Why More Families in Johnstown Are Choosing Documentary Style Photography

When you reminisce with your family, no one ever says, “Hey, remember that time we all posed perfectly for that portrait photographer?”

I love portrait photography, and there are so many creative ways to show someone’s personality through it. But capturing personality, emotion and everyday life through documentary photography is my passion. Allowing my subjects to show me who they truly are and finding the right way to preserve that moment fills me with joy.

The way I think of it is this: portrait photography helps answer a question about its subject, while documentary photography makes you ask a question about the story it’s telling.

Documentary-style photography focuses on genuine interactions. Moments are prioritized over posing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a traditional portrait or two—my docu-style “Slice of Life” sessions include them if that’s what the family wants. The difference is that the story comes first.

Many families are moving away from traditional photography for a variety of reasons. In a world that often feels manufactured, we’re holding on to the moments that are real.

Portraits of any kind are stressful for everyone involved. Mom is making sure everyone is smiling. A child becomes distracted and starts to fidget. A teenager rolls their eyes with every reminder to show their teeth. Dad worries about what to do with his hands. Even with a great photographer working hard to put everyone at ease, the pressure of creating a perfect image can sometimes overshadow the joy of simply being together.

In reality, little moments in between the poses become the biggest memories.

Siblings laughing. A child holding a grandparent’s hand. A mother hugging her teenager. The family dog jumping into the frame.

Those small, unscripted moments are the ones that make up our family stories.

The rich history of Johnstown creates the perfect backdrop for documentary-style sessions. We have endless opportunities for storytelling: a ride up the Inclined Plane, ice cream at Shaffer’s, or mini golf at The Ranger. Bike rides to Staple Bend, campfires at the Que, or a movie night at the Silver Drive-In all become meaningful settings for family memories.

Family farms, neighborhood parks, and backyard barbecues are equally beautiful locations. Most importantly, our own homes often provide the most comfortable and meaningful place to tell our family’s story.

At Inclined Shutter, these sessions are designed to feel natural. My Slice of Life docu-style sessions last about two hours and can revolve around a special event, such as an anniversary or birthday, or simply a short glimpse into your daily life. That could mean making dinner together, baking cookies, planting a garden, or even doing everyday chores. These short sessions produce a mix between documentary and lifestyle portraits.

My Family Archive documentary sessions last around 4-5 hours or more and are generally designed to capture your real everyday life as a family. They can still be scheduled around special days such as a weekly Sunday brunch or picnic but will also include the less organized and chaotic parts the day. The real stuff. The messy stuff. The stuff we don’t realize how important it is to remember because truth be told it’s often what we’ll miss the most.

We’ll plan the details before the session begins. After introductions, I’ll gradually fade into the background and give your family time to settle in and forget about the camera. Before long, children usually stop noticing the shutter and simply enjoy being with the people they love.

After all, kids of every age want the same thing, whether they show it or not—time and attention from Mom and Dad.

In my mini docu-style Slice of Life sessions, and only if requested prior, I may offer a little direction:

“Mom, help roll out the cookie dough.”

“Dad, reach over and sneak a taste of the icing.”

These aren’t poses. They’re invitations to interact.

My full documentary style “Family Archive” sessions are completely unprompted and I will make no attempt to change or edit any part of your real life. I will simply capture your family in a perspective that tells your unique and beautiful story.

Real is beautiful because it is imperfect.

These photographs quickly become part of your family’s history. The goal is not to create a flawless portrait but to preserve the relationships, emotions, and ordinary moments that make your family unique.

Embrace the stage your family is in, because before you know it, you’ll be on to the next one. The ordinary moments of today will become the extraordinary memories of tomorrow.