Day in the life documentary Family photography experience
Document your family's
everyday MOMENTS
Document your family's
everyday MOMENTS
packages
The little moments are the big moments.
From pancake breakfasts to bedtime stories, your days are filled with fleeting details you’ll want to hold onto – messy hair snuggles, belly laughs, even the chaos that makes your family uniquely yours. Day-in-the-Life sessions let me step into your world for a few hours (or a full day) to quietly document it all, creating a time capsule of love, connection, and the beauty in your everyday rhythm.
One day, you’ll look back and realize these were the days you never wanted to forget – let’s make sure you have the photos to prove it.
PRICING AND PACKAGES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME | all pricing subject to hst
hALF DAY collection $1150
Includes:
- Up to 3.5-hour documentary coverage
- Your entire fully edited gallery delivered in colour and black & white
- 30-minute virtual planning session
- Comprehensive Family Prep Guide
- Complimentary 8×12 Framed Print of your choice ($185 value)
- Complimentary Rush delivery (1 week turnaround)
- 1-hour Print Ordering Consultation
- 20% off all printed items
NOTE: Immediate Family Members Only
fULL DAY collection $1995
Includes:
- Up to 8-hour documentary coverage
- Your entire fully edited gallery delivered in colour and black & white
- 30-minute virtual planning session
- Comprehensive Family Prep Guide
- Complimentary 8×8 Keepsake Album ($395 value)
- Complimentary Rush delivery (1 week turnaround)
- 1-hour Print Ordering Consultation
- 20% off all printed items
NOTE: Immediate Family Members Only
portfolio
the day in the life gallery
the process
How it works
Book your session
Contact me to choose your date, package, and finalize the details with a contract and retainer payment.
Virtual Planning
Schedule a 30-minute virtual session to align on your vision for the shoot.
sHOOT DAY
The moment we’ve been waiting for!
Enjoy our session at your chosen location, capturing beautiful moments together.
receive photos
Enjoy exclusive priority editing and receive your complete, fully polished gallery within just seven days – because some moments are too special to wait for.
PRINT ORDERING
A personal walkthrough (in person or virtual) to help you choose the perfect prints and products so your memories live beautifully in your home.
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa is a rockstar! We are beyond grateful for all of her talent and expertise in capturing photos of our baby boy and family.
From the onset she put us at ease with her pre-planning guides and taking the time to answer questions. As new parents she immediately put us at ease and we had so much fun with her. It was such a special time to spend together and Melissa created a wonderful and fun environment for all of us. We loved the sneak peek gallery! It was such a nice touch and when we saw the full gallery we were blown away at how well she captured our special moments. We can’t recommend Melissa Shearer Photography enough! Thank you again Melissa for being there to capture our special moments and life milestones.”
- Tanya J.
testimonials from our happy families
"We can't wait to make our session with Melissa a yearly tradition.
I found Melissa on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her photographs and photography style. We chose a flower field mini to get family photos of ourself and young daughter. Before the session I met with Melissa for a styling session to discuss our family’s outfits for the day. Not only did she give me great tips and explain everything about our mini, but she made me feel like I was visiting with a friend. On the day of our session, she made us feel very comfortable and had us laughing the entire time. After the session we were counting down the days until we got to see our photographs. When we got the photographs back, we were thrilled with how they turned out. She perfectly captured our family.
- Amanda
testimonials from our happy families
"My 5 year old daughter talks about her as if she's a family friend."
When you work with Melissa, you arent just getting photos, you are getting amazing memories! We’ve worked with her three times now, and my 5 year old daughter talks about her as if she’s a family friend. We have so much fun getting our family pictures taken with Melissa, and we can’t wait to work with her again in the years to come!
- Natalie S.
FAQ
Frequently asked Questions
How does this differ from your regular family sessions?
Regular sessions are shorter, lightly guided, styled, and often take place at a set location. In short, they’re a bit more romanticized versions of your real life.
Day-in-the-Life sessions are immersive, unfolding naturally in your home or favourite spaces. We can go on adventures together – doing the things you love to do as a family, or just stay at home and capture your everyday. They focus on real routines, interactions, and details you’ll want to remember years from now. If your kid wants to wear his favourite Bluey shirt, no problem – if the house is a disaster, thats okay. It’s all about authentically documenting your family exactly as you are here, today.
Do we need to plan activities or outfits?
Not at all! The beauty of these sessions is in the ordinary. Whether you’re baking, playing, or simply hanging out, I’ll document it as it happens. Comfortable clothing that feels like you is perfect – no need to overthink it.
Where do Day-in-the-Life sessions take place?
Usually in your home and neighbourhood, but we can also include favourite spots like your local park, the ice cream shop, or anywhere your family loves to spend time together.
What if my house is messy or my kids don’t behave?
Perfect! Real life is rarely spotless or “Pinterest-ready.” I’m not here to judge – I’m here to capture your family as you are. Think of me as a fly on the wall. It’s okay if there are meltdowns and mess. Some of the most meaningful images come from the chaos. As a mom, myself, I know that real life isn’t what is always portrayed in regular family photoshoots – that’s why I have the Day-In-the Life offer – for those who want to flip through a family photo album 25years from now and remember how it really was – imperfectly perfect.
Why DO I NEED TO DO A VIRTUAL PLANNING CALL?
The planning call is all about making your experience as effortless as possible. It gives us a chance to connect before the session, talk through your family’s routines, and make sure I know what moments matter most to you. We’ll cover things like timing, light in your home, and any special details you’d love captured.
It also takes the pressure off the day itself – because once we’ve talked everything through, you can simply relax and enjoy your family while I take care of the rest.
Will you pose us at all?
Not really. My approach is documentary, so I don’t direct your every move. I may step in occasionally if the light or composition calls for it, but mostly I’m a quiet observer capturing your natural flow.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! To make things easier, I offer flexible payment plans. A 25% retainer is required at the time of booking to secure your date, and the remaining balance can be split into manageable installments leading up to your session. As with all packages, the final payment is due one week prior to your session.