You love candids, right? But so often photo sessions turn into a bunch of “plan-dids” that are sweet, but without story.
The thing is, the story is your heart. It’s the kind of session that makes you actually feel something big.
I asked this client to tell me what they thought of this session now that it’s been ten years. She said:
“Our family hired Natalie for a documentary session at the MN State Fair. It has been a tradition for our family to go to the Great Minnesota Get-together since my daughter was 5 days old. So it only felt natural to have our session there. What I didn’t know was how 10 years later, this session would become priceless.
Having a documentary session is different from a family portrait session in that it was so unique to our family experience. It felt truly authentic. It tells our story without the pressure of performing for a camera. When we relax and let go, real magic happens. Natalie is a true artist and this gift to us is irreplaceable.” -Lisa Q., 2022
You may have heard me say a few things about my portrait sessions before. That I emphasize the fleeting, candid moments that are rare inside of a studio space or at the park.
There is something so special about being a fly on the wall and letting the moment unfold. Natural expressions and emotions really manifest themselves and come to life in front of the camera. There’s nothing wrong with a posed portrait here or there, there are a few in this collection.
But the kind of photographs you’ll walk away with after an afternoon at the Great Minnesota Get Together compared to a studio or the perfect park setting are unique in a way that only candid moments can be. There’s nothing wrong with “just a nice one of all of us,” but for me, it doesn’t really tell a story.
And at the end of the day, that’s what a great series of photographs has the power to do: tell your story.
I hope you enjoy viewing this family portrait session as much as I enjoyed shooting it.
-N
For more information on Story Sessions, send me a note.
