north idaho Documentary Family Photojournalism
Some families arrive at a photo shoot with a rigid checklist of poses.
This family opted for a bucket of rocks and a well-rested kiddo instead. I’ll take the latter.
This sweet family understood the assignment: keep things relaxed, authentic, and playful.
Their toddler happily dug in the sand while Mom and Dad enjoyed watching her with the grandparents, aunt, and uncle. With a handful of simple ideas of things they like to do together on deck, like walking the property in hunt of wild flowers and tossing rocks into the lake, was enough to tell an honest story of their summers in North Idaho. There was no pressure to smile on command, no stiff outfits, and absolutely no rushing from one forced pose to another.
It was stress-free and easy for both toddler and husband, two key players I always aim to keep at peace!
As a family photographer, this is exactly the kind of rhythm I’m encouraging in my photojournalism sessions.
A Century of History on Lake Pend Oreille
This particular session was made all the more special because of the history of the homestead. This family enjoys gorgeous lakefront views from their property in Sagle, Idaho, situated just across the Long Bridge from Sandpoint. This little slice of North Idaho heaven has been in their family for more than a century. In fact, the oldest cabin still sports a vibrant "1909" year stamp painted in yellow across the front.
When I do family photojournalism, it’s not just photographing people; I also aim to photographing layers of history and story.
Every corner of this property held a memory for this family. I watched a little girl read a bedtime story on a patchwork denim blanket made entirely from her mother’s, and sibling's, childhood jeans. Their trusty dog curled up along their side wasn't asked to sit there, it's simply where he sits for story time.
The entire extended family gathers here every single summer; a beautiful landscape for a family reunion where aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and grandparents fill up the little cabins that have been built over the decades.
It made for the picture perfect backdrop for a family photojournalism session and I’m so grateful they chose me as their artist.
Why Family Reunion Photography Needs More Than just A Big Group Portrait
When families travel from all over the country to gather in Sandpoint or Coeur d'Alene, scheduling a photographer should be high on the priority list.
But, people should know they don’t have to line twenty people up shoulder to shoulder in matching shirts, telling everyone to look at the lens, and hoping the kids cooperate long enough to get "the one" to have documented their time together.
There is absolutely a place for that. In fact, we took a couple quick breaks during this session to get more intentional, posed portraits of everyone (and yes, some even with everyone looking at the camera!) But, grandparents can get a photo with their grandchild without standing next to each other and smiling too. Instead, I wait for the story of their relationships to unfold. So yes, I capture the group shots. Those pictures matter, and they deserve a spot on the mantle,
but they aren’t the only photographs worth making.
When mama scoops her baby into her arms and walks her out into the water, it's those unscripted, quiet slices of life are the ones that actually explain what a place feels like. What a chapter in life feels like. It's more important than smiling at the camera, time and time again.
What Exactly is Family Photojournalism for a Family Reunion?
If you’ve mostly experienced traditional portraiture, you might wonder how this really works. Family photojournalism, often called documentary style family photography,is simply the practice of telling your family's real story instead of massively directing it.
It’s about doing what you actually like to do as a family, in places you really like to be. It’s the opposite of a checklist of Pinterest poses.
I arrive curious. I tag along quietly, observing, anticipating, and documenting your time together as it naturally unfolds.
Childhood and family legacy aren't made of perfectly orchestrated moments. They’re made of the relationships, emotions, & the details. Sometimes it’s the chaotic, beautiful things in between: sandy toes, a favorite shovel, or the way a husband wraps his arms around his wife. The aim is always to give you something real to look back on, not just a memory of a stressed out family and frantically coordinating outfits.
The iPhone Photography Paradox
People often ask, "Can't I just take these kinds of candid shots on my phone?" Well, yes, and you should. Your phone is amazing.
When asked what the best camera is, my forever answer is: “The best camera is the one you have with you.”
But there are a few reasons to hire a professional at least once in a while instead.
First of all, when I’m photographing your family, your whole family can be in the frame. Mom doesn’t need to have her phone out to capture the moments as they unfold. And further more, my collection of professional mirrorless camera equipment can produce a far higher quality end product than any phone I’ve had to date.
But mostly, it’s the lifetime of experience I’ve dedicated to this craft. I’m a lifelong visual artist and I've worked as a professional photographer for most of my life. The hunt for the little visual stories is something I’ve practiced and become professional at doing so, but beyond that, it's something I absolutely love to do.
You Don't Have to Choose Between Real Moments and "The Christmas Card"
Choosing a documentary style for your family photography in North Idaho doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the classic family portrait.
I’m always happy to do both. We can capture gorgeous, intentional portraits right in the middle of a more relaxed session.
I insist that magic happens when the posed portraits are woven in naturally, once everyone is already relaxed and having fun. And that the most impactful photos, the ones that win me awards, are never planned. They simply can’t be. We build an evening full of genuine memories, step aside for a few minutes to capture the clean portraits Grandma wants to frame, and then go right back to enjoying the sunset.
Family getting together in North Idaho? Or you live here like me?
The traditions, the generations, the smiles of people who won't always be here: they deserve to be documented with honesty.
Whether your family has a century-old cabin on Lake Pend Oreille, is renting a beautiful summer home on Schweitzer mountain, or is gathering at a resort in Coeur d'Alene, I would love to document your legacy. And if you live in town? Well, I do too. Invite me over.
Whether you want a private "Day in the Life" Family Photojournalism session or a complete Family Reunion Story Session for your extended crew in Sandpoint, Sagle, or beyond, reach out to inquire about availability. Let's skip the forced smiles and preserve what is beautifully, uniquely, and authentically you and yours.
