Things to do on a Family Documentary shoot.
Since the documentary approach to family photography relies so much on real-life storytelling, capturing completely natural moments, I always suggest ahead of time to have some activities planned as these provide a natural context for you as a family to interact with one another. Whether it's playing a game, cooking together, or going for a walk, activities can help you relax and engage with each other, leading to genuine moments of togetherness and connection…
So, no need to feel awkward or hang around wondering what to do, here’s a list of ideas to draw from, feel free to suggest your own and plan a day to remember!
Get the crafts out (bubble paint, play doh, paints, chalk… the messier the better!).
Fly a kite in the park.
A day at the seaside (yes I can meet you there - as long as I can join you for Fish and Chips afterwards!).
Frisbee, football, volleyball, tennis, any kind of ball game at the local park or beach.
Water fights, water guns, water balloons, hose pipe fun!
Face paint, finger paint, paint paint everywhere....
Dressing up (yes, let the kids dress up, this can make for brilliant photographs and so much fun!)
Garden games; hula hoop, skipping, hop-skip-jump, tug of war, trampoline.
Roller skating, skateboarding, scooting, biking around a track.
Storytime, reading a bedtime story (lovely for younger children).
Family picnic at the park.
Feeding the ducks.
Walking by a lake or river.
Visiting cities, art galleries, museums, the zoo, funfair (I can meet you there and make a day of it).
Baking cakes, making pizza, icing cookies, family food traditions.
Food fight!
Sports practices e.g. gymnastics, football, tennis, kickboxing….
Pumpkin picking, bramble or other fruit picking,
Trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving.
Building a snowman, ice skating, snowball fights, sledging.
Buying a Christmas tree, Putting up Christmas decorations, gingerbread house making.
Fishing, crabbing, rock climbing.
Nerf gun fights.
Play fighting, pillow fights, balloons (always fun!).
Local festivals or carnivals.
Family mealtimes.
Walking in the woods
Board games (always raises the emotions!)
Playing musical instruments (I draw a line at the recorder!).
Dancing in the kitchen (you know you want to)!
Incorporating these activities into your family photoshoot play a huge part in celebrating the laughter, the tears and the shared experiences that truly make your family story worth telling through an honest lens.
Do get in touch to book a fun packed session and let me know which activities you’re interested in taking part in!