Documentary Family Photography & The Buckey-Brown Family

When I tell people that I am a Documentary Family Photographer, I often get confused looks.  I think the idea of an un-posed, no prop family photography session, which potentially takes place in your home, feels strange to people.  They aren't sure that their house with clutter & kids with messy hands will really be photo worthy.  Then add to that the idea that my photography is storytelling and aims to tell the real story of your life and family as they naturally are and it just seems - well - boring and scary to most people (even if they know neither my photography nor I are scary or boring).

So, I want to share with you the story of the Buckey-Brown Family.  Before the session, Crystal and I had already spent an afternoon together and been talking for weeks before, because the way you tell a family's genuine story is to truly get to know them.  I knew that their lifestyle was very minimal and natural.  I knew some of the activities they did on a typical Saturday morning together and the little details that made them who they were when they were together.  And I also knew the important things Crystal felt like she, as a fellow photographer, most desired to have as a part of her story.  And while nothing in life ever runs perfectly (can I get an amen?), there is always something perfect & beautiful about just being you.

Setting the scene is important when it comes to telling a story, and the outside of your home is a crucial piece of that.  First on the agenda once inside?  Morning snuggles, baby bath, and some play time with Dad while Mom worked on getting ready for the day.  It's a rough life being a little one.

Parenting is a tag team job without a doubt, so while Dad takes a shower, Mom is up to bat.  As a family focused on a more natural way of life, Mom has been making the same morning smoothie for many years, and now her little helper gets to be a part of that with her.  These are such treasured memories to have documented!

Once Dad was finished, the family gathered together and then moved to the bedroom to pile in for some play time.  Books are a great toy at this age, even if they sometimes end up as a teething toy.

As with any little one, her attention span shifts quickly, so down the hall she and Mom headed to play in her room while Dad went to start working on his own breakfast.

A hug and some playing with Dad while Mom finishes getting ready for the day, then it's off to a natural breakfast even for the littlest one.

As anyone with a small child can tell you, pets are always ready to clean up after the meal.  And post breakfast often requires a clothing change!  A quick potty stop, a moment to play with the door, and then a pause to nurse.  This little one was definitely on the move.

Finally all in one room, the entire family decide to hang on the couch for a bit, including all 5 of their adored dogs!  Standing at that window has become a recent love for the little one and her parents, so this moment was especially reflective of their family.  Real life is simply beautiful.

Playing on the couch with a little one is so much fun.  Giggles and tickles and kisses and hugs.  Any parent can tell you it's definitely a time worth holding on to.

And it's a great place for some semi-intentional family portraits.  =)  There was time for a little more play in the beloved Ergo carrier as the morning began to wind down.

Before the all important morning nap, trying to fit in Daddy's shoes is a must for this little one, as is a quick stop at the fridge to have one last little nibble.

Then off to bed to take a little snooze with Daddy.  Aren't easy Saturday mornings the best?!

I loved being able to spend this time with such a precious family!  And I hope this also allowed you to see how much beauty and joy is found in the simplicity of real life.  Not so boring or scary, right?  =)

Until next time,