The Growing Project
A Unique Opportunity to Capture Life with Older Kids
I’m looking for 10 families with preteens and teenagers (ages 10+) to participate in a special photography model call. This is a chance to document the authentic, everyday moments that define your family—whether it’s going out to your favorite frozen yogurt spot, cooking together, or playing a lively board game at home. These sessions are all about celebrating your family as it is right now.
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As kids grow older, we often stop taking as many family photos, even though this stage of life is just as important. These years are filled with personality, connection, and growth—moments that reflect who your family truly is. Capturing the real and unscripted interactions during this phase will allow you to hold onto the memories of what life feels like right now.
What Is Documentary Family Photography?
Documentary family photography captures the honest, unscripted beauty of your family’s life as it happens. There’s no need to dress up, pose, or rearrange your schedule—be yourselves. From small daily routines to the big moments of connection, I’ll document your family’s story in a way that feels true to who you are.
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This stage of life with older kids is especially important to capture. It’s a time when their personalities shine, their independence grows, and your family dynamics evolve in meaningful ways. These years go by quickly, and before you know it, they’ll be heading off to college and then starting families of their own.
The Details
​Who Can Apply
This model call is for families with at least one child aged ten or older. All family types are welcome, including traditional families, single-parent households, LGBTQ+ families, blended families, and multigenerational families. Younger siblings are also welcome! To allow new families to participate, this model call is open to those who haven’t participated in a previous model call or have been gifted a free session in the past.
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What to Expect
During your session, I’ll arrive at your home or the agreed-upon location and capture the real, unscripted moments of your family’s life. There’s no need to pose, smile, or wear matching or coordinated outfits. I won’t be directing you on where to go, stand, or what to do. We’ll simply let the time flow naturally. These sessions are relaxed and all about your family being yourselves.​
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I may also capture a few behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos or videos to showcase the heart of documentary photography. These will be subtle and unobtrusive, with my phone discreetly placed on a shelf or counter. My focus will always remain on documenting your family’s authentic story in the most natural way possible.
Session Fee & Deposit
All session fees are waived for participants in this model call, making it a unique opportunity to experience a documentary session at no cost. However, a $100 deposit is required to secure your spot and confirm your commitment. This deposit will be fully refunded to you after the session, or if you prefer, it can be applied as a credit toward additional images, prints, or products beyond what’s included. This way, you have the flexibility to enhance your session with more cherished keepsakes while ensuring your place on the calendar.​
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Session Dates & Times
All sessions will take place on select weekends in March, April, and May 2025. The start and end times will depend on the type of session you choose. A Day in the Life session begins when your family wakes up and continues through bedtime, while Slice of Life and Half Day sessions are scheduled to fit naturally into your day. Each session is designed to flow seamlessly with your day, capturing your family’s life exactly as it happens.
Session Options
When you apply, you’ll select the session length that feels right for your family, with the option to choose a second preference in case your first choice is already booked. With only 10 spots available, sessions will fill quickly! This model call includes 6 Slice of Life sessions, 2 Half-Day sessions, and 2 Full-Day sessions—so don’t wait to secure your spot!
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Slice of Life (3 hours)
Capture a meaningful part of your day—such as morning routines, family meals, or an afternoon activity.
Includes:
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15 fully edited, high-resolution images
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A beautiful slideshow set to music highlighting the best moments
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Two 5x7 prints of your favorite images
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Option to purchase additional images, prints, albums, or wall art.
Half Day in the Life (6 hours)
Document a larger portion of your day, like a busy morning into lunchtime or an afternoon into the evening.
Includes:
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30 fully edited, high-resolution images
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A slideshow set to music capturing the essence of your day
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Three 5x7 prints and one 8x10 print of your favorite images
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Option to purchase additional images, prints, albums, or wall art
Note: This option is only available for families of four or larger
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Full Day in the Life (10–12 hours)
Tell the complete story of your day, from morning wake-ups to bedtime and everything in between.
Includes:
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60 fully edited, high-resolution images
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A beautiful slideshow set to music showcasing the best parts of your day
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Four 5x7 prints and two 8x10 prints of your favorite images
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Option to purchase additional images, prints, albums, or wall art
Note: This option is only available for families of five or larger
How It Works
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process to make everything as easy and enjoyable as possible. From applying to receiving your final images, every step is designed to ensure a smooth experience while focusing on capturing your family’s authentic story.
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Fill Out the Application: Share your family’s story, select your session preferences, and submit by February 11, 2025.
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Selection Notification: Families will be notified by February 17, 2025, if chosen to participate.*
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Secure Your Session: If selected, you’ll pay a $100 refundable deposit, sign a model release, and schedule a pre-session consultation to plan your session.
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Enjoy Your Session: Sessions will occur on select weekends from March through May 2025.
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Receive Your Images: Within 4–8 weeks (depending on the length of your session), you’ll receive your final gallery and slideshow and the option to purchase additional images, prints, or products through your online gallery.​
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Share Your Thoughts: After receiving your images, you’ll have the opportunity to share feedback about your experience. Your thoughts and insights mean the world to me and help me continue to grow as a photographer. If you’re comfortable, I’d also appreciate it if you could share a quote or testimonial—it’s a wonderful way to inspire other families to see the value in documenting their own stories.
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*If your family isn’t selected, don’t worry—something special will still be sent as a thank you for applying and sharing your story.
FAQ
​What is the $100 deposit for?
The deposit holds your session date and confirms your commitment to the model call. After the session, you can choose to have it refunded or apply it as credit toward additional images, prints, or products—giving you the flexibility to enjoy the session at no cost or invest in keepsakes.
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What should we expect during the session?
These sessions are completely documentary, with no posing or direction. I’ll capture your family as you naturally go about your day, whether you’re at home, running errands, or enjoying an activity. Just be yourselves and expect a relaxed, enjoyable experience filled with genuine moments.
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What happens if our weekends are too busy?
That’s okay! Bring me along to document your busy day, whether it’s errands, practices, or family outings. I want to capture life as it happens, and those bustling moments are just as meaningful as quiet times at home. Your family’s unique routines and connections shine through, no matter how busy the day may be.
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What if we need to cancel or reschedule?
Please notify me at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule. You may reschedule once, subject to availability. Additional cancellations may result in forfeiting your deposit, but I’ll do my best to accommodate if life happens. Open communication is key, and I’ll work with you to find a solution whenever possible.​
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What happens after our session?
Within 4–8 weeks, you’ll receive your gallery and slideshow. After viewing your images, you can choose to have your deposit refunded or apply it toward prints, albums, or other products.
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You’ll also receive a separate email to share feedback about your experience. Your thoughts mean the world to me and may inspire other families to document their own stories.
Apply Now
✨ Ready to tell your family’s story? Apply today to be part of this unique opportunity to preserve the everyday moments that make your family special.
📅 Applications close February 11, 2025, with selected families notified by February 17, 2025.
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