A local photographer is on a mission to capture the messy, imperfect, unpredictable moments of our everyday lives and highlight them in a beautiful way through her photography. 

If you’re ready to say goodbye to perfectly-staged photos, say hello to Danielle MacInnes!

Danielle, we love your unique approach to photography. Tell us more!

Of course! I’m a documentary photographer, so my business is deeply rooted in visual storytelling for people from all walks of life—whether it’s family, groups of friends, or entrepreneurs! The bulk of my work centers around my documentary family sessions, which I call “Day in the Life” sessions.

“Day in the Life” sessions are completely unscripted and natural, which means there’s no posing, no direction given by  me, and definitely no matching outfits. Basically, I come hang out with your family for a few hours and document your real life as it unfolds before me—which means I shoot ALL the things—from temper tantrums to snuggling, and everything in between!

It’s a truly remarkable way of holding a mirror up to the extraordinary beauty that can be found in your everyday, ordinary life. 

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I absolutely love the genuine authenticity of it all. Life is hard, and nobody gets through the trenches of parenting unscathed, yet sometimes social media suggests otherwise. While there’s nothing wrong with a traditional family portrait, it only tells us how we look at a particular time in life. My goal is not to make you look good, but to help you remember what your life truly felt like.  
I think by creating a more accurate and honest portrayal of the ever-changing landscape of family life, I’m able to show people that beauty can be found in the ordinary moments of real life despite the chaos. More importantly, I believe chaos is just as worthy of documenting—there is a valuable lesson in acceptance here, and a reason to celebrate how perfectly imperfect we all are. 

What is something you would like people to know if they’re thinking about booking a session?

People can sometimes be hesitant about booking because they’re worried about how they’ll fill the time slot, or they think they’re too boring (You’re not! I’ll show you that;). 

If I’m being completely transparent, 1-2 hours simply isn’t enough time for the truly authentic moments to surface. It takes about an hour for people (usually the grownups) to relax and realize this isn’t anything like what they thought it would be (it’s better).  There’s no pressure to look or act a certain way, which is why kids are probably the number one fans of “Day in the Life” sessions.  
I often get asked if sessions have to take place at home, and while I feel really strongly about documenting you at home for at least some of the session, we don’t have to stay there the whole time. It doesn’t matter what your home looks like or how big/small it is. Think about it—when you look at photos from your own childhood, do you ever think to yourself “Man, I wish my parents cleaned up a little more/had a bigger house?” Or are you squinting your eyes to make out every little detail in the background? A little food for thought…

Who is your ideal client?

I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people, and find myself happiest working with people who recognize the value in my approach and who understand that the current essence of who they are as a family is worth remembering.

I’ve had two different “Day in the Life” sessions for my own family this past year, so I understand the vulnerability that comes along with this experience, and I have so much respect and gratitude for those who take the leap with me. 

Danielle’s sessions book very quickly so be sure to schedule your “Day in the Life” as soon as you can. If you would like to book a session with Danielle for between January and April 2020, all Seacoast Lately readers can enjoy $100 off bookings! 

Hello perfect Christmas gift!!

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