Documentary family photography is a low-key, schedule-friendly approach to photographing family life in your home and community. It’s you, me, and a camera. Just hanging out. Think photojournalism, but you, your loved ones, and your heart-work are the story. You be you. Do what you normally do throughout the course of a day, and I’ll photograph the organic, un-orchestrated mischief, mayhem, and love that make your family life uniquely yours!

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 ADHDer 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.

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!

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 preserved. 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, and on the day of your session, I’ll regularly check in with you to determine what your boundaries and comfort levels are.

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.

During a session, I’m always on the lookout for candid portraits — those brief windows when something of a loved one’s personality is revealed. That said, if I’m not confident that I’ve gotten a portrait of your kiddos or family as the session nears its end, I can offer minimal direction to ensure you’ve got a portrait.

I rely on natural and ambient lighting almost exclusively, as I find flash too intrusive for longer documentary sessions. In the event that you have a specific activity or location in mind that might require external lighting, we’ll talk about it prior to the session.