The Authentic Lens of Childhood
The journey of learning photography often collides with the challenge of photographing our children. We eagerly reach for our camera to practice, but our kids grow tired of the lens always being pointed their way. The struggle is real. "Does mum have the camera out again?" is a common sentiment we hear. Yet, there is a way to capture our children's lives without turning them off from the process, and documentary photography offers that perfect blend of authenticity and artistry.
This approach allows us to preserve the small, fleeting moments of childhood that might otherwise be lost in time. It challenges us to see the beauty in the everyday and to create art from what is real and unposed. It also means we don’t have to direct our children or pull them away from their play, which leads to more natural and emotionally resonant images.
Embracing the Documentary Photography Approach
Documentary photography is more than just taking snapshots of daily life. It’s a mindful, artistic approach that encourages capturing moments as they unfold while maintaining awareness of lighting, composition, and storytelling. You aim to catch genuine moments in beautiful light and thoughtful frames without interrupting the subject or manipulating the scene.
This style of photography walks a fine line. You want the rawness of a real moment, but you also want the technical beauty of a well-composed photograph. Sometimes a little planning or subtle direction is needed to balance these elements. Achieving this can seem complex, but with practice and intent, it becomes second nature.
Morvern Shaw, a documentary photographer and graduate of professional photography courses, exemplifies this approach. Living in Scotland with her husband and two daughters, she has developed a strong passion for documenting the everyday moments of her family. Her commitment to creating a photographic legacy for her children has shaped her style into something truly special.
Making the Most of Your DSLR Camera
Many parents purchase a DSLR camera with the dream of capturing high-quality images of their children. However, it’s common to find that using the camera effectively, especially in manual mode, can feel overwhelming. This was the case for Morvern. After the birth of her first child, she invested in her first DSLR and experimented with aperture priority mode. But translating the image in her mind into the photo she captured proved difficult.
It wasn’t until she pursued structured learning that everything clicked into place. Once she completed dedicated photography courses, she felt empowered to document her daughters’ lives with confidence and creativity. Photography became more than a technical skill—it became a source of joy, a creative outlet, and a way to preserve the essence of her children’s upbringing.
With a firm grasp of manual settings, Morvern now captures images that tell stories. Her photography documents more than just milestones; it reflects the spirit of her family’s daily life. Her journey also shows that mastering your DSLR doesn’t just serve your photos—it gives you the confidence to pursue creative visions and turn fleeting moments into lasting memories.
Preserving the Essence of Childhood
Photographing children can be spontaneous and joyful. When approached from a documentary perspective, it becomes a form of storytelling. Morvern describes her photography as a gift to her daughters—a tangible record of their childhood they can revisit in the years to come. Inspired by her own mother’s photo albums, which were a constant part of her upbringing, she aims to recreate that legacy.
For her, it’s not about creating perfect portraits. It’s about capturing how life felt. Whether her children are playing, exploring, or simply being themselves, her goal is to document those honest expressions and interactions. Her daughters won’t just remember what they looked like—they’ll remember the adventures, the connections, the messy moments, and the magic of ordinary days.
This passion drives her to keep photographing consistently, seeking meaning in the everyday. Her approach blends lifestyle and documentary styles, where moments are genuine, but she’s also thoughtful about light, setting, and timing. In doing so, she creates images that are visually compelling and emotionally rich.
Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Images
Documentary photography doesn’t always have to be spontaneous. One of the best ways to produce powerful documentary images is to plan meaningful outings. Morvern often schedules family adventures with the express purpose of capturing them with her camera. This intentionality adds depth to her photos while offering new experiences for her children.
These outings become double-layered experiences—valuable memories in themselves and chances to practice her craft. She seeks out locations that inspire her, imagining how the scenery, colors, and light will play in her images. This approach doesn’t compromise the authenticity of the moment but instead enhances it.
