Three boys, a pug and an ordinary family day

Three boys, a pug and a whole day of family life. For my first full-day family documentary, I travelled to Halle.

I arrived the evening before to get to know the family. They gave me a warm welcome and we spent some time together. Their mum was a photographer herself, so she was comfortable with my camera from the start.

We started early the next morning. It was still dark outside when I was ready with my camera.

As the day went on, it soon became clear just how different the three boys were.

The eldest was quiet and a little reserved. The middle boy sought attention and knew exactly how to get it. And the youngest was right in the thick of things, with all the joy, frustration and big feelings that come with being a little boy.

Their dad was a little reserved at first. I could tell he needed time to get used to having me there. But as the day went on, he became more open and relaxed. It was lovely to see.

And, of course, there was the pug. Whatever was happening, he was somehow always part of it — just as dogs are part of a family.

What particularly interested me that day was how differently everyone related to each other. Each had their own quirks and their own place in this ordinary family chaos.

I didn’t need to position anyone or ask for a smile. I could simply be there and watch what happened.

And that was exactly what I wanted to photograph.