flows
Rather than a checklist of poses, documentary sessions have activities and rhythms.
Think of sessions like these:
playing at home
walking to a favourite park
building LEGO on the floor
reading books
running around in the backyard
chasing chalk drawings on the sidewalk
After booking, I provide a Family Session Guide to walk clients through the details of the shoot; what to consider, what to NOT worry about, and some considerations for activities for the session.
Your family’s natural energy gives the session its character. I follow your lead and pay attention to what’s happening next — not what’s posed next.
How I Work With Your Family
I take a lightly guided, mostly observational approach:
I watch the interactions
I step in gently when helpful
I let kids be kids
I capture patterns, pauses, and play
I might make small suggestions — “try moving over here for better light” or “keep playing that game” — but I rarely ask for dramatic posing. Your life, right now, is enough.
We Still Get Classic Shots (If You Want Them)
If you value a few traditional family photos — like everyone together or a simple portrait on the front steps — we absolutely include them at the end of the session.
It just happens more naturally after the real moments have already unfolded.
Why This Feels Easier Than You Think
After documentary family sessions, I hear the same things again and again:
“That was way more relaxed than we expected.”
“It didn’t feel like a photo shoot.”
“The kids just had fun.”
That’s because documentary sessions aren’t built around controlling moments — they’re built around letting real life happen.
One dad recently described his experience like this:
“If you want a photo experience that feels like a morning off from work or a fun family activity that actually captures your family’s vibe, then you have to give Andrew a shot. I hate photos, but this was different.
I simply had a wonderful morning with my family — at the coffee shop, at our house, and then at the park. My daughter had a blast, and so did we.
The results were photos that really captured how we interact with each other. No forced smiles or posing. Just catching us in action as we did activities that we love. It was a super cool experience.”
That’s the goal every time.
Not to create a “successful” photo session — but to give your family an experience that feels genuinely enjoyable while creating images that reflect who you really are.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re curious about whether this style might be the right fit for your family, you might also enjoy these resources:
👉 When Should You Get Family Photos Taken? — Helps you think about timing and long-term planning for meaningful sessions.
👉 What Is Documentary Family Photography? — Explains the philosophy behind this style and how it differs from traditional portraiture.
👉 How to Prep for Family Photos (Including What to Wear) — Practical advice that makes your session feel easy and natural.
In a Nutshell
📍 Documentary family photography isn’t about controlling the moment — it’s about being in it.
📍 Sessions feel like a day with a friend who happens to have a camera.
📍 You don’t need polished outfits or perfect behaviour — real life is the lens.
If this resonates with how you want your family to be remembered, I’d love to help you plan your session. Feel free to reach out to me here.
