documentary photography
/ dok-yuh-men-tuh-ree, tree / fuh-tog-ruh-fee /
"used to chronicle events or environments both significant and relevant to history and historical events as well as everyday life."
“Documentary Photography.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Nov. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Documentary_photography.
I'm not sure about you, but my life isn't always primped and color-coordinated; all smiles and nothing out of place. [Sarcasm.] I do empathize with the desire to display images that distinguish times of composure, but with documentary photography I am able to show there is so much more to life than smiling.
Above is one of my favorite photos of my daughter. I grabbed it while we were debating. She is actively strong. A force, really. Notice her physical wall of arms, giving security and protection as she intentionally pushes her own boundaries. Her face gives a stern display, while her eyes look empowered but afraid. That's my girl.
Next is my son, intently studying his older playmates, while he deeply contemplates in an introverted stare. Everyone said that I needed to brace myself for raising a boy. This methodical, thorough, sensitive, philanthropically sweet young man has taught me how to slow down and pay attention even more than I already do. They had no idea.
with documentary photography I can represent genuine stories.