What are Storytelling and Documentary Sessions?

What are Storytelling and Documentary Sessions?

Storytelling or Documentary Photography is when a photographer uses a photojournalistic approach to capture real-life images. The story is then told through a series of images.

With this type of session, I will not pose you.  I will not use props. I suggest that you wear clothes that are comfortable, the kind of clothes that you wear every other day of the week. Even if that means yoga pants or jeans and a t-shirt, and the kids are in superhero capes and princess dresses with rain boots.
(which I think would be fabulous!)

To keep it natural, I will probably tell you to NOT look at the camera. I might even tell you to pretend that I am not there. I want to capture the real and honest moments of your everyday real life.

With Documentary Sessions, there is little guidance by me, I will just be casually hanging out and documenting your family interacting and capturing the story as it unfolds.

This kind of session is also called A Day in the Life Session, but that is when a photographer is with your family all day.  Currently, I do not do all day but I will spend a couple or a few hours with tour family.

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When I photograph my own children, I simply document their everyday lives.

I rarely pose my children.  I do not ask my children to look at or smile for the camera. (that is mostly impossible with my three boys) I do not dress my children in fancy or stylish clothes that they do not wear daily. I simply capture and document what they are naturally doing, every day.

I love to document them playing a game together, building a puzzle, painting pictures, digging in the dirt, sword fighting, dressing up like super hero’s, snowball fights, wrestling with Daddy, reading a favorite book, making cupcakes, jumping on the bed, bed time routines, school work, tree climbing, and bike riding…

I like to tell a story with their photos, a story that captures the details of their everyday.

I love these real-life photos of my children more than a portrait with perfect smiles and fancy outfits.

Allow me to document the beautiful moments of YOUR every day!

It is all about documenting your life and telling your family’s story.

I can capture a Saturday morning pancake breakfast.
Dad playing with the kids.
Mom reading them a book.
Building a blanket and couch pillow fort.
A fun family board game.
Babies bath time…

Those everyday simple things that we may take for granted.

I even want to capture the moments when your toddler has a meltdown and needs a little cuddling from Mom.

Those messy real-life moments of spilled milk, splattered paint, and sticky maple syrup.
The images of your husband showing your son to tie his shoe or button his coat.
Moments of Mom feeding her new baby or feeding a messy 10-month-old some baby food.

Those little moments that you will want to remember forever.
The natural interactions of you with your amazing family.

In my opinion, the perfect location for this session is your home.
Our homes are filled with items that tell a story, these are the perfect real-life props!

After shooting at your home we can even go play in the backyard or head to the playground or park.

I know you are thinking,
“But my home does not look photo-worthy or straight out of a catalog!”

Your life and home do not have to be picture-perfect.

But I also totally understand!   My little old house is always undergoing some DIY project, the light is not fantastic, there are always dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor, scribbles on the wall…I lead a busy life with three active and creative boys!  But my house is also full of memories of where my boys were raised!
It is the perfect backdrop for this type of session!

And the focus is on you and your family, not your home. A quick clean-up is all that is needed in preparation for our session. Please do not feel the need to deep clean and declutter your house!

But if you prefer, we can definitely meet at the zoo, a local museum, or even an afternoon downtown or in your local little town.

I will simply be hanging out with you and your family and you will be perfect just being you. Our session will last around two-three hours but it will not feel like a long photo session. It will be like any other fun and chaotic day hanging out with your family.

This can be for any family!
First-time expecting parents,
Parents with a new baby.
Parents of 5 kids.
Grandparents.
And I am happy to include the family pets!

I cherish these types of photographs that tell a story, more than any classic portrait.
These are the pictures that document the love, the beautiful chaos, the real-life moments,
and the true love story in a family.   I want to tell YOUR family story.
Contact me today!

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Storytelling Sessions with Mary Beth Miller Photography

~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in Maternity, birth, lifestyle, Fresh 48, newborn,
family and child photography in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.