Documentary Family Photography, Stockholm & Swedish Lapland by Lisa Björk
When I was little, I used to flick through my family’s photo albums with wonderment. I would startle at my mum with her 70s pants and her long golden hair.
I loved looking at my dad, super cool in his big moustache, dancing on his wedding night with my now long-gone grandmother. It was through photos that I got to know my family and our history. And today, my own children do exactly the same - “I’m so little in this one! Look mum, you have white hair!”. They love to see themselves and everyone they know, making history.
For me, great family photography is about documenting you and your family just as you are: unique, full of life, with beautiful and interesting personalities. Laughter, tears, and everything in between. I want you to have pictures that remind you of how life looked right now. Because there’s nothing better than real life.
Thank you for a great day, and wow what beautiful photographs! We will recommend you to everybody we meet, not just because of the nice pictures but because you are such a nice person, and so skilled at blending in!
Authentic Family Photos
A typical family photo session consists of you and your family being yourselves, and me being kind of a fly on the wall. I’ll simply hang out with you - no posing, no telling you what to do or how to dress. The goal is to create amazing pictures of your everyday life. Well, how do you do that? By giving yourself and the kids time. Kids will smile when they’re at ease and comfortable. And I promise that they will be!
I believe that printed images are the best way to save memories. All of my family photoshoots include a printed album - so that the kids can pull out the albums whenever they want and proudly show your guests! The album is a time machine that will last for generations - let’s have it live in the house and be a part of the family routine, not on a password protected phone with a cracked screen.
Family Photography FAQs
What is documentary family photography?
It’s an authentic and relaxed way of photographing your family. It means I’m there for a longer time than during a traditional photoshoot, but It will result in natural and mind-blowing photos of you and your kids doing everyday stuff. I will observe and photograph but I’m not a fly on the wall. I will interact and play, but not stop the kids when they paint on the wall, I will photograph that.
How does it work?
We have a little chat, I will answer all your questions, you book me, I arrive at your house the night before (depending on where you live and hours to shoot). Even if I don’t tell you what to do I will recommend that you actually plan a couple of activities for the whole family to do during the day. These are things that are easy and you do on a regular basis, like play in the park, bake a cake, visit your grandma, go swimming etc. This is so we get everybody in the photos, not only the kids, but also the parents and so we have “natural” things to interact about.
What if my kids are grumpy/don’t want their photos to be taken?
Kids are unpredictable - I know because I have two of my own! Usually it takes about 30-45 min for the kids (and parents) to get comfortable, and that is totally normal.
Do you do portraits?
Of course! No grandmother and grandfather’s wall is complete without a picture of their kids and grandkids. I always aim to take at least one great portrait of each one of you.
When do we get to see the pictures?
All the pictures are edited by me and available in your digital gallery about 2 — 6 weeks after the shot. During high season (May — Sept) the delivery time could be a little longer.
Do you do albums?
I definitely do, always! I believe that printed images are the best way to save memories. I always include a high-quality printed album that everybody can flicker through. Whenever they want. Without having to use a password. View Albums
Can you help us with printing?
Yes, your online gallery has a printing service with some great high quality options!
Where do you live and do you travel?
I live in a small village by the arctic circle in Swedish Lapland. I travel across the country and sometimes even abroad.
How do we book you?
By getting in touch with me! We agree to a contract noting the important details, and you pay a 50% booking fee up front. Easy as that!
Family Photography Pricing
A Day In Your Life
Epic photos from of a full day or just a slice of your life? Get in touch and we can talk about what part of the day you would like to get memories from. The price begins at 12,000 SEK including:
- 3 hours of coverage
- Minimum of 100 profesionally edited images
- Beautiful slideshow with tailored music
- Linen/Velvet hardcover photo album, 20 pages, 20x20 cm
- All high resolution images ready for print
- All low resolution images ready for social media
- Access to privat online gallery and print shop for 1 year
- Additional hours available up to full day!