Honorable Mention: Nothing Is Better Than Real Life
by Jenna Hellberg, United States.

Jenna Christina Hellberg

Award-winning photography by Jenna Christina Hellberg

A documentary newborn and family photographer based in San Francisco Bay Area, but born in Finland. I live in San Jose with my outdoorsy husband Marcus and Australian shepherd Nova.
I’m an introvert. Being Finnish means navigating some culture shock now and then, as I’m more quiet compared to the average Californian.

This has taught me to pay attention to the things that aren’t being said, to wait, and to capture the moments you didn’t know to cherish yet. I look past the surface, while respecting just how special life is.

It is in real family life that I see moments and connections worth photographing.

The Documentary Family Awards is an international competition in search of the insightful and meaningful ways that documentary photographers explore the interpretation of family.