One such outing was inspired by American photographers’ apple-picking sessions. She researched local options and found an orchard that not only had apples but also sunflowers. It was a surprise bonus, as she loves yellow in her photos. This kind of discovery highlights the magic of being curious and open to what the world offers. By simply being intentional about where and when she shoots, Morvern sets the stage for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
Working with Natural Light in Documentary Photography
Lighting is often unpredictable in documentary-style shoots. Since you’re capturing real moments, you can’t always control where your subjects go or when something interesting happens. That’s why understanding how to work with available light is key to this style of photography.
Morvern often waits for soft light or plans her sessions around the golden hour—just before sunset when the sun is low and gentle. This allows her to shoot in conditions where the light is flattering and not overly harsh. Even with planning, however, the weather can surprise you. On one outing, the sun shifted constantly, creating a mix of lighting conditions. Later, a sudden overcast sky brought out a rainbow in her frame, a detail she didn’t notice until reviewing the images. It was an unexpected reward that added a touch of magic to the session.
Being adaptable and prepared to work with changing light conditions is part of the documentary photographer’s toolbox. You might have to wait for the clouds to diffuse the light or use shadows to frame your subject creatively. But when done right, the result is authentic imagery bathed in natural beauty.
Documentary photography is not just about taking pictures—it’s about capturing truth. It invites us to slow down and see the beauty in our children’s ordinary lives. Through patience, planning, and an understanding of technical elements like light and composition, we can create meaningful art that preserves childhood in all its rawness and joy.
Morvern Shaw’s story reminds us that anyone can learn to do this. With dedication and a love for storytelling, you can turn your camera into a powerful tool for memory-making. Whether you’re photographing your child’s quiet moments at home or planning an outdoor family adventure, every image becomes a piece of a larger story—the story of growing up.
The Power of Observation in Documentary Photography
At the heart of documentary photography lies the power of observation. This form of photography asks the photographer to be present, quiet, and fully attentive. Instead of directing the scene, you become an observer—waiting for moments to unfold naturally. When photographing children, this approach is especially effective because children are most themselves when they forget the camera is there.
Observing means noticing the tiny details. It’s the way your child curls their toes in the grass, the way they talk to a favorite toy, the expression on their face when they’re deep in thought. These moments may seem insignificant in the moment, but they hold emotional weight when captured honestly. They are windows into your child’s world.
To cultivate strong observation skills, start by putting your camera down. Watch how the light moves through the room. Listen to the rhythm of the moment. Notice what your child is doing and how they are interacting with the space around them. Then, when the moment feels right, lift your camera and shoot.
Patience and Timing in Real Moments
One of the key skills in documentary photography is patience. Unlike posed portraiture, where the photographer directs every detail, documentary photographers wait for the magic to happen. This means being ready—but not rushing. It also means accepting that you won’t capture everything. Some moments will pass before you can react. But the ones you do catch will be real, powerful, and full of life.
Children move quickly. Their emotions shift from joy to frustration to silliness within seconds. To keep up, you need to anticipate rather than chase. Watch for cues: a glance, a pause, a movement that signals something is about to happen. Patience helps you slow down and stay ready instead of reacting too late.
Sometimes you’ll wait ten minutes for the right moment in the right light, and it will only last a second. But when it comes, it will be worth it. The photo won’t just be technically good—it will be emotionally rich, telling a story without needing words.
Composition Without Interference
A common concern in documentary photography is how to achieve strong compositions without interrupting the natural flow of the scene. The solution lies in learning to move yourself, not your subject. Your job is to find the best angle, the most flattering light, and the most engaging perspective—while the action unfolds organically.
You might crouch low to capture the world from your child’s viewpoint or step back to include more of the environment. You might frame your shot using a doorway, a window, or a piece of furniture to add depth. You might use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye or symmetry to create balance.
These compositional choices take practice. At first, you might find yourself missing shots while adjusting your position. But over time, you’ll learn to read the moment and move quickly, slipping into place without disrupting the scene. Your presence becomes quiet and natural, and your camera becomes an extension of your eye.
