So you want unposed, lifestyle images.
You want memories in motion.
But you don’t know how to prepare for a documentary style session? That’s what I’m here for!
As a St. Louis photographer, this style is my passion as an artist. Capturing your life, as it feels.
If you’ve ever worried about feeling stiff or awkward in front of a camera, you’re not alone. Most of my couples come to me wanting photos that feel natural and organic, not posed. They want to see their connection captured just as it happened. Memories in motion. That’s exactly what lifestyle photography is about.
So, here’s how to prepare for documentary style session in a way that feels easy, calm, and true to you.
Focus on Presence Over Performance
The best thing you can bring to your session is your attention to each other. When you stop worrying about what you look like and focus on being present, that’s when the magic happens. Whether it’s a laugh that bursts out mid-spin or a quiet touch as you walk together, these are the moments that turn produce images that feel like memories. My job is to gently guide you so you never feel lost or overly posed, while leaving plenty of space for those honest in-between moments.
For Dru and CarRon approached me for their couples session, they knew they wanted to really feel these photos. We picked their location, Lafayette Park in St. Louis Missouri, because it gave us a really calm and organic background. And we knew the emotional moments between them would be front in center. They wanted “memory pics”, the kind they would look back over with their grandkids some day. And we designed their session around that.
As you prepare for documentary style session, it’s important to think through your unique story & preferences.
Like Dru & CarRon did, choose a location that means something to you. Maybe it’s where you take walks together or where you had your first date. Wear something you can move in, something that feels like you. Skip the need to over-script the session or practice poses. Come ready to explore, touch, laugh, and be yourselves. The less you think about performing, the more your photos will reflect your real connection. I promise I have spent many hours refining my skill of using posing, lighting, prompts and my gear to capture the organic moments you want to remember.
Trust plays a big part in that. When you feel comfortable with me and confident in the process, that comfort shows in every frame. My approach is calm, supportive, and observant, focused on capturing how the moment actually feels. Not forcing it to look a certain way. If you want more guided prompts & perfected poses, you might not be looking for the lifestyle experience in front of the camera. But when you can let go and trust the process (and me as your photographer!) – magic happens!
If you’re dreaming of photos that tell your story just as it unfolds, start by letting go of perfection. Come as you are. That’s how you’ll truly prepare for documentary style session that feels like your memories. It’s not complicated. No lengthy to-do list. It’s as simple as… show up… enjoy each other… let the moments unfold.
That’s what Dru and CarRon did for this session, and here’s what she had to say afterwards: “Camille… 🥹🥹🥹 this is so perfect. Thank you soo much! When you say “memory” pics you truly encapsulated that! It’s all giggles and smiles in every picture which is exactly how the day went. Thank you!!! I cannot stop looking through themmmmmm lollll”
