Fun Fact: You Don’t Need to Be “Interesting” for Documentary Photography

People love the idea of documentary photography (or any photography). They admire the shots online, follow the accounts on Instagram, read the captions and feel completely aligned with everything about it… right up until they look at their own life and think,

“Yeah but… we’re kind of boring.”

We don’t go on big adventures.
We don’t have quirky hobbies.
There’s no chaotic-but-stylised-and-cute energy.
It’s really just the same day on repeat, with the same arguments about shoes and the same half-finished cups of tea around the house.

Friend? SAME.

My days are repetitive. My routine is boring and predictable. Sleep, parent, work, washing, stack the dishwasher.

There’s this quiet pressure to believe that documentary photography is only for “interesting” families. You know the ones. Always doing something. Always laughing. Already living in a way that looks like it would photograph well. Gorgeous houses. Effortlessly chic clothes. Perfect haircuts.

Yes, it’s family photos… but polished.

And if that’s not you, it can feel like you shouldn’t even bother.

I’m biased, of course… but of course you f*cking should.

Documentary photography isn’t looking for perfection. It’s not waiting for something impressive to happen. It doesn’t need activities, plans or a storyline. It doesn’t need to result in “the perfect post.”

It’s only interested in how your life actually is.

The routines.
The repetition.
The nothing-muchness of it all.
The same breakfast every morning.
The same TV show playing in the background.
The moment where everyone drifts into the same room without really meaning to.

You don’t need to be performing.

Your kids don’t need to be playful, smiley, engaged or cooperative. The adults don’t need to be calm, presentable, patient or perfect. No one needs to entertain the camera or try to make things look “normal.”

Documentary photography doesn’t reward good behaviour. It doesn’t need smiles, eye contact or participation to work.

This is usually the point in the conversation where someone asks,

“But what if nothing happens during our shoot?”

Exactly.

What if nothing happens?
What if… you simply exist?

Trust me - from my end behind the lens - there is always something happening.

Ordinary doesn’t mean unworthy of being photographed.

Most families I photograph aren’t doing anything remarkable. The photos they end up loving are of them just being themselves. Tired. Distracted. Connected. Affectionate in the small, simple ways that exist daily.

That’s not a boring session. That IS the session.

And yes - I’m not completely out of touch with how things unfold despite what I’m saying here. Your house, your routine and your energy levels will all come into play. You’ll still be aware there’s a camera there. If you can move through it as you are, without trying to “optimise” the experience… you’ve nailed it.

If you’re someone who wants to pull everyone together and have the photos feel like an event - a lifestyle session is where you’ll thrive. There’s structure, guidance and a happy, smiling result that gives you that “we nailed it” feeling.

But if the idea of not having to be interesting, performative, cheerful or polished sounds like a relief - or if you want to remember your life exactly as it is?

Documentary sessions might be your answer.

Most families walk into a session worried they’re boring… and walk out amazed at how them just being them is exactly the story worth remembering.