“As a dad, I’ll admit I was kind of dreading the typical family photo shoot, but this experience with Rob was completely different and genuinely enjoyable… Highly recommend Rob, especially for parents with little extra time in their lives to schedule something else.”
— Nathan
Unconventional sessions for families who want ease and emotionally honest photos that celebrate a shared life.
Yes, I said ease! Documentary sessions are low-key. They’re designed to suit busy schedules; to reduce performance anxiety; and to accommodate taxed batteries, as well as sensory needs. If that’s not reason enough to reach out, and you’re asking yourself: “Why invest in a documentary session?” A few more thoughts come to mind…
Because photos made of everyday moments hold memory.
My spouse tells a touching personal story about the power of documenting everyday moments. It’s about postpartum depression, autistic burnout, and the impact they had on her memory. After our kiddo was born, a melancholic fog rolled in and refused to lift. She lost years to it. The long term effects included memory loss: recalling anything more than the depressive, dispiriting weight of those years is difficult. Were it not for the photos made of her everyday, she’d not remember that moments of joy with our little one were had too. When my partner tells this story, I’m reminded that photos made of our lived experiences hold memory, making them accessible even when the mind finds it difficult to do so.
Because real returns you to what it felt like when.
You’ll wake one day to find that your kiddo no longer wants to hold your hand. You’ll not be ready for it. And even if you are, the fact remains: that season in your life together has passed. Forever. And you’re heartbroken. To make things worse, the family portraits hung on the walls of your home reveal nothing of what it felt like to hold your kiddo’s hand in yours. Nothing of what it felt like to share such a sacred moment. The documentary approach does what a traditional session can’t: it returns you to what it felt like when.
Because, while it doesn’t always feel like it, you’re crushing it!
I see you. Your heartwork. How you show up. Make yourself available. Care for your loved ones. Even when it’s exhausting. Especially when it’s exhausting. The messy truth about family life is that it’s not always the bee’s knees. Yet, here you are. Showing up. Managing mayhem. And modeling love. Documentary sessions bear witness to your heartwork. The resulting photos serve as a reminder: even when you don’t feel like an A+ parent, you’re still crushing it!
Which session is right for you?
Vignette
3 hours of documentary work for families who want to preserve a glimpse of family life. Good for families looking to memorialize a specific activity, event, or milestone — or for families who simply want candid portraits of their kiddos in their home or other meaningful environment.
Curated slide show.
Session fee: 750 | Digital gallery: 800 | Heirloom artwork: inquire
Short Story
5 hours of documentary work for families who want to preserve the often overlooked details that shape this season in life, but risk being forgotten.
Curated slideshow.
Session fee: 1250 | Digital gallery: 1000 | Heirloom artwork: inquire
Family Memoir
12 hours of documentary work for families who recognize the annoying truth of that tired, old parenting cliché: “They grow up so fast. This day-in-the-life session is for parents who recognize the ephemeral and want to preserve something of their family story before time changes everything.
Curated slideshow.
Session fee: 3000 | Digital gallery: 2000 | Heirloom artwork: inquire
Questions?
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I’ve been told that I’m a quiet, calm presence who smiles more than I talk. And it’s true. I’m an autistic ADHD’r with expressive language challenges that sometimes show up as long pauses while talking. And when it comes to speaking while photographing, let’s just say I’m a classic “can’t walk and chew gum at the same time” kinda guy. But I feel that this particular characteristic is an advantage as it reduces my influence in an environment; thereby placing you and yours right where y’all need to be during a session: at the center of your story.
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Bring it! I’ve been a stay-at-home dad for ten years and a homeschool teacher. Before that I worked with kiddos in a number of settings - in classrooms, childcare settings, and shelters. Do my joints creek? Sure they do. But I’m all in for photographing whatever chaos comes my way!
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I prioritize my client’s personal feelings of emotional safety and their right to set boundaries over photographic opportunity. Your body is yours to advocate and set boundaries for. You say what gets photographed and what doesn’t. I honor it. Breastfeeding, potty training, etc. Some parents feel those seasons in life are so central to parenthood that the thought of not documenting them detracts from their story. Others would rather not have those moments photographed. Both positions are equally valid. The most important part of my job is to listen to you and only photograph what you want incorporated into your story. Prior to your session, we’ll talk to determine what your boundaries/comfort levels are. And remember, nothing is set in stone. Photo sessions are dynamic environments and your mind might change. We’ll chat more about that if you book a session!
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I value the right to privacy and will honor yours. But if you allow me to, then yes! Doing so helps me advertise myself as a service provider: the more people see my work, the more opportunity I have to provide photographic services to other members of the community. So, at the risk of repeating myself: if you allow me to post your family photos online, that would be helpful! If not, respect.