An extended family is adorned in Christmas socks. They have them posed in a circle and the sock adorned feet are all you see.

Why Your Family Should Book a Documentary-Style Extended Family Session when in Charlotte, NC


Gathering with extended family is one of life’s most cherished and chaotic moments. Whether it’s a holiday, a reunion, or a casual weekend, these occasions are filled with laughter, love, and stories that only make sense when everyone is together. While traditional family portraits are beautiful, have you ever considered capturing these gatherings through a documentary-style extended family session? Here’s why you should—and what to share with your family to make the most of it!

A joyful gathering in a living room with people interacting and a small gray dog on the floor.
A festive holiday portrait showing a woman in a patterned sweater holding a baby in a red outfit sitting on the floor.
A toddler in a red dress stands in a cozy living room with people relaxing on couches and is heading towards man who is ready to hug her
A little child in green shares a sweet moment with her grandfather wearing a maroon sweater during the holidays.
Top-down view of a small child in a bright red dress holding hands and laughing next to a resting dog on a leather couch.
Three children laying down wearing red and green sweaters on a white background smiling at the camera.

Why Go Documentary Style?


1. Capture Real, Unscripted Moments:

Life is full of fleeting, magical moments—the kids playing like they haven't missed a day together, Grandma sharing a recipe in the kitchen, or Grandpa getting a kiss on the nose from one of the littlest cousins. Documentary-style photography is about observing and preserving these candid interactions. These photos tell the authentic story of your family in a way that posed photos simply can’t.


2. Celebrate Togetherness:

With extended families often spread across cities (or even continents), getting everyone in one place is rare. Documentary sessions preserve the essence of these gatherings, showcasing relationships, traditions, and the joy of being together.


3. Highlight Family Dynamics:

From the sibling rivalries to the inside jokes, these sessions reflect the unique chemistry of your family. You’ll look back and remember exactly what it felt like to be in that moment.


4. Create Timeless Keepsakes:

While posed group portraits have their place because we will make them happen too, documentary photos become cherished heirlooms. They’re the moments you’ll print and hang in your home or flip through in a coffee table book, laughing and reminiscing years later.

A joyful little girl in a red dress spins and dances in front of a decorated Christmas tree and window.
People in festive holiday attire sit on floor laughing and playing with a fluffy gray dog during Christmas gathering.
Toddler feet visible underneath a furniture piece on a light colored carpet with another child smiling and looking out from underneath
A family stands together in a living room wearing matching red and white striped socks in front of decorative shelves.
An extended family sits together on couches in a bright living room with two small dogs and table lamps for a Charlotte family photo session
Multigenerational group in holiday attire sits together by a decorated fireplace in a cozy living room.

Details to Share With Your Family


To make your documentary session a success, it’s important to prepare your family. Here are the key details to communicate:


1. The Purpose of the Session

Explain that this session isn’t about formal poses or perfect outfits—it’s about capturing the heart and soul of your family. Let them know it’s a chance to relax and simply enjoy the day.

What to say:

“This isn’t your typical photoshoot! The photographer will be capturing natural, candid moments while we’re just being ourselves—playing, chatting, cooking, and laughing.”


2. Be Themselves

Encourage everyone to act naturally. They don’t need to perform for the camera. Let the kids play, let the adults mingle, and don’t worry about looking picture-perfect.

What to say:

“Don’t stress about looking at the camera or fixing your hair every five seconds. Just be you! Whether you're sipping coffee, chasing the kids, or telling stories, the real magic happens in those moments.”


3. Dress Comfortably

Since this is a casual, in-the-moment shoot, everyone should wear something they feel good in. Coordinating outfits aren’t necessary—just avoid loud patterns or big logos that might distract from the vibe.

What to say:

“Wear what makes you feel comfortable and like yourself! No need to match—this isn’t a posed shoot. Think casual and relaxed.”


4. Plan Meaningful Activities

Help the session feel authentic by planning a few family activities. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, baking cookies, or playing board games, the photographer will capture everyone immersed in doing something they love.

What to say:

“We’re going to keep things fun and natural! Let’s bake cookies, play cards, or just hang out in the backyard. This way, we’ll all look and feel like ourselves.”


5. Trust the Photographer

Remind your family that the photographer knows how to blend in and capture genuine moments. They’re there to tell the story of the day, not interrupt it, although I tend to chat and get to know everyone.

What to say:

“The photographer will be in the background, snapping away while we just enjoy our time together. You probably won’t even notice they’re there most of the time!”

Loving couple sitting on beige couch sharing joyful moment with small dogs in bright sunlit living room with white shutters in Charlotte, NC
An aunt relaxes on a brown leather couch with her young niece in a cozy living room with warm lighting.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Session


• Give the Photographer a Heads-Up: Share key family dynamics or traditions with your photographer so they know what to focus on (e.g., “Uncle Joe always plays guitar during gatherings” or “The cousins love to play hide-and-seek”).

  • Plan Around the Naps: If possible, schedule the session during the morning when kiddos are the happiest and before they need a nap (they may sleep extra for nap time, nice bonus!)
  • Relax and Enjoy the Day: The best photos happen when everyone is comfortable, happy, and engaged in the moment.
A group sits together in a cozy living room with comfortable furniture and decorative shelves in the background.
A family shares a playful moment together in their home, hugging and smiling near a display cabinet.

The Result? Memories That Last Forever


When the gathering is over and everyone returns to their lives, your photos will remain. They’ll remind you of the laughter, love, and connection you shared. They’ll become part of your family’s legacy—a way to relive these precious moments for generations to come.


So the next time your extended family is gathered together in Charlotte, consider booking me for a documentary-style session. It’s an investment in preserving the magic of your family’s unique story, one beautiful, unposed moment at a time.


Does this sound like something your family would love? Let’s make it happen. These moments won’t wait!