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Why Documentary Family Photography Matters – Especially with Older Kids

Writer's picture: Kimberly PascaleKimberly Pascale
Mother hugging son

As our kids grow, the way we capture family moments changes. When they’re little, we take endless photos of their “firsts”—first steps, first day of school, and every little milestone in between. But as they grow into preteens and teenagers, those everyday photos often start to dwindle. Life gets busier, routines shift, and before we know it, those quiet, in-between moments start slipping by unnoticed.


It’s those everyday moments—the ones that seem so ordinary now—that we’ll long for in the years to come. The quiet chaos of breakfast, the sound of their laughter from another room, even the eye rolls during a family joke—they’ll become the memories that tug at our hearts later. That’s why finding new ways to preserve them feels so important.


That’s why I love documentary family photography. It’s a way to hold onto those fleeting, unposed moments before they’re gone. Unlike traditional portraits, documentary sessions focus on capturing real, unplanned moments, preserving life exactly as it unfolds. It’s about the laughter over breakfast, the chats in the car, the shared glances during family game night, or the quiet times when everyone’s doing their own thing. These small moments capture the heart of your family’s life—moments that will mean so much more in the years to come.


For families with older kids, documentary photography is an opportunity to capture this unique stage of life. This is when their personalities shine—when they’re discovering hobbies, forming opinions, and carving out their own space in the world. Whether it’s a sibling bond, a quiet focus on something they love, or a moment of laughter, these are the chapters you’ll want to remember.


Siblings laughing


Documentary sessions offer a way to freeze time in a way that feels genuine and honest. You don’t need to dress up or rearrange your schedule—your family’s routines and real-life moments are what make these sessions so special. Whether it’s cheering each other on at a weekend game, making dinner together, or simply hanging out, we’ll capture those authentic connections that make your family yours.


This is exactly why I’m launching my 2025 Family Model Call. It’s a chance to create a timeless collection of your family’s story—without any session fees. All family types are welcome because every family deserves to celebrate the beauty of their everyday moments.

If you’re interested in preserving these unfiltered moments with your preteens and teens, consider applying for my 2025 Family Model Call. It’s a beautiful opportunity to document this time in a way that allows you to look back and remember exactly how life felt right now.



Let’s capture these fleeting years together—the moments that will one day feel like a precious time capsule of your family’s journey.



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Kimberly Pascale specializes in documentary family photography. Kimberly Pascale Photography primarily serves
Sonoma County, Marin County, and Napa County families.


© 2025 Kimberly Pascale Photography

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