UNSCRIPTED FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

They grow up so fast, don’t they? One day you’re changing diapers and losing sleep, you blink and they’re in first grade and the next thing you know they’re off to college and you have the house to yourself again (but that’s a bitter-sweet thought by now). But they do grow up so fast.Most of the time it’s unconditional love and cuddles and unbridled affection. And let’s face it, it’s pretty funny too. That 10-year old golden retriever who’s the sweetest dog in the world? A terrifying beast when she’s twice their size and runs to them to give them a lick. Dirt? The most delicious appetiser ever, just before the candy they’re not supposed to be eating. The potty training mission? A small step for mankind, a giant leap for them.

But it’s also guerilla warfare. It’s chasing them down to convince them to have that last bite. Or negotiating sleep time. Or them learning how to push your buttons just right and test your boundaries to the breaking point. And that’s fine too, because it’s part of growing up.

I believe it’s about them, not us. It’s about that special, unique dynamic of your family. And don’t get me wrong, for thousands of years the main idea has been the same, but each family has tackled it differently, as best they could. I believe family photos, like good wine, have to age.

Give it about 30 years to become meaningful. Give them a chance to see what their childhood was honestly like.

And yes, I was a kid too. I would have photographed my own childhood differently, but these are memories I cherish.

I want to document your family life as it happens. Nothing scripted, nothing posed. A normal day in your life. It’s not about good or bad, or everyone being on their best behaviour. Documentary family photography is about the in-between moments, your life, with all its joy, love, frustration, curiosity, the zoomies or the quiet moments. I genuinely think that’s where the everlasting magic happens. It’s a day, frozen in time, as it really happened. Laughs, tears, playtime, tantrums. I’ve seen it all. And I would love to see a slice of your own life and get a chance to show that to your children in the future.

All you need to do is trust me and be yourselves. Don’t worry about the photographer, don’t prepare, don’t overthink it. This is not a portrait session. No prior make-up required, nothing you need to do to prepare. Just trust me enough to let me in and go about your daily life. It might feel normal to you, but I promise you you’re unique.

I photographed single mothers with two children. And it was quiet and affectionate and loving. I photographed three sisters, with 7 children, the husbands and the grandparents. And it was mad and loud and loving. I photographed families in the UK, Switzerland, France and Romania. I always did it discreetly, responsibly and unobtrusively.