<< back to the podcast overview
163. Capturing Life as It Is: The Art of Documentary Photography with Gøril Sætre
Documentary photography is about capturing life as it truly unfolds—unscripted, unpolished, and beautifully authentic. It’s a storytelling approach that focuses on real emotions, genuine connections, and the raw beauty of everyday moments. Unlike traditional photography styles, it avoids posed perfection, instead embracing the chaos, tenderness, and nuances that make each story unique. For photographers, documentary work is an opportunity to preserve memories that feel honest and timeless, reflecting the heart of the people and relationships they capture.
A Journey to Purpose
Gøril Sætre’s path as a photographer is a testament to the beauty of taking an unconventional route. Starting out as a portrait photographer in Norway, she quickly realized the traditional approach didn’t align with her creative instincts. Life took her across borders, from Norway to the UK and back again, with every step reflecting her growth and evolving perspective. Eventually, this journey led her to embrace documentary photography—a style rooted in authenticity and the raw, unfiltered beauty of real life.
Capturing Life as It Happens
What sets documentary photography apart is its spontaneity. Instead of directing or posing clients, it’s about capturing genuine interactions and emotions as they naturally unfold. For Gøril, this means stepping into a family’s world and documenting their story without interfering. It’s about finding beauty in the everyday—the messy, the chaotic, and the deeply tender moments that make life real.
Discovering Her Why
Losing her father marked a pivotal moment in Gøril’s journey. The absence of photos to remember him by was a profound realization that shaped her career. Documentary photography became her way of preserving connections and love—capturing what words often cannot. It’s a medium that reminds her of the importance of cherishing and documenting the relationships that matter most.
Building Trust with Clients
For documentary sessions to succeed, trust is key. Unlike traditional portraits, clients need to feel comfortable with being observed in their natural environment. Gøril helps families see the beauty in their everyday lives by capturing them as they are—without pretense. This requires patience, connection, and the ability to help clients embrace the unpolished perfection of their world.
The Business of Documentary Photography
Running a successful photography business means attracting the right clients. Gøril believes in showcasing the kind of work you want to book, highlighting the value of real, authentic memories over posed perfection. Pricing should reflect the significance of these unique moments, and marketing should focus on the emotional resonance of documentary photography.
Overcoming Challenges
Balancing passion and professional expectations is one of the challenges Gøril navigates. Staying true to what brings her joy has been essential, as it fuels both her creativity and the quality of her work. Authenticity isn’t just a value in her art—it’s the foundation of her success.
Advice for Aspiring Documentary Photographers
For those interested in documentary photography, Gøril recommends building technical skills and investing time in the process. Spending time with families, capturing their lives naturally, and seeing the world through their lens is the best way to determine if this genre aligns with your passion. Mentorship or courses can also provide valuable guidance.
Showing Your Own Story
Gøril understands the vulnerability of being seen as both a professional and a person. She’s candid about her experience with imposter syndrome and the importance of sharing her own family photos to connect with clients. Even photographers need to step in front of the lens sometimes, embracing their own stories to build trust and authenticity with others.
Staying True to Yourself
The most important lesson Gøril shares is the power of being true to yourself. Following your own instincts and creative joy, rather than mimicking others, allows you to build a business and body of work that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Documentary photography is about more than taking pictures—it’s about honoring life’s beauty, exactly as it is.
By focusing on your “why” and staying connected to your purpose, you can create work that resonates deeply with both you and the people you photograph.
What Gøril wants you to know
Remember to see the value our work as photographers actually holds.
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
hi, I’m ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
related episodes
-
165. Location Scouting Tips for Stunning Elopement Photography with Kelsey of Honeybee Weddings
In elopement photography, the location is so much more than a backdrop—it’s the setting for a couple’s most intimate and memorable day. Finding the…
-
164. Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be a Fit for Everyone (And How to Attract Your Dream Clients)
If you’ve ever customized offers for clients only to have them ghost you or say your prices are too high, you’re not alone. Many…
-
162. What to Do When Bookings Are Low (& You’re Feeling Defeated)
Running a photography business—like any creative venture—comes with natural highs and lows. Slow seasons can feel discouraging, but they’re completely normal, and you’re not…
-
161. How Photographers and Videographers Can Work Seamlessly Together with Renate and Manuel Madsen
Creating a seamless experience for couples on their wedding day requires more than just technical skill—it’s about collaboration, balance, and understanding the unique dynamics…
-
160. A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Sustainable Photography Business
Feeling inspired to turn photography into a career but unsure where to start? Whether you’re just getting started or know someone beginning their journey,…
-
159. Streamlining Your Photography Business with Melissa Rich
Running a successful photography business means more than just capturing stunning images. It’s about balancing creativity with the operational side of things—a challenge many…
