What is documentary photography?

I always introduce myself as a documentary family photographer—but for a lot of people, they aren’t quite sure what that means. Documentary photography isn’t a style that’s widely known or popular here in Tulsa… yet. A lot of people think documentary photos are like lifestyle photos, but they’re two very different styles of photography.

The easiest way to think about documentary photography is like a documentary you’d watch on Netflix. It’s real life, as it actually happens. It’s not a Hollywood blockbuster with perfect lighting and scripted moments—it’s honest, meaningful, and often far more interesting because it’s true. Documentary photos are a photojournalistic approach to photos. I won’t ask you to pose, look at the camera, repeat something you just did or even turn on lights to alter the environment.

What are documentary sessions like?

Documentary sessions take place on location, usually in your home. We spend the day documenting your real, everyday life—your family, your pets, and the routines that make up this season.

That might look like making meals, school drop-off, playing games, bedtime routines, baths, or backyard play. Some families choose to venture out to places they love, like the zoo, the library, or a favorite ice cream or sweet shop.

The day is yours. I’m simply there to observe and document it in a way that’s honest, authentic, and creates a visual record of what your life looks like right now.

Why choose a documentary session over a traditional portrait session?

There are so many reasons families fall in love with documentary sessions.

No posing required.
If being in front of the camera makes you uncomfortable, this is for you. There’s no posing, no forced smiles, and no pressure to look at the camera. In fact, most of the time, your photos are better when you don’t.

No stress about what to wear.
Wear what feels like you. If your child insists on a favorite dress-up outfit, let them wear it. Want to stay in pajamas? Totally fine. Real life > coordinated outfits.

No leaving your house (unless you want to).
There’s no studio to drive to and no need to deep-clean your home. I have two kids—my house is often a tornado—and I still have meaningful, timeless photos that perfectly reflect what our life actually looked like. Documentary photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth.

These sessions aren’t about creating a perfect version of your family. They’re about preserving the real one—the one you’ll want to remember years from now.

What does a documentary session include?

My session fee includes your pre-consultation and my time photographing your family. Products—including digital images—are purchased separately.

A few weeks after your session, I like to meet with you in person to view your photos together. This allows you to choose your favorites and see exactly how they could live in your home, whether that’s on your walls or in an album.

I’ll bring samples so you can touch and see the heirloom products I offer, and together we’ll decide what makes the most sense for you. You only purchase what you love, whether that’s a full gallery of digital files, a timeless album you’ll pull out again and again, or a collection of wall prints to create a gallery wall your friends and family will admire.

Ready for a session of your own?

Learn about the different sessions I offer and what works for your family.

See for yourself what my style of shooting looks like.

Book your session, so you can have your own one of a kind photos that tell your story.