On a recent summer camping roadtrip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, I asked my kids if I could take a portrait of them each day.

Normally I just try to catch them doing what they are doing, documenting our activities, the like. They’re used to ignoring me and my camera, knowing that it’s just what I do. This request, though, was for a couple of intentional frames. They’re nothing amazing or particularly stunning. I didn’t instruct outfits or hairdos or anything like that. I just wanted to have some purposeful photos of them just as they were in those summer-sun filled vacation days.

I have to say, I am so very glad we did that. Catching their little quirks and giggles, their particularities and moods is something I’m so glad I have recorded.

Do you tend toward a more documentary style of photography or do you go for a bit more of a controlled setting? I’d love to hear where you lean!

All the best,
Alison