02/16/2026
How do I document my family without drawing attention to me or the camera or distracting from the moment?
I don’t. As a father and husband, my goal is to be present, engaged, and actively participating in the moment. So in actuality, the photos of my family are not 100% camera unaware.
To authentically document the moment, my presence (with camera in-hand) needs to be acknowledged in this process. It is no secret to my kids that “daddy has his camera and is taking pictures of me”. I’d rather have them think that, then think I’m a fly on the wall documenting - someone who isn’t involved in their life or the moment.
I involve my family in the process by explaining to them why I take photos, the important of preserving memories, and always giving them the option to tell me they don’t want to be photographed.
This opens up the possibilities for shared experiences and bonding. I can remain engaged in conversation and shared excitement, my kids can provide direction on what they want to be documented or how they want to appear in front of the camera, and the entire act becomes a memory itself beyond just the photographs. My kids love looking at old photos and telling me what happened in them or asking me more about them if they don’t remember.
My camera facilitates the connection between me and my family rather than acts as a barrier that separates me as a watchful, inactive, bystander.
I’m the husband, dad, uncle, cousin with the camera and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
