Think about it — when you look back on your favorite childhood memories, what actually comes to mind? Is it the Pinterest-worthy birthday setups? Or is it … I don’t know, the chaos? The weird little in-between moments? For me, it’s always the latter.

So if you’re holding back on booking a session because your house feels “too messy,” your routines feel “boring,” your kids are “wild,” or maybe your partner’s not totally sold — just pause, take a breath. I get it. But none of those things should stop you from preserving what’s real and beautiful about your family.

Here are five common hangups about documentary family sessions — and why they honestly don’t matter as much as you might think.

1. “My House is Too Messy”

Let’s just say it: nobody’s house is spotless. And if it is, I’m probably not the right photographer for them anyway. I’m not here to shoot a magazine spread — I’m here to capture you. Your home, your people, your everyday life.

So yeah, maybe there are Legos everywhere. Maybe there’s marker on the walls or laundry half-folded on the couch. That’s not a problem, it’s part of the story. The mess? It’s evidence of life happening. One day, you might actually miss it (weird, I know). So let’s not hide it.

2. “Our Life is Pretty Boring”

I hear this a lot. And I get it — most of us don’t think our daily life is anything special. But honestly? The quiet, repetitive stuff — that’s where the real gold is.

Like the way your kid hugs you when they first wake up. Or the way your partner knows you need a cup of coffee before you can deal with anything. Those seemingly tiny moments? They’re the heartbeat of your family story.

You may not notice them now, but ten years from now? You’ll wish you had a photo.

3. “My Kids Couldn’t Behave for That Long”

Totally fair concern. But here’s the thing — I’m not expecting perfect behavior. Far from it.

I’ve seen it all: meltdowns, full-body refusals to wear pants, snack-related negotiations … and that’s just before lunch. But that unpredictability? That’s life with kids. Those are the real moments. And honestly, they often turn into the most beautiful, emotional images.

So don’t stress about trying to “keep it together” for the camera. Just do what you do. I’ll be there to document it, tantrums and all.

4. “My Partner Won’t Be Cool with a 4-Hour Long Session”

Yep — this one comes up a lot. It’s totally normal for one person in the family (okay, usually the partner) to feel unsure about a documentary family session. Having someone in your space for hours? I get how that might sound … intrusive.

But here’s what usually happens: within 20 minutes or so, I sort of disappear. Not literally, but people stop noticing me. I don’t give directions, I don’t pose anyone, I don’t ask for anything. I just observe. And because I’m not asking anyone to perform, the vibe stays relaxed.

If your partner needs a little extra reassurance, I’m happy to chat with them ahead of time and answer any questions. And who knows — they might even end up enjoying it. (Stranger things have happened.)

5. “I Just Want a Nice Photo for the Wall”

Totally fair. And hey, I get the appeal of the classic everyone-smiling-at-the-camera shot. There’s nothing wrong with that. But what if you could have more?

What if, instead of just one frame, you had a whole series of images that actually tell a story? Not just what your family looks like, but who you are — how you connect, how you laugh, how you love each other on the messy, not-so-pretty days too.

Like that post-tantrum cuddle? That’s not just a moment — it’s a feeling. That’s the kind of image that hits you in the gut years later. That’s what I’m after.

Embrace the Authenticity

At the end of the day, documentary family sessions aren’t about capturing perfection. It’s about preserving truth. Your real life. Not the curated version. The beautiful, chaotic, heart-filling stuff that happens in between the milestones. That’s where the magic is.

So if you’ve been hesitating — don’t wait for the perfect moment. It probably won’t come. Instead, trust that the life you’re living right now is more than enough. And it’s worth remembering.