Storytelling Through Details
In documentary photography, storytelling doesn’t always come from big actions. Often, it’s the small details that create the most vivid memories. A sticky hand holding a melting ice cream cone. A beloved stuffed animal peeking out of a backpack. A pair of muddy shoes left by the door. These are the pieces of childhood we remember long after the big events have faded.
Including these details in your photos adds depth and richness. It shows the context of your child’s world. Instead of a single isolated portrait, you create a series of images that together tell a fuller story. These photos complement the more traditional portraits, filling in the emotional landscape of a day in the life of your child.
Pay attention to your environment. Is the light falling beautifully on a toy-covered floor? Is your child’s reflection caught in a puddle? Are their hands busy with something creative? These details are gold. They not only make for interesting images, but they evoke emotion because they are specific and personal.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Children are most themselves when they feel safe and relaxed. One of the keys to successful documentary photography is making your child feel like the camera is just part of life—not something that changes how they act. To do this, you must build trust and remove pressure.
Avoid telling your child to smile or pose. Let them play, explore, and express themselves naturally. If they ask what you’re doing, be honest—tell them you’re taking pictures because you love seeing them play. Keep your tone light and let go of expectations. If they resist or get frustrated, put the camera down and try again later. Forcing it defeats the purpose.
In time, your child will become used to your camera. They might even begin to ignore it altogether. That’s when the most genuine moments occur. This comfort comes not just from familiarity, but from your approach. Respect their boundaries, be patient, and prioritize connection over perfection.
Using Everyday Routines as Photo Opportunities
You don’t have to wait for special occasions to take meaningful photos. Everyday routines provide countless opportunities for storytelling. Morning routines, mealtime, bath time, bedtime rituals—all of these moments are rich with connection, emotion, and quiet beauty.
Think about your day. When does your child seem most engaged? When are the quiet moments you’d want to remember? It could be the way they focus while brushing their teeth or the wild energy of getting dressed. The bedtime book, the walk to school, the after-dinner dance—all of it is worth capturing.
Photographing routines not only documents your child’s life—it also reveals patterns and growth over time. Years from now, you’ll look back and see how your family has changed. These images will serve as visual chapters in the story of your home.
Editing with a Light Touch
When it comes to post-processing, documentary photography benefits from a light hand. The goal is to enhance the mood and preserve the authenticity of the moment, not to over-stylize or transform it. Natural tones, gentle contrast, and subtle adjustments work best.
Start by correcting exposure and white balance. Then enhance the image without losing the essence of what made it special. Avoid heavy filters or trendy effects. Let the subject and story speak for themselves.
Consistency in editing also matters. If you’re creating a series or album, use similar tones and contrast levels to give your photos a cohesive look. This creates harmony and strengthens the storytelling across multiple images.
Making Space for Imperfection
Not every photo will be technically perfect. There will be motion blur, missed focus, odd framing. But sometimes these so-called imperfections are what make the image beautiful. A blur of a child running might capture more energy than a sharply focused portrait. A tilted angle might add drama. A grainy image in low light might evoke emotion that perfection could never match.
Embrace the flaws when they serve the story. Let go of the need for every shot to be portfolio-worthy. Documentary photography is about truth, not polish. The imperfections are part of that truth—and often the most human part.
Building a Documentary Project Over Time
One of the most rewarding aspects of documentary photography is the way it builds over time. A single image is powerful, but a collection becomes a narrative. By shooting consistently and intentionally, you create a body of work that tells the evolving story of your child’s life.
You might create monthly albums, print photo books each year, or curate a wall gallery that grows with your family. You might even set a personal project, like a 365-day photo challenge or a weekly photo diary. These frameworks help you stay motivated and give your photography purpose.
As you collect images, you’ll start to see patterns—recurring moments, favorite places, signature expressions. These are the threads that tie your story together. And when you look back, you’ll see not just photos but a visual autobiography of childhood.
