The time you spend with the people you love is something you can never get back but you can freeze those moments in time so that you can hang onto them forever. If you’ve been toying with the idea of hiring a photographer to take some professional shots of you and your family, here are a few reasons why you might want to consider a documentary session instead of a traditional one.

–        You’re not a big fan of cameras. If you tend to feel awkward whenever you’re forced to pose in front of the camera, a documentary session might be a better fit for you and your family. Instead of being directed on what to do, you can get on with whatever you’re doing and your photographer will do the rest.

–        You want a unique take on a special day. There’s just something about capturing candid moments as they happen. Whether it’s a family reunion or the birth of your child, there are some moments that don’t require poses and backdrops.

–        Your schedule is just too busy. When you don’t have the time to fit in a traditional family photo session, simply get a photographer to fit in with your day. This works particularly well if you’re happy taking photos in your home because then you really don’t need to go anywhere. You also don’t need to go the extra mile to plan coordinating outfits for the day. Simply wear whatever you feel comfortable in and continue with your day. 

–        Your kids aren’t great with strangers. Many children are shy and feel awkward when a stranger tries to get them to pose for a photo. Documentary-style shoots allow your children to enjoy themselves and do what they usually do, which results in more natural-looking photos.

–        You prefer photos that tell a story. A documentary-style shoot focuses on capturing moments and personalities, not poses and forced smiles. If you want your family photos to draw the viewer into that exact moment, this is the right type of shoot for you. 

At the end of the day, your best memories are made up of small and significant moments and aren’t necessarily planned – these are the moments that documentary sessions capture.