What is family photojournalism? Family photojournalism is what some people like to call “Day in the Life” photography. A family invites me into their lives to document a moment in time that they would like to remember. It can be as simple as Saturday morning pancakes, bedtime rituals, or cheering on your child at a sporting event. Or sometimes, I am invited into someone’s home to document a special memory in the making.
Family photojournalism shoots are great for families who don’t want the pressure of picking out L.L. Bean catalogue -worthy outfits. Who don’t want to bribe, cajole, and scold their children into sitting still and behaving for the camera. It takes all the stress out of a typical photo shoot because I am focused on getting pictures of children being themselves, not a prettified, sitting-still version of themselves.
I know, I know, you take lots of snapshots with your iPhone of your everyday moments. Those are great too! But wouldn’t it be nice to have a photographer capturing the precious connections between you and your child? Having a professional photographer make artwork of your everyday is a truly a gift that will be cherished for generations. Your children’s children will love to see their parents’ lives in action.
And getting parents IN the photo instead of just behind the camera? Even better.
When you look back at your family photos in 20 years, what will be more meaninful to you? An album of photos that document your connections and moments (family photojournalism)? Or what you looked like in matching outfits in a beautiful background (standard portrait photography)?
Day in the Life
The “Z” family invited me over to photograph “the big reveal” of telling their children about an upcoming trip to Disney. M and K collected clues around the yard until they found the big box in the backyard. Watching the building excitement from one clue to the next was a blast!
Getting Ready
And They Are Off!
Tomato Break!
Back to Work
The Big Surprise!
I hope you enjoy looking at these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
To see more Family Photojournalism by Susan Ryan Kalina Photography please click here, here, here and here.