Charlotte Documentary Family Photographer

Let Your Kids Be Kids

Family photography that remembers life as it truly is.

My approach to family photography is the same style I shoot my weddings.

I photograph your family in real moments, laughter, quiet gestures, everyday routines, with a quietly observant approach. Documentary photography focuses on candid, un-staged moments to tell your unique story over posed portraits. The result: honest, emotion-rich images that actually have meaning.

Book A Session
Book A Session

Family Photography That Feels Natural, Joyful, and Timeless

The days you're living right now may feel ordinary.

The Saturday mornings, the bedtime routines, the laughter in the backyard, the way your children reach for your hand without thinking—these moments often pass unnoticed until they've become memories.

Family photography is an opportunity to preserve this season of life before it quietly changes.

As a Charlotte family photographer, I create photographs that feel genuine and relaxed. While I don’t mind spending a few minutes getting a few more traditional group shots, my focus is on capturing the connection that already exists between you. The smiles that weren't asked for. The hugs that happen naturally. The little moments your family will cherish years from now.

A award winning family photography by Brandon Pickett of a young boy looking up to the sky in amazement

This is for you if…

  • You don’t like being in front of a camera

  • Your kids don’t sit still (and you’re okay with that)

  • You care more about real moments than perfect poses

  • You want photos that feel like memories, not setups

  • You’d rather enjoy the experience than manage it

A young boy with a patterned sweater standing outdoors near a body of water, smiling and open-mouthed, being held by an adult with a watch on their wrist. The background features trees and rocky shoreline.
A young boy with a patterned sweater standing outdoors near a body of water, smiling and open-mouthed, being held by an adult with a watch on their wrist. The background features trees and rocky shoreline.

What a Documentary Family Session Feels Like

No stiff posing. No pressure. No performance.

During your session, there’s nothing you need to “do right.” You can talk, play, walk, sit, or simply be together. I’ll quietly document what unfolds — allowing your family’s real dynamic to shine through.

This usually works best at your home. This is where you share most of your memories. It’s also where young kids feel most comfortable, we can also do a park, or other location if you prefer. Check out our page about the philosophy of documentary family photography and why it matters.

My clients will typically plan a few activities to do with their kids before the shoot. Making cookies in the kitchen, play time, reading them their favorite book. Some clients don’t plan anything at all and just let things happen.

Family Photographer Serving Charlotte & Surrounding Areas

I photograph families throughout Charlotte, NC in their homes and nearby areas including:

  • South Charlotte

  • Uptown Charlotte

  • Dilworth

  • Plaza Midwood

  • Myers Park

  • Matthews

  • Huntersville

  • Fort Mill

If you have a location in mind, I’m happy to help decide what will photograph best based on light, space, and how your family naturally interacts.

A father holding his young son in an outdoor setting with trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves during a family photo shoot in charlotte
boy laughing on the couch during family photos in charlotte
A young woman with curly black hair and light brown skin, lying on a bed, smiling and laughing, wearing a red sweater, with a white blanket partially covering her legs.
A young girl lying on her back on a carpeted floor, looking up with a curious expression. She is next to a piece of furniture, possibly a couch, and there are two adults standing nearby, one with their hand on the couch.
A man carrying a young boy on his shoulders outdoors in a park with trees, sunlight, and a bright sky in the background, captured in black and white.

The Standard Session

$400

A session in your home or other important location. These sessions typically last an hour or 2.

Includes:

  1. 50+ high resolution images.

  2. A private online gallery with print store.

  3. Each photo is individually edited by Brandon.

  4. Personal use & print rights.

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Day in the life session

$2,000

I will follow along for a full day(up to 8 hours) and document your daily schedule. A morning breakfast routine, a fun travel day. I’ll tell the story as an observer. Great for those who want the full experience of getting high quality prints/photo books.

Includes:

  1. 200-300 high resolution images taken throughout the day.

  2. A private online gallery with print store.

  3. Each photo is individually edited by Brandon.

  4. Personal use & print rights.

  5. A beautifully designed photo book with all the images from the day.

Book A Session
Close-up of a young girl with blue eyes, blonde hair, wearing a pink bow headband and white and pink clothing, outdoors with two blurred adults holding hands in the background.

Family Sessions From The Journal

Black and white photo of a young girl with short hair, wearing a dress with lace and puffed sleeves, sitting under a bench with her arms crossed during family photography session in Charlotte, NC.

Loui’s 3rd Birthday Family Session

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A family of three sitting on a park bench in a wooded area, with leafless trees and dry leaves on the ground, during late autumn or winter at Lake Wylie for a family photo session.

Fall Family Session On Lake Norman

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A person with short dark hair wearing a brown jacket, walking on a wooded trail with two children, one in a striped hoodie and jeans, in a forest with sunlight filtering through autumn leaves at Jetton Park.

Fall Family Photos & Hike

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A young girl with long brown hair and a striped green and white shirt is sitting at a white table. On the table, there is a Barbie doll in a wheelchair, a pink handbag, and various small toys and accessories. A mirror reflects her face, and behind her is a beige wall, a window with white blinds, and a guitar hanging on the wall.

Christmas Day Family Photography In Charlotte

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Young girl with blue eyes and light skin in a pink headband holding a red Christmas decoration outdoors during daytime at a home family photo shoot in Charlotte.

Home Family Photo Session During The Holidays

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A young child wearing sunglasses and a polka dot dress holds a garden hose, spraying water which creates a mist in the air, while an older man with a beard and short hair sits on a brick ledge beside her. They are outdoors in front of a house with shingle siding, plants, and large pots with flowers.

Summer Family Photos At Home

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A Full Year In Photos

Four family sessions spread out across an entire year. Typically every 3 months you will get a standard family session.

Great for those with a newborn or young children. At the end of the year, you will have a beautiful photographic record to make a photo book.

A Year In Photographs

$1,200

4 standard family sessions throughout a 12 month period. Typically spring, summer, fall and winter.

4 sessions equivalent to $300, saving you a total of $400.

Book A Year In Photos