Why documentary family photography

#100DAYPROJECT Day 64 #documentaryfamily #dpfcommunity #seattlephotographer #Seattefamily #pnwchild

I believe our photos, our videos should tell us something about the people we are, the time we lived, and how we loved. I arrived at this documentary family approach after experimenting with more traditional and formal types of photography.

I just didn't recognize myself in highly edited fields of sunflowers or photos of my son in baskets, though I tried. For photos of my newborns, I wanted to hold them my arms, feel the warmth against my chest, and breath in that sweet newborn smells. As they grew, I wanted to document how they did things, the way they asked, and wait patiently for the authentic smile. I began watching my oldest son with delight as he learned to do things. As he explored and played. And over time I asked him to look at the camera less and less. I want their childhood photos to reflect their personalties, their curiosity and sense of adventure. Over time, this is how the style you see here emerged.

The Bennett Brothers enjoy a little tubing at #Snoqualmie. Daddy gets the tub ready.

Balloons bring the most delight.

Familiar locations, important people

Most of our family photos take place somewhere familiar to us. They take you back to a time and a place. It is a place, a feeling, a ritual. These nostalgic moments of or lives, our private adventures and moments. Many of my family photos were taken in our home, our neighborhood, or a favorite, familiar location. We live nearby wonderful parks, so you'll often the beautiful Pacific Northwest and greater Seattle area pictured.

The photo below is nostalgic for me because it was taken in my grandparents living room. This visit was the only time my grandmother met Eli. The boys will probably not remember the details of this place, but I bet Andy remembers the pure joy of jumping on that trampoline.

Pretty much every child in our family jumped on that little trampoline. Andy jumped to his heart's content as his grandpa and great grandparents looked on. This was their living room. It was this wonderful, wood-paneled time machine.

After my grandmother died, my dad brought my Grandfather to Seattle. He became to sick to attend our son's birthday party, so we took all the babies to him. He loves babies and snuggled and rocked each of us. He and my grandmother were married for nearly 70 years. After losing her, it's like the babies knew he needed a really good snuggle.

Shy participants

When I make a photo of my kids, my purpose is to document who they are, not what they look like. Their photos are curious, energetic, playful and sometimes mischievous. We've done the stressed, un-fun preparation for something more formal before, and it didn't bring out the best in us. The children (and / or my husband) are not much interested in standing in poses for an hour to take photos. They don't follow directions and they don't hold still. Getting all three children in the frame? Well, that's basically a miracle. That's why I delight in fun outings that where we plan a little family activity or adventure. Whether going to the zoo, out for ice cream, or play time at the beach, everyone has more fun, and feels more like themselves.

A fun, family outing to the low tide was great for splashing, exploring and observing local sea-life in their natural habitat.

This outing was to explore a local beach during low tide. Rain boots are a must when heading to the beach. It's fun to watch them splash and play. It's not fun and frankly impossible to try to keep mine out of the water. On outings to the beach or an annual trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival I know that puddles are everywhere and I prepare for them to run a little wild.

Routine Outings

I want them to look back and recognize the routine places we went. We have fun together and I love showing them how to navigate how to order or pay.

Decisions are tough when deciding on treats at our local Starbucks.

This place. Bakery Nuveau in West Seattle. The baked goods are increadible. The croissants are to die for. And it is always packed. And one of my sister's favorite places to get breakfast pastries. That is the true joy of a sweet little child that know's she's in for a treat. #bakerynuveau

My sister's family sees this street performer often. My niece was enthralled by watching her play guitar. It's so fun to see her love of music emerge at such young age.

Life will take us so many places. My hope is that these photos will trigger a memory, joy and a window into what our days were like. These photos can show them more than what they looked like. Even if they don't remember everything, I hope the look back on this and realize that they are so loved.

If you enjoy seeing my photography work, you can find me on Instagram @juliebennettseattle

Copyright Julie Bennett Creative