Let Your Kids Be Kids

Natural Family Photography In Charlotte

Authentic, elegant 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, unstaged moments to tell your unique story over posed portraits. The result: honest, emotion-rich images that feel like memory.

Charlotte Family Photographer

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 every session includes a handful of beautifully composed family portraits, 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.
one year old girl spraying herself with hose by candid family photographer Brandon Pickett
one year old girl spraying herself with hose by candid family photographer Brandon Pickett

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.

I will still spend 10 minutes or so to get a few more traditional portraits with everyone looking at the camera. The rest of the time we will let things happen naturally. In my experience, as the session goes on, your guard starts to drop. This is where the magic happens.

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.

Mini Session

$399

A 2 hour session in your home or other important location. Great for those who want to try out documentary family photography.

Includes:

  1. 40-50 high resolution images.

  2. A private online gallery with print store.

  3. Each photo is individually edited by Brandon.

  4. Personal use & print rights.

Day in the life session

$2,400

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.

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.