Documentary Sessions Now Available — Natural Family Photography in Vancouver
- Family photography blog
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Looking for natural family photos in Vancouver?
Learn about Documentary Sessions — a relaxed style of family photography that captures the real story of your life!
Let’s be real — life moves fast. The kids grow, the routines change, the little moments slip by before you know it.
And while I will always love those classic family portraits (you know — big smiles, everyone looking at the camera), sometimes what we really want is to remember this stage of life — the normal stuff, the things that feel small now but will mean the most later.
That’s why I’m so excited to now offer Documentary Sessions — a type of family photoshoot that captures the true story of your life, just as it is.
Introducing Documentary Sessions
If you’re the kind of family who wants more than just the “everyone smiling at the camera” photos... if you want images that capture this season of your life — the little things you do together, how you laugh, how you snuggle, how your kids play — you’re going to love this.
These are gently guided sessions where I follow your family around for an hour — either at your home, the beach, your favourite street, or even your go-to coffee shop.
You simply do what you’d normally do in that space, and I’ll document the story as it unfolds. I’ll gently guide things if needed, but most of the time, I’m your friendly fly-on-the-wall photographer, capturing all the goodness.
What might you do during a Documentary Session?
☕ Grab coffee and snacks and wander your neighbourhood
🏖 Build sandcastles, fly kites, blow bubbles
🍳 Make breakfast or bake something together at home
🎨 Paint, do crafts, or work on an art project
🎻 Play music or jam on instruments
🎲 Play board games or card games
🌳 Picnic or explore the park
🛍️ Browse shops at your favourite local spot
🐾 Go for a nature walk or hunt for cool rocks/shells/leaves
It’s all about documenting what makes your family, your family — so when you look back on these photos, you’re reminded not just of that one shoot, but of this whole stage of your life.
What’s included:
✨ Approximately 1 hour of photography
✨ 40 storytelling images (gently retouched digital images)
✨ What to wear and how to prepare guide
✨ Phone Consultation/Brainstorm Session
✨ Personal online gallery
✨ Location scouting and travel time
$889 + 5% tax
What is Lifestyle Photography (and how is this different)?
You’ve probably heard the term “Lifestyle Photography” — it’s a style that combines natural moments with some direction from the photographer (that’s what I do for my regular Mini and Full Sessions).
I might say “go cuddle on the couch” or “tickle your toddler” — so the moments feel relaxed, but are still guided for the best light, angles, and smiles.
Documentary Family Photography Vancouver Sessions, on the other hand, are about capturing real life as it happens — no posing, no “smile at the camera” shots, and very little direction.
I’ll follow your family’s lead and document the story as it unfolds naturally. Think of it as photojournalism for your life.
How is this different from my Minis or Full Sessions?
Mini / Full Sessions | Documentary Sessions |
Fully directed by me | Family-led, gently guided |
Lots of “look and smile at the camera” shots | No “smile at the camera” posing |
Big scenery shots & group shots | More detailed, intimate moments |
Polished edits (hair, posture, perfection) | Real-life vibe — natural and timeless |
Lifestyle photography style | Documentary / photojournalistic style |
Who is this for?
✨ Families who want to remember the real stuff — the little rituals, the connections, the everyday moments
✨ Families who love details — a child holding a ladybug, a parent’s hand on a child’s head
✨ Families who value connection and authenticity over “perfect poses”
✨ Anyone who wants to preserve the feeling of this stage of life, not just create one perfect photo.
If you want a flawless, polished look with big, posed smiles, this might not be the right session for you (and that’s totally OK!).
But if you love the idea of capturing your family as you really are, this is your session!
How to book:
Step 1
Fill out the inquiry form on my website (you’ll suggest a few dates/times that work and tell me where you’d like to shoot — home, park, beach, favourite coffee shop, etc.).
Step 2
Once I confirm your date, we’ll set up a quick chat to go over the details — what to wear, how to prep the family, and what to expect during the session. I'll also send you a PDF of all of the information you will need to get ready!
You’ll also tell me more about your family — what you love to do, how you connect, what you want to remember — so I can tailor the shoot to YOU.
Why I love these sessions
After 15 years of photographing families in a more traditional lifestyle style (directed, lots of smiling at the camera), I found myself craving something different creatively.
I spent time learning this new way of shooting — it really is a whole different mindset!
I worked with 10 different families over the course of a month to really teach myself this new style of photography — and to figure out exactly what families would love most from a session like this. From the timing, to the pricing, to how many final images to include... it was basically like sending myself to Family Documentary Photography School (haha — but seriously!).
I’ve fallen in love with these sessions because they go deeper into a family’s story.
They capture connection and authenticity in a way that’s so real, so true.
I love stepping back, letting the magic unfold, and giving you photos that you’ll treasure — not just today, but years from now when the kids are older and life has changed.
If this resonates with you — if you’re ready to try something new and share the true story of your family — I would be delighted to document that for you!
HEAD HERE to see more photos in this style as well as package details and my inquiry form!
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More photos can be found HERE
Let me know if you have any questions by emailing me! info@mycityphotos.ca
Thank you for reading!
:) LL
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