There’s something magical about letting kids lead the way during a family session. As a documentary photographer, I’m not here to force smiles or pose every moment. I’m here to quietly observe and capture the genuine, joy filled chaos that makes your family yours!

This playful backyard session is the perfect example of what happens when we throw out the script and just let life unfold. This warm July afternoon, a blank canvas, water guns, and a whole lot of laughter was the perfect recipe to capture these beautiful moments. Let’s check it out!

Why Child Led Sessions Work Well For Small Kids

Young children thrive when they feel free to do whatever they want! Instead of asking them to sit still or smile when we say, we can create space for them to be exactly who they are! Then you can see their curious, creative, and energetic side truly shine.

From splatter painting with Mum to water fights with Dad, this session was led by the child’s natural rhythm. I simply followed along, quietly documenting the wonder and silliness as it happened.

The Beauty Of Observation From A Documentary Photographer

As a documentary photographer, one of my strengths is knowing when to step back and see what unfolds and how I can perfectly capture it. During this session, I let the family fall into their natural rhythm with no interruptions or posing cues. By doing this, I was able to capture the tiny glances, proud smiles, and bursts of laughter that would have been missed in a more structured setup.

It’s these honest, fleeting details of paint-covered toes, sun dappled hair, and the squeals of a surprise water spray, that tell the real story of your family!

The Memories You’ll Want To Remember

Years from now, it won’t be the perfectly posed photo you come back to. It will be the image of your child laughing in denim overalls, the look on your partner’s face mid-squirt-gun battle, or the paint-splattered sheet hanging in the sunlight. These are the real moments, the good stuff! Think back to your own photos of you as a child. The ones that you get our every year and laugh at because of the crazy halloween costume you wore, or the picture of you with your favourite doll!

Choosing A Documentary Photographer

If you’re someone who values authenticity over perfection, who wants to remember how this season felt, not just how it looked then a documentary style session might be the perfect fit. You can inquire about a session with me here and tell me all about your vision! Or, if you aren’t sure what you are looking for, I would love to help you plan the perfect session for your family.

Kory is a lifestyle family and motherhood photographer based in the Fraser Valley, B.C. Canada. She is passionate about capturing genuine moments for families, and works with families of all types and abilities.