Regardless of which type of session you are looking for, you might have noticed that very few, if any, of my images are posed, styled or having everyone looking at me … great observation! Storytelling photography is all about the authenticity of the moment. I am not a "smile and say cheese" photographer, but rather one that captures the emotion and content of the moment to create a story you won't ever want to forget.  

This style of photography is not very common, thus I'm sure you have a few questions! How about I answer some of the more commonly asked inquiries for you … 

1. What exactly is a "Day in the Life" Session, anyway? 
Well, my friend. Exactly what it says :) The goal of the DITL session is to capture the culture of your family as it is in this moment in time … the chubby fingers, the oatmeal kisses, the look of sheer adoration adoration shared between mother and child. I arrive at your home with a cup of coffee in hand, batteries charged and adorned in comfy clothes. I spend the day with you - up to 12 hours - laughing, playing and capturing those moments that tell your story! 


2.  12 hours seems like ALOT of time. Why are they so long? Do they have to be? 
I understand it can seem quite daunting …. I have had my own DITL session and it is tiring, for sure! But also so much fun, and soooo worth it. The 12 hour mark is generally about the length of time that a family seems to be "in movement" from wake up til dinner, or breakfast til bedtime. The goal is to capture the WHOLE story, not just a tidbit. Beyond that, you will notice that with any photo session  - traditional or documentary - the first moments are rather awkward and stiff. After about an hour, the kids tend to forget about my camera, interact more and then the magic happens … the tender moments between parent and child, the playfulness between siblings and yes, even the squabbles and tantrums. 

3. Speaking of tantrums and squabbles, do you photograph those?  
HECK YES! Those are the best! Know why? Because that is your reality (most likely … the majority of parents have a minimum of one a day, right?). And really, in ten years from now as you look back through your story from our day, you might just laugh at the 2 year old crying over the fact that you he can't eat batteries for breakfast. As a mom of 3, each with their own STRONG personalities, there is no judgment coming from me in regards to your children or parenting, lol! We're all in this together :) 

4. Does my house  have to be clean? What do we wear? 
Well let me ask you this … is your house normally clean? I might suggest a tidying up if you wish, just to declutter your image, but PLEASE do not scrub your bathroom floor with a toothbrush! That's not reality! If you have young children like I do, you likely have toys scattered about and laundry piles overflowing. Your home is nothing to stress about - in 5 years you will miss the tiny fingerprints on the sliding glass door and will likely wish you had something tangible to remember their little hands. In terms of clothing - be comfortable! No matching clothes allowed, unless you intentionally do this on a daily basis. Be yourself! 


5. What about private moments? Bathtime, diaper changes, etc. Can we have rooms that are private? 
As a mom of 3, I can relate to this question and can respect your decision either way.  I have found bath time to be one of the MOST fun parts of the day, as kids relax and play - and sometimes grump their way through hair washing. As young children potty train or use the bathroom independently, sometimes they have their own funny moments that you might just want documented! I will most definitely ask permission before sharing any of these moments publicly. You are most welcome to have select areas of your home that you would prefer not to have photographed.  

6. What do YOU (the photographer) do all day? 
I am just another member of the family for our time together! I will eat meals with your family, occasionally stepping aside to capture a moment. You go to the grocery store? I do, too! I travel along side you, in your car, in your home in, in your everyday adventures. I will put my camera down (but never away) to play with your kids, I  listen to your stories and share my own! While we slowly get to know each other, the posed smiles will eventually disappear and the moments that mean the most will begin to manifest, as my camera clicks away. 

7. What do WE DO all day? 
I don't know … what DO you do all day?! I encourage you to keep your day with me as normal as possible. We ALL know that a missed nap for a 2 year old is not the best idea for anyone involved. You are welcome to venture out the park, zoo, grocery store, museum, or whatever you wish! I will document it all ….. beginning to end, joyful and grumpy, playful and boring, morning to night. 

 

8. What is the process? How and when do we book? When do we get the pictures?
Because I am a mom, and my own family is my priority, my calendar fills up very quickly between photography sessions and our own  adventures. I encourage you to book your session well in advance! To have your date set on my calendar, I require a  nonrefundable retainer fee which is applied to your final amount, in addition to a signed contract and model release form and completed questionnaire.

9.  What is the differences between the 1, 6 and 12 hour sessions? Do you do any posed images during the extended sessions?  
The biggest difference is the length of your story, obviously - but also the moments that are captured. As your family relaxes more and more around me, the more tender the moments become and personalities become more authentic. With the 1 and 6 hour sessions, it is likely to be event based - such as a trip to the zoo, or family gathering. With a 12 hour session. it entails the whole shebang - playtime, adventures, the more quiet moments and ones filled with joy! For 12 hour sessions I am happy to take about 30 minutes to capture a more traditional set of images for the family.  

10. What if I just want a set of family pictures? 
The Jaunt session might be the best option for you! You are welcome to choose a location of your choice. We will spend about 15 minutes at the beginning to gather a family picture, followed be an activity time to capture authentic relationships and expressions (blowing bubbles, playing in the fall leaves, park play, etc) and finally end with about 15 minutes of individual images. I will likely ask permission to take each child aside from the family (but still in view of the parents) to allow them to relax and be themselves.

Do you have more questions? Feel free to email me - info (at) 3arrowsphotography(dot) com … we'll grab a cup of coffee and answer any questions you have - my treat!