Documentary sessions are all about you. You are in control of the session, which might feel scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Actually, it can feel freeing, too. No pushing kids to do things they don’t want to. It’s okay to let it be what it will be.

But, if you like to have a plan, below are some questions you can ponder to figure out what would be most meaningful for your family. And I’m happy to help you make a game plan.

If you’re more of a go-with-the-flow, that’s perfect, too.

I ask similar questions in my questionnaire to learn what is important to your family. During the session, this guides me if I have to decide where to focus my attention if multiple things happen simultaneously.

What do you want to remember at this time during your life?

This doesn’t have to be an activity, but it could help you decide what to do during your session (I’m here to help). For example, do you want to remember your backyard before a move or a park you always take your kids to?

Do you want to remember your kids playing in the sprinkler? Do you want to remember the concentration on your kid’s face while he paints? Her missing front teeth? Family hikes?

If you want lots of laughs, plan something to bring those out. If you want the snuggles, let’s plan an activity or time of day when that generally happens.

What are your favorite things to do together?

This could be a list. For example:

-Taking out the boat

-Picnics at the park

-Snowball fights

-Playing yard games

-Sitting around in the yard

-Foraging

-Reading

-Paddleboarding

-Crafting

-Gardening

-Bathtime

-Geocaching

What does a typical day off look like for your family?

This might not all be stuff you want to do during your session, but it could lend ideas to things you enjoy doing together. But it might be the same stuff as before.

Is your family likely to leave home on a Saturday and head for the water? Do you stay home and bake or relax for the day?

All that to say, it can be anything or nothing.

You don’t have to have a plan. Some people feel more comfortable having one because they know they have certain things they want to capture at this time during their life.

Remember, these plans are flexible.

Just because you planned to go to the park doesn’t mean we have to go if your kids are having a tough day. You can have an idea of what you want, but know it can be anything. And I won’t be upset, disappointed, or judge you if things go differently.

Your photo or film session is about you and your family. I want to make honest artifacts for your family to cherish and remember this season in your life.