The Secret to Natural Family Photos? Ignore the Camera | Central Oregon Documentary Family Photography
The best way to get family photos that you love is (ready for this?) to ignore the camera.
The real family memories are stored in the photos you barely notice being taken. As a storytelling photographer in Bend, I offer documentary photography that captures those honest moments. Think about it: your family routines, the playful mess, and the small, everyday moments that make your family unique are what you’ll treasure most. I document those for families right here in Central Oregon.
If you’re drawn to this kind of storytelling, learn more about my documentary family photography sessions.
It can be hard to wrap your mind around the idea of ignoring the camera, especially when you’ve gone through the process of booking family photos. This is where a seasoned photographer can step in and take the lead.
Here are my four biggest tips for documentary-style family photos that you love:
Tip #1: Set up the documentary session around an activity or two.
It’s a lot easier to ignore the camera if your attention is focused on something else. It’s best to select an activity that is meaningful to your family, not simply something that you think will look good on camera. You’ll also want to consider the time of day you’re hoping to take the photos, as that can affect which activity you choose.
Choose simple and easy family activities to photograph.
Maybe you enjoy painting together, gardening in the backyard, making a big stack of pancakes, or playing at your local park. Nothing is more personal than using your home or neighborhood for treasured family memories.
Go classic or nostalgic with an activity everyone will love.
Maybe try a picnic at Drake Park, ice cream from your favorite local shop, or an afternoon sledding. Classic activities like these add in props to immediately tell the story and become a focal point for your photos. Who doesn’t love a funky picnic blanket, a good scoop of ice cream on a cone, or a bright red sled in the middle of winter?
Aim for an adventure with the family - it makes great photos.
Given the beautiful nature all around Central Oregon, documentary photos can also be done while you’re outside exploring. Think hiking at Smith Rock or an afternoon visit to Sparks Lake.
Tip #2: Think about this season in life that you’re documenting with family photos.
What will truly matter to you not just now, but in five, ten, or fifteen years down the road? Focusing on the significance of this particular time will guide you toward the types of moments you'll want captured on camera.
Maybe you have young children at home and your days revolve around diapers, bottles, and naps. Though the days seem endless, these years are a tiny portion of your children’s lives. Documenting the baby phase - in all of its chaos and all of its wonderful little moments - is a gift to your future self.
Alternatively, you might have teenagers who are finding their independence. They may feel awkward or pressured to act a certain way for the camera or around their friends. Although you know this season will pass quickly, they might resist posing for photos with you.
A documentary session allows teens to simply be themselves, showcase their unique personalities, and genuinely shine.
Explain the purpose of documentary photos for the family.
If your kids are old enough to understand taking family photos together, then explain the point of documentary photos to them. Tell your kids that they don’t have to look at the camera, and it’s actually best if they ignore it. Discuss the activity (or activities) you’ll be doing, and why you want those memories to be captured.
Have your kids participate in planning your documentary session.
It can also help to get kids involved in the planning process, such as asking what their favorite outfits are that they might want to wear. If kids are old enough to make decisions, you might even ask them what activities they would be interested in doing.
Pro tip: never promise a specific activity until you confirm details with your photographer. Instead, stick with “we might be able to do that” when involving kids in the planning process.
Tip #4 Set the tone for your documentary family session.
Guide your family into documentary photos with your own willing attitude, and a photographer that knows how to bring your vision to life. Your responsibility for the session is to be truly present with your loved ones. Your photographer’s responsibility for these photos is to 1) have a clear understanding of your story, and 2) be able to tell that story well through photographs.
Documentary-style photos offer a profound chance to capture the pulse of your family life. These are the images you'll truly treasure decades from now. Forget social media and holiday cards; these are the photographs meant to be held in your hands in an heirloom album.
One day, your children will want to know what it felt like to belong to this family. They’ll want to see vivid pieces of their childhood, and to learn about you, their parents, in these honest moments. And one day when the house is quiet and they are grown, you will reach for these photos because they are memories, and you want to sink back into them lovingly.
Like the idea of family photos, but feel like documentary style isn’t the right fit for you? Check out lifestyle family sessions to see if more guidance would suit your needs.
Hello, I’m Elise.
I’d love to work with you.
Time is a thief, indeed. But it doesn’t have to steal everything. Through documentary family photography, I can help you hold onto the moments you never want to forget—the everyday pieces of your life that become your family’s story. If you’re looking for a documentary family photographer who offers more than just an hour of your time, you’ve got the right human here.