the importance of documentary family photos
Let me begin this blog post with a story that underscores the significance of documentary family photos. This post may be a bit lengthy, so I appreciate your patience as I share this heartfelt narrative.
About a year and a half ago, I had the opportunity to book a session with a photographer whom I deeply admire. As excited as I was, a wave of panic washed over me when I realized I needed to figure out where to have the shoot. Immediately, I dismissed the idea of having the session in our home. Why? Simply put, it didn’t fit the conventional definition of “picture perfect.” But as time passed, I began to reconsider. Our home may not be flawless, but it holds countless memories and stories that are woven into its walls. It’s where we brought our babies home for the first time, where we weathered life’s highs and lows, and where we found comfort and solace in each other’s embrace.
This house, nearly a century old, has witnessed the journey of our family, and I want to immortalize those moments before we move on to new chapters in our lives. I want to remember the laughter, the tears, the mundane moments, and the milestones that unfolded within these walls. And most importantly, I want my children to cherish these memories as much as I do when they look back on these photographs.
And so, this brings me to the session I had the privilege of capturing over the summer: a family in the comfort of their own home. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the perfect moment to share these images with you all. I’ve offered glimpses on social media, but now I’m thrilled to present the full story. This session encapsulates everything I love about what I do—capturing raw, authentic moments that tug at the heartstrings and evoke emotions.
With this post, I’m making an official announcement: I’ll be focusing more strongly on these intimate, documentary-style sessions. While I’ll continue to offer outdoor sessions, I want my clients to know that there’s an alternative—an opportunity to capture the essence of their family’s story within the familiar walls of their home.
I hope you recognize the value in a session like this. This blog post is filled with images (and there are still more to share), but each one serves to narrate a story—a story of love, connection, and the beauty found in the everyday. I hope you find as much joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.
Enjoy! XO, Taryn
