There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when photography becomes unposed and reflects real life. The mud-streaked feet, the light falling through old farmhouse windows, the laughter that floats across a backyard trampoline — it all becomes part of the story.

This family documentary session took place during our Unraveled Academy Norfolk Workshop in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. The session was led by Allie Clarke and captured beautifully by Bri of Copper and Coal Photography.

What we love about sessions like this is the way they embrace imperfection: messy hair, pets underfoot, children climbing and splashing. It’s real. It’s honest. And it’s everything documentary photography should be.

Bri’s images showcase the quiet poetry of ordinary moments: feeding the animals, reading by the window, afternoon swims, orchard walks, and trampoline giggles. They’re intimate without being staged, timeless without being forced — and proof that the best images happen when families are simply allowed to be themselves.

Why This Session Inspires Us

Documentary photography isn’t about posing — it’s about presence.
It’s about documenting connection, play, and rhythm of a family’s everyday life in a way that feels honest and true.

What stands out here is the mix of:

Rustic setting: a working homestead, textured wood, animals, apple trees, and wide open space.
Organic styling: comfortable clothing, barefoot kids, natural light.
Unscripted moments: reading stories, splashing water, barefoot outdoor hangs.

This is what draws so many of us to documentary photography: the blend of artistry and authenticity.

About Unraveled Workshops

This session wasn’t just a styled shoot — it was part of an Unraveled Academy in-person workshop, where a circle of artists gathered to learn, create, and connect.

Unraveled events aren’t typical photography workshops. They’re intimate gatherings where groups are kept small, spaces are soulful, and connection comes first. You don’t just leave with new skills — you leave full. Full of creativity, friendships, and meaning that lingers long after the trip is over.

Want to be part of our next gathering? Join our community and stay updated on upcoming events, courses, and creative circles.