The Atogwe Family Session

We all have to start somewhere. This was a big beginning for my journey into documentary family photography. My friends Dea and Maha gave me the gift of being the first family I photographed for a Day in the Life (DITL) session. 

I kind of won the lottery, because they are not only some of my favourite people, but the access they gave me to their intimate family moments gave me the freedom to explore and experiment. 

Since it was my first session of this kind, I had neglected to explain to them what a DITL session really involved. Thinking they were getting a more formal portrait session, they were perfectly coiffed and fashion-ready, which isn’t typical for these shoots. The point is to capture you in your real life. But I love how stylish they all looked, especially their gorgeous kids, Enike and Nolua, who call me Titi Sarah.

Dea generously asked things like what they should do or where they should sit for the best light. That helped us all feel more comfortable. 

What I loved the most about this first documentary day was paying attention to the in between moments. Those shots became the inspiration to keep at this genre of photography. It’s been a rewarding journey that all started here.  

Photographs by Sarah Jane Photography