Dec 23, 20242 min read

Documentary style family session in downtown Omaha

There's only one thing that Johnson and Morgan love more than coffee, and it's spending time together as a family. These three spend a lot of time outdoors and going to local places to get fun treats and beverages. Lila loves adventure and exploring new places since she has learned to walk, and nothing could stop her from getting on her feet in the coffee shop.

I had the pleasure of being a shadow and following them around on their family day in downtown Omaha. We made our first stop at Café Postale, to get some seasonal drinks, before we headed downtown to the RiverFront to check out the Christmas tree and holiday set up by the Skate Ribbon.

We know the midwest can get so cold this time of year and it makes it difficult to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, but we had such a mild day! Holiday lights and a beautifully decorated christmas tree on the riverfront might give Rockefeller Center a run for its money! Okay, it’s not real but it is absolutely extravagant. And what a joy it is to have it in the center of our city to make us forget our frozen barren land! Jokes aside, who doesn’t love a good holiday set up?

The goal of the session was to be very documentary style. There wasn't a ton of directing, only when needed. We were able to capture their family as they are, which is the best form of them! Documentary style photography is more than just a buzzword. Being able to photograph real life is so rejuvenating, especially looking back on the photos in years to come. Capturing photos that reflect the exact moment and time that you have lived are so valuable for years to come. I always say that these feel like photos you can show your kids when they grow up—that one time we went and had a family day.

This style of photography helps relieve so much pressure on you as a client. You get to incorporate things and activities you love, exist as you are, and get timeless lifestyle inspired images that you can pass down for generations to come. Johnson, Morgan, and Lila are perfect examples of what a family session should feel like.

Here are some highlights of their gallery, shot on digital and film simulation.