Who is documentary photography for?


The obvious answer is- everyone! But it’s not. There is an absolute calling and reason to want and enjoy posed, studio, and lifestyle photos. And if that is what you are looking for, I’m happy to recommend people in the area. For those who hear “posed, studio, and lifestyle,” and start panic sweating about having to clean, find outfits, bribe children, pray for the right weather, right attitudes, right nap times…documentary is for you. So, who are you? Here are some of the people who will live their best lives with documentary photography.


Whitney Popp photographer, mom with cat looking at son in house.

Moms


This is an obvious one. A majority of the time moms are the ones booking, prepping, and getting the family ready. It’s exhausting. I was that mom. I knew there had to be another way. One of my daughters would scream and cry any time we took photos. I didn’t get to see her fun and spunky personality. And I didn’t get to see mine either. 


When we are wrapped up in motherhood it’s hard to remember about being present. Our invisible internet browser has 20 tabs open and one is playing music we can’t turn off. Documentary photography shuts down the computer. And it opens up a book for you to be an important character within. Documentary photography doesn’t mean you don’t get to have matching outfits and a clean house. If that’s what you want, of course, do it! But if you want to bake cookies, get messy, and run around the yard, we can do that too. There are no expectations in documentary photography. Just space for you to be in your own story. 


A family relaxes together with their golden retriever dog on a white bed with framed photos on the wall. Whitney Popp photographer

High Risk Pregnancy


You’ve been put on bedrest. But you want photos of what the world looks like before a new member enters. You can’t really clean the house. You have a toddler who is all about play dough and is now wiping her hands off on the walls. 


I come to you. You can read, rest, sit in your favorite chair with a cup of tea, and I’ll get the photos. Beauty is in so much more than the flowing gown behind you. It’s showing these images to your child 10 years from now to see a world that was waiting for her. 

Child plays in a turquoise-themed bedroom decorated with stuffed animals and toys. Whitney Popp photographer

Children with Special Needs


I have worked within the special education community for over a decade. I served as a special education volunteer in Jordan with the Peace Corps for two years. I have an incredible daughter with childhood apraxia of speech, dyspraxia of the body, and severe anxiety. I know she is most comfortable and free when she is in a safe environment. Those environments are the ones she knows- a certain playground, grocery store, home. Documentary photography goes where you go, and where your family feels supported.


Some children have health concerns that make it difficult to go places and be exposed or far from health services. Documentary photography takes that stress away. Before we ever take a photo I will have met with you and discussed everything needed. I’m happy to wear masks, and whatever health safety steps needed. 

Mom in military uniform at public pool giving son a thumbs up. Whitney Popp photographer.

Military Families


It takes one to know one, right? We have moved 4 times in the past decade. Each of our children were born in a different state. Military kids are resilient, adaptable, and know how to make friends quickly. But they’re still kids. And they won’t always remember their favorite park from when they were a toddler. Or how you would balance them on your shoulders through the misters at the zoo. 


Sometimes our kids will hold onto the goodbyes and negatives of moving, it’s human nature. Through documentary photography we can remind them that there are also beautiful parts of this lifestyle. Even if you don’t have children, your story will change just as quickly in the military world. Grab your loved one and make pasta in the too small kitchen on base housing while I capture the memory. You deserve to be in the photo, not behind your phone or trying to grab a selfie. 

A tender moment between half sister and brother sharing a sweet embrace in a dimly lit room with mom seated in background. Whitney Popp

Blended Families


As the stepmom to an incredible bonus daughter, I get how this goes. When you are finally all together you want the photos. We do it every year as well. However, your bonus children may feel super uncomfortable being posed and told to smile. These strong kids have learned to operate in multiple worlds. Rules shifting, locations moving, new siblings, and so many small things can make them deeply uncomfortable to then act like “one big happy family.”


Instead of the pressure of a 20 minute session or even a longer studio one, why not let them play? Maybe your teenage son reads his younger siblings books. Or your stepdaughter loves to help you cook. Giving them outlets without pressure and still getting professional heirloom photos is a wonderful opportunity.

Shadows cast on orange wall while people stand on stage during golden hour sunset lighting. Whitney Popp photographer
A boy jumps near a mural with light rays shining down. Whitney Popp photographer.

In the End...


Documentary photography encapsulates your legacy. It takes your family, this time in history, and holds it gently. It hands you the gift of time and memories. There is magic and love in documentary photography you won’t find anywhere else. Investing in love can never go wrong.