Best Activities For Your Family Session | Chicago Documentary Style Photographer

You want those dreamy, organic documentary style family photos to capture your motherhood journey. But how do you even go about styling a session like that? As a Chicago photographer, this is one of my specialties. The key is doing something you love as a family together. The rest will come naturally. So… what are the best activities for your family session? They’re usually the ones you’re already doing every day. 

When I start styling a motherhood session for one of my clients, I always encourage you to keep things simple. Your little one doesn’t need to perform or have a perfectly styled outfit. You don’t need Pinterest-worthy props. You just need a little space to connect. That’s exactly where the magic lives, IMO. 

The Key for Family Activities for Documentary Photos? Keep. It. Simple.

You don’t have to plan something elaborate. 

I think sometimes we get sucked into scrolling on Pinterest and Tiktok, and start overthinking big productions. Those can be really fun, but I have found that the images you are most drawn to will be the ones that actually reflect your everyday life. Maybe it’s picking up dinner and heading to the park. Or painting at the kitchen table. 

Most documentary-style family sessions are just extensions of everyday life. You’re inviting me into your world, and I’m capturing it with my artistic eye. 

I’ve spent years training to photograph in all different lightin situations. I have invested into the top of the line gear. I spend my free time practicing new angles & poses. All so that I can document the moments as they happen without having to manufacture them.

So whether we’re meeting up in the studio, I’m coming to your home or we’ve picked a favorite location… the best activities for your family session are the ones that mirror what you’d normally do during your week.

You think I wasn’t going to give you a list of ideas!?

If you need a little inspiration, here are a few easy ideas that naturally create connection (feel free to screenshot and save to your phone!):

• Bake cookies together
• Fold laundry with your little one
• Have a picnic at the park
• Read your favorite books together
• Blow bubbles and eat popsicles in the backyard
• Turn on music for a living room dance party
• Spend an afternoon at the playground

Because remember: the activity isn’t the point. The connection is.

Motherhood is beautifully ordinary. The tiny fingers grabbing your necklace. The giggles after spilling the paint. The way your toddler snuggles into you for storytime. Those are the memories you’ll want to hold onto before they slip through your fingers.

When we keep sessions relaxed and centered around your real actual beautiful life, your photos become more than beautiful images.

They’re tangible reminders of this season exactly as it was.

If you’re planning your next motherhood, maternity, newborn, or family session, let’s dream up the best family activities for documentary photos that feel authentic to your family and tell your story naturally. And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out to me and I can help you plan it!