Fuck Golden Hour

For 15 years, I've been photographing men who hate it, women who spend the entire session threatening to neck their kids, and following other top family photographers by suggesting beige attire.

Using the word 'natural' to sell my work felt fraudulent because no matter how 'chill' these images look, one—to two-hour sessions require specific direction. Either side of that perfect shot is a whole lotta instigation.

We're unapologetically ourselves at home. So, why are we dragging families to public spaces in billowing dresses with GHD curls, forcing them to be close and pressuring kids to behave like high-security inmates?

I didn't charge my camera for three years.

Then, one day, I discovered the award-winning documentary family photographer Kirsten Lewis. And all my creative dreams came true.

I had zero knowledge of this genre, but it was the missing link in my creative work, bringing depth and meaning to my images. We all wanted it, including the client, but could not portray, articulate or translate that feeling to a still image.

My photos were aesthetically pleasing (according to Instagram), but the joy was short-lived. As soon as social media likes die off, you're left with these portraits that represent a random moment in time.

But they fail dismally at capturing who you are, your family dynamic, and what's really happening in your world at the time. Documentary photography can bring a whole decade back, like an old song or the smell of childhood.

I do not manipulate light, play or communication.

And it's stunningly hectic.

For decades now, social media has created painful and unrealistic expectations. It has caused us to lose focus and groundedness, shattered honesty to pieces, and warped our perception of life compared to others. It's had us searching for photographers who can help paint a pre-empted picture of who we think the world wants to see.

Through documentary family photography, we reconnect, remember, and reflect. Returning to who we have always been and being proud to share that visual story.

In a world that demands perfect photos, pretty aesthetics and appropriate order, these images are a genuine, honest and authentic 'fuck you.'