Candid Family Portraits at home in Dorset

The last 2 years have been a stark reminder of what’s really important to most of us. For me it’s been a bit of a wake up call to give less attention to, and waste less time on, the things that really don’t matter as much as I thought they did.

And to give a bit more (a lot more) time and attention to the things that, I’m realizing, I take too much for granted.

The most gratifying thing I was able to do during the periods between lockdowns was to make these pictures for my partner and her family (of which I’ve slowly become a part over the last few years).

In those snatched weeks in between, when she was able to see her children and grandchildren, for the first time in what seemed like ages, I got to make these.

Documentary Family Photography in Dorset - Portraits Between Lockdowns

These pictures are about her and her family. I asked her how she felt about suddenly not being able to see her family during the lockdowns.

So below is a transcript of that conversation in two parts, with a slideshow sandwiched in between (click on the little ‘+’ icons to read more).

Better that she tell you than me.

‘See, I forget..’

"I remember more about what they say, rather than what they've done. "

Documentary sessions provide a glimpse into what life is like for someone else - capturing their story while they live it. It's not about staging or directing how things happen, but instead just being there to capture moments that can't be manufactured.

To find out more about my family photo sessions and how they work, have a look at my Family Photography FAQ’s page. Check out my Family Portfolio page to see the kinds of pictures I make during these sessions.

If you’d like me to photograph your family, book your own session, or just find out a bit more, then get in touch - I’d love to hear from you.