Real Life, Real Laughs: What Documentary Photography Looks Like With Older Kids
When most people think of family photography, they imagine newborns in soft swaddles or toddlers chasing bubbles in golden-hour light. But what about the older kids—the ones who’ve lost their baby teeth, developed strong opinions, and suddenly tower over you overnight?
As a documentary family photographer, I love working with older children. Why? Because this age is full of personality, complexity, and raw, unfiltered moments that are just as worthy of remembering.
Here’s what documentary photography with older kids really looks like—and why you shouldn’t stop booking family sessions just because your children have grown out of the toddler phase.
They’re More Self-Aware—But That’s a Gift
Yes, older kids are more aware of the camera. They may roll their eyes or give me the classic “Are we done yet?” look. And I welcome it.
Instead of posing or performing, I give them space. I chat, ask questions, play a little, or simply wait. Because behind that awkward smile or sarcastic comment is the real magic:
A quiet glance between siblings
A proud moment as they show me a drawing, trick, or book
A real laugh at something Dad said under his breath
Those are the shots that tell the truth about this season of life.
They Lead the Story
Unlike babies or toddlers, older children can shape the session themselves. They might:
Invite me to play football with them
Insist on jumping on the trampoline
Ask if they can bake, draw, or ride their bike while I’m there
And that’s the beauty of documentary photography—it’s responsive, not orchestrated. The best moments often happen when they’re not trying to be photographed at all.
It’s Not About Big Smiles—It’s About Big Personality
Documentary photography with older kids is about honouring who they’re becoming. It’s not about creating Pinterest-perfect images—it’s about capturing their unique energy, quirks, and evolving connection with you.
Whether your child is funny, sensitive, shy, loud, imaginative, or all of the above, there’s space for that in the frame.
You’ll Miss This Age Too
It’s easy to think that the photo-worthy years end when the baby teeth fall out. But these middle years—where they’re still kids but growing up fast—are fleeting.
Years from now, you’ll want to remember:
How they flopped on the sofa in that same way every day
How their hair always fell over one eye
How their laugh filled the whole kitchen during pancake mornings
These everyday details are the story of your family just as much as the newborn days were.
The Takeaway
Don’t stop booking family photos just because your children are “older.” Let’s document the mischief, the independence, the goofiness, and the deepening bonds. Because when the real moments are gone, it’s not the perfect smiles you’ll miss—it’s the real ones.
The photos below are from a session in Herne Hill, South London, with a family with two boys who were a bit hesitant at first, but ended up having the best time!
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Irma Arrowsmith is a documentary-style family and newborn photographer covering Sussex, Surrey, and London.
If you’re ready to capture your children—at any age—as they truly are, get in touch today.