For a long time I refused to admit that I was a Family Photographer. I’m a wedding photographer. That’s what I do. Those are the stories I document… maybe I’ll photograph a couple families on the side but let’s not get crazy and call me a family photographer or anything. Maybe I was a wedding snob. Is there such thing as a wedding snob? Yes, in photography land, 100% yes. But I actually love documenting families! I love telling stories and one of my favourite narratives is one of real life at home. So here I am – admitting to myself and the world (or more likely just the Toronto area) that I, Jennifer Jane van Son, am also a Toronto family photographer! Feels good to put that out there!
I had the pleasure of spending some time with this sweet family on a cold January afternoon not long ago. I loved how eager they were to welcome me into their home and hang out on the floor, playing tea party, painting, and having snacks with little miss E. It’s not an easy thing to let a stranger witness your actual life. Kids are totally unpredictable and you never know what will happen on the best of days let alone during a totally unposed documentary photo session. Meltdowns are inevitable, kids act crazy, and sometimes things get messy – but that’s party of the beauty of family photojournalism. This gorgeous family totally embraced all of this and I think we ended up with some pretty adorable images of their day to day at home.
Thank you to the Finlays for being so lovely and welcoming! I loved our time together, especially the puppy slobbers and baby hugs. You have such a gorgeous family. xoxo
Not all documentary images need to be at home! Feel free to check out this adorable pumpkin patch session for more ideas of things you can do as a family while we document your memories: Pumpkin Patch Photo Shoot
Toronto Family Photographer | Cobourg Family Photographer | Documentary Family Photography | Family Photojournalism
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