Documentary photography is a deeply personal and meaningful way to capture your child’s life. It’s not about staged smiles or perfect conditions. It’s about being present, observing the beauty of ordinary moments, and telling stories through images that feel honest and alive.
By practicing observation, patience, thoughtful composition, and light editing, you can create a powerful visual legacy for your family. The rewards are not just in the photos themselves, but in the process of seeing your child—and your life—with new eyes.
Capturing Emotions and Connection
One of the most powerful aspects of documentary photography is its ability to capture raw emotion and genuine connection. Whether it’s joy, frustration, curiosity, or calm, these emotional states tell the story of childhood in ways words never could. Emotional storytelling happens when the image communicates something felt, not just seen.
Children are wonderfully expressive. Their emotions are written all over their faces and in the way they move. A documentary photographer watches for these moments of intensity and presence. When a toddler laughs uncontrollably, sulks in the corner, or stares in awe at a butterfly, those moments speak to the heart.
Connection is also a vital theme. A parent brushing hair away from a child’s forehead, siblings holding hands, a grandparent reading a bedtime story—these simple acts of love and care become treasures when photographed with intention. These photos tell stories of relationships, not just individuals.
To capture emotions and connection, avoid interrupting the scene. Stay back. Use a longer lens if necessary to give your subject space. Watch and wait for the moment when something real happens. You don’t need to capture everything—just the honest moments that show love, life, and feeling.
Photographing Different Ages
Each stage of childhood brings its rhythm, energy, and personality. Understanding how to approach different ages can help you anticipate moments and work with your subject more effectively.
Babies, for instance, are best captured during their quiet, alert periods. The way they observe their surroundings, explore their own hands, or respond to voices is all worth documenting. Their expressions are subtle, and you’ll need to be close and gentle. Photograph them where they are most relaxed—on a blanket, in a parent’s arms, or during bath time.
Toddlers are full of movement and emotion. They rarely sit still, and they wear their hearts on their sleeves. Expect chaos, spontaneity, and lots of expression. Follow them with your camera. Let them lead, and look for small in-between moments—pauses in their motion, moments of focus, or bursts of joy.
Preschoolers and early primary-age children begin to form ideas about the world and express themselves with language and gestures. They’re often full of curiosity and play. Capture their interactions with toys, nature, and family. Their stories are visible in the way they build, explore, and imagine.
Older children may be more self-aware and sometimes hesitant in front of the camera. To document them authentically, give them space. Let them engage in something they enjoy—reading, drawing, building, or talking with a friend. As they become immersed in the activity, their true selves will shine.
Each age tells a different story. Your role as a photographer is to adapt and respond, always looking for what makes that particular stage unique and beautiful.
Using Layers and Depth in Your Images
In documentary photography, creating images with layers and depth adds richness to the story. It moves your photo from a flat record of a subject to a scene full of context, relationships, and visual interest.
Layers can be physical elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background. For example, a child is in focus in the foreground while their sibling plays in the distance. Or a doorway that frames a parent cooking while a child colors at the kitchen table. These layered compositions invite the viewer to explore the image and discover more with each glance.
Depth can also be emotional or narrative. An image may show a child looking out the window while a toy sits discarded nearby. This creates a visual contrast that invites interpretation. What is the child thinking? Why have they paused? These subtle narratives are the heart of great documentary work.
To create layered images, explore your environment. Move around your subject. Change your angle. Use elements of the space—windows, mirrors, walls, and furniture—to build dimension into your photo. Think about what you want the viewer to notice first, and what they will discover next.
Layers also add a sense of realism and immersion. They reflect how we see the world—not as isolated objects, but as connected spaces full of movement and meaning.
The Role of Light in Visual Storytelling
Light shapes how we feel about a photograph. In documentary work, where you don’t always control the environment, your awareness of natural light becomes a crucial tool for storytelling. The direction, quality, and color of light all influence the mood and tone of your images.
