Family

Life isn’t perfect, and neither are family moments – and that’s exactly what I’m here to celebrate.

Forget stiff poses, matching outfits, or forced smiles. My documentary family photography is all about authenticity: the giggles, the chaos, the quiet cuddles, and even the occasional tantrum.

Think of it as a visual storybook of your family’s quirks, connections, and everyday magic.

Whether it’s pancake-flipping mornings, muddy welly walks, or bedtime stories that dissolve into giggles, I’ll be there to capture the raw, unscripted moments that make your family uniquely you.

No direction, no pressure – just you being gloriously, imperfectly yourselves.

Young boy with funny face baking cakes in the kitchen.

What is documentary family photography?

It’s storytelling through the lens. Instead of staged setups, I document real life as it happens – unposed, unfiltered, and full of personality. Think of it as a photojournalistic reportage-style snapshot of your family’s world: the messy, the tender, and the wonderfully ordinary.

These sessions aren’t about “cheese!” moments; they’re about preserving the little details that define your family’s story right now.

This type of photography is about capturing unposed reality, embracing the perfect imperfection of everyday life. It’s a celebration of you and yours. You don’t need to dress up, you don’t need to tidy the place, look your best or even pose – YOU, just need to be you and no fussing!

Small boy at restaurant table drawing.

Services & packages

  • A small boy looking through an observation bubble at a miniature railway set.

    How I work

    I’m your friendly observer, not a director. With years of experience anticipating fleeting moments, I focus on genuine interactions – not perfect poses. Patience is my superpower, especially with little ones. Think of me as a documentary-maker with a camera: quiet, unobtrusive, and always ready to capture the magic in the mundane.

  • A small boy not happy haveng his hair shaved by his mum at home.

    What to expect

    Zero posing: You do you – I’ll handle the rest.

    Authenticity over perfection: Spilled juice? Sibling squabbles? All part of the magic.

    A relaxed experience: No need to tidy up or dress to impress. Pyjama days welcome!

    Images with soul: Photos that feel like your life, not a catalogue shoot.

  • A small boy wearing a rain jacket having fun in the rain.

    Reasons to have a documentary photoshoot

    Freeze time: Kids grow fast – preserve the real them, not just the Sunday-best version.

    Celebrate quirks: From grandad’s terrible jokes to your teen’s eye-rolls, these are the moments you’ll miss.

    No stress: No outfits to coordinate or poses to remember. Just be.

What does a session look like?

Imagine a Saturday morning: cereal bowls clattering, a dog stealing socks, and a toddler “helping” with laundry. I’ll document it all – the chaos, the calm, and the love woven through it. Sessions can happen anywhere: baking disasters in the kitchen, den-building in the living room, or splashing in puddles at your favourite park.

This is where the magic happens!

Book a session

  • Young boy in restaurant does not look like he's enjoying his food.

    A day-in-the-life

    Capture a full day of family memories

    Spend a full day creating unforgettable memories with your family, whether it’s a trip to the museum, a walk in the woods, a seaside adventure, or simply a day at home. This package documents your family’s unique story in a natural, candid way.

    What’s included

    Up to 8 hours of family documentary photography

    A curated private online gallery with high-resolution images to download, print, and share

    A photofilm of the session to relive the day with friends and family

    Optional bespoke design service for fine art products like albums, prints, notebooks, and diaries

    Investment: Starting from £1,325

  • Young boy and dad dive under the water in a swimming pool.

    A half-day-in-the-life

    A snapshot of your family’s story

    Perfect for capturing a morning or afternoon of family fun, whether it’s a trip to a garden, castle, play area, or a walk in the woods. This package focuses on the joy and connection of your family in a shorter timeframe.

    What’s included

    Up to 4 hours of family documentary photography

    A curated private online gallery with high-resolution images to download, print, and share

    Optional bespoke design service for fine art products like albums, prints, notebooks, diaries and fotofilms

    Investment:Starting from £825

  • Young boy dressed in a reindeer outfit and holding a Christmas sign.

    A brief encounter

    Quick and meaningful moments

    A shorter session designed to capture the essence of your family in just a couple of hours. Ideal for documenting everyday activities at home or nearby favourite spots like the woods or a play area.

    What’s included

    Up to 2 hours of family documentary photography

    A curated private online gallery with high-resolution images to download, print, and share

    Optional bespoke design service for fine art products like albums, prints, notebooks, diaries and photofilms

    Investment: Starting from £425

  • A young boy looking longfully at ice cream.

    A year-in-the-life

    A year-in-the-life: Document your family’s journey through the seasons

    A unique package that captures your family’s story over four seasons. With four quarterly sessions, this visual documentary showcases the growth, changes, and special moments that make your family unique.

    What’s included

    Four quarterly 4-hour sessions of family documentary photography

    A curated, regularly updated private online gallery with high-resolution images to download, print, and share

    A photo-film showcasing the year’s highlights to relive with friends and family

    Optional bespoke design service for fine art products like albums, prints, notebooks, and diaries

    Investment: Starting from £3,125

All packages include:

  • A pre-shoot discovery call to customise and plan your session

  • Lightly edited images for quick turnaround

  • High-resolution images for website, print, and social media use

  • Signature edit to a select number of images depending on package chosen

  • Full image rights for unlimited use

  • Travel within 5 miles of St Albans included (additional charges may apply for further distances)

Photofilms: capturing your family
in motion

A Photofilm is a beautifully curated collection of images, carefully selected from the family photography. Think of it as a highlight reel – a concise, engaging video that captures the essence of your family. By combining and animating these images, we create a short documentary-style film that tells the story of your day. To make it even more dynamic, we can incorporate video clips, music, sound effects, animations, and captions, bringing your family to life in a way that still photos alone cannot.

Typically lasting between one to four minutes, a Photofilm is a succinct yet powerful way to relive the highlights of your photoshoot. It’s not just a memory; it’s a vibrant, easily shareable overview that serves as a lasting keepsake. Perfect for cherishing the moments, a Photofilm is a one-stop, cinematic experience that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Photofilms start from £495. Let us transform your family photography into a captivating visual story!

A young boy, dressed in a Christmas reindeer outfit.

 FAQs

  • Nope! Just carry on as normal. The less staged, the better. The session will revolve around your favourite family activities and everyday routines, helping to capture an authentic and real family life.

  • Whatever you’re comfy in—fancy dress, wellies, or onesies all work!

  • Perfect! Tantrums, negotiations, and mischief add character to your story.

  • Within 3 weeks, delivered in a private online gallery.

  • It’s easy, simply fill in the form below, and We’ll get you booked in. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required at booking and the remainder payable the day before the shoot.

How can I help you?

If you’re interested in booking a documentary family photography session with me, or have any questions on my photoshoots, please get in touch using this form.