Soft morning light can make a scene feel calm and tender. Harsh midday sun might create drama or intensity. Low evening light can be warm, nostalgic, or even cinematic. Overcast light diffuses evenly, reducing contrast and making skin tones smooth and flattering. Understanding how to read and use these variations gives you control even when you’re not staging a shot.
Indoor light is also important. Window light can be magical when used thoughtfully. Place your subject near a window and observe how the shadows fall. Use the light to highlight expressions or create contrast. Be open to imperfections too—grain, shadows, and even noise can enhance a scene’s authenticity.
Artificial light may introduce challenges, but it can also support storytelling. A bedside lamp during storytime, the glow of a television during a quiet evening, or the flicker of candles at dinner—these are part of your family’s environment and rhythm. Learn to work with them rather than fight them.
A well-lit documentary photo doesn’t always mean bright or evenly exposed. It means the light supports the emotion, enhances the subject, and feels truthful to the scene.
Quiet Moments and Stillness
In the rush of daily life, stillness is often overlooked. Yet quiet moments are where some of the most intimate and honest photographs can be found. A child daydreaming, resting, listening to music, or simply observing the world—these moments are full of presence and soul.
Photographing stillness requires sensitivity. You must become a gentle observer, capturing the energy without disrupting it. Use soft focus, negative space, or a slow shutter to emphasize the feeling of calm. Let the image breathe. Don't overcrowd the frame. Allow the moment to speak with silence.
These images contrast beautifully with the lively, busy moments you’ll also capture. They add depth and balance to your storytelling. Together, they reveal the full emotional range of childhood.
Look for pauses. After play, after a meal, during a car ride, in the bath—these are the in-between times where reflection happens. Don’t skip them. Embrace the quiet as part of your documentary narrative.
Creating Personal Projects to Stay Inspired
Maintaining creative energy in photography can be challenging, especially with the unpredictability of real life. One powerful way to stay motivated is to create personal projects. These provide structure, focus, and a reason to pick up your camera regularly.
A personal project might be as simple as photographing bedtime for one week or documenting breakfast every Sunday. It could be a long-term series—one photo a day, or one themed image per week. You might focus on a particular relationship, like father and child, or a repeating location like the backyard or front porch.
These projects sharpen your eye and help you explore themes more deeply. They also result in cohesive bodies of work that can be printed, shared, or cherished. They give you a chance to practice new skills—composition, light, or editing techniques—consistently.
Personal projects remind you that photography is not just about the result but about the process. It becomes a way to reflect, connect, and express yourself through your camera.
Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Joy
While documentary photography is rewarding, it can also be demanding—especially for parents juggling many responsibilities. It’s easy to feel pressured to document everything or to compare your work with others. Over time, this pressure can lead to burnout.
The key to avoiding burnout is to stay connected to your why. Why did you start photographing your children? What stories matter most to you? Revisit these questions regularly. Let go of the need for every photo to be perfect. Embrace playfulness, experimentation, and even failure.
Take breaks when needed. Put the camera down and enjoy the moment. Your presence matters more than your documentation. And when inspiration returns, you’ll be refreshed and ready to create again.
Share your work with purpose. Print your photos. Create small albums. Write stories to go along with them. Celebrate the moments you’ve captured, not just the ones you missed.
Photography is a gift—to your children, your future self, and to the people who love you. Protect that gift by making it joyful, sustainable, and rooted in gratitude.
Trusting Your Vision
Every photographer sees the world differently. Your home, your children, your routines—they are uniquely yours. Trust your perspective. You don’t need to mimic others or follow trends to create meaningful work. Your story matters. Your view is valid.
The images you create through documentary photography are not just for others to admire. They are for you and your family—to remember, to reflect, to pass on. They are honest, imperfect, and full of life.
As you grow in skill, you’ll also grow in confidence. You’ll see more, feel more, and photograph with greater intention. Trust the process. Let your voice develop. And know that your work has value—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s true.
Documentary photography is about seeing deeply, feeling fully, and telling stories that last. It’s not about technical perfection or social approval. It’s about presence, honesty, and connection.
Through thoughtful observation, patience, creative composition, and emotional openness, you can create a visual history of your child’s life that will be treasured for years. You’ll come to understand that what matters most is not just what you capture, but how you see.
When you pick up your camera, you are not just taking photos—you are creating legacy, memory, and meaning.
The Value of Consistency in Your Work
Consistency plays a powerful role in developing your photographic voice and building a cohesive documentary portfolio. While it may seem like a technical detail, consistency strengthens the emotional impact of your work. It helps you create a visual style that feels intentional, authentic, and uniquely yours.
This doesn’t mean every photo must look identical. Instead, consistency comes from repeating choices that reflect your vision—your preferred lighting, color palette, angles, framing, and storytelling tone. Over time, these decisions form a recognizable pattern, giving your work coherence and identity.
Start by reviewing your favorite images. What do they have in common? Do you prefer warm or cool tones? Do you tend to shoot close or wide? Do you capture quiet moments, energetic play, or a mix of both? Identifying these preferences can help you refine your approach.
Editing style also contributes to consistency. Even if your lighting or subjects vary, editing your images with the same care, tone, and touch can unify them. Choose presets that reflect your voice or develop your process based on your goals and the stories you’re telling.
Consistency doesn’t limit creativity. Rather, it helps your work feel intentional. It deepens the impact of your storytelling and builds trust with those who view and cherish your photos—especially your own family.
Archiving and Printing Your Work
Digital photography makes it easy to take thousands of images—but if those photos live only on a hard drive, they’re at risk of being forgotten or lost. One of the most rewarding parts of documentary photography is archiving your work in meaningful ways. This ensures your stories are preserved and celebrated for years to come.
Printing your images brings them to life. Physical photographs invite touch, reflection, and conversation. You don’t need to print everything. Select a handful of images that represent a season, a mood, or a memory. Create photo books, albums, wall galleries, or even a simple box of prints to keep close at hand.
Organize your files by date, subject, or project. Back them up in multiple locations, including external drives and cloud storage. Label folders clearly and make it a habit to cull and sort your photos regularly.
Printing can be an emotional experience. Seeing your child’s growth laid out in photos reminds you of how quickly time passes—and why documenting it matters. These printed images become part of your home, your story, and eventually, your child’s legacy.
Encouraging Creative Growth
Once you’re comfortable capturing everyday moments, you may want to explore new creative directions. Creative growth doesn’t have to mean changing your style. It can be as simple as challenging yourself to see with new eyes.
Try photographing from unusual angles. Use reflections, silhouettes, or framing to add interest. Experiment with light—shoot during different times of day or work in difficult lighting conditions. Explore storytelling themes, such as routines, emotions, or contrasts.
You can also find inspiration through community. Connect with other documentary photographers, join photo challenges, or participate in group projects. Seeing how others approach the same themes can open new perspectives and fuel your creativity.
Growth comes from curiosity, not pressure. Allow yourself to try new things without fear of failure. Every image, even the ones that don’t work, teaches you something valuable. Photography is a lifelong journey, and every stage offers new ways to learn and evolve.
Involving Family in the Process
Documentary photography is often personal—but that doesn’t mean it has to be a solo endeavor. Involving your family in the process can deepen your connection to the work and help your loved ones feel more engaged with the images you create.
Explain to your children what you’re doing and why. Show them the photos you’ve taken and invite them to share their thoughts. Let them suggest what to photograph or even use the camera themselves. This inclusion can turn photography into a shared activity, rather than something that happens to them.
Celebrate the moments you capture. Print photos and display them around the house. Create a family album together. These rituals reinforce the idea that their everyday lives are meaningful—and that being seen matters.
In time, your children will begin to see your photography not as a disruption, but as a form of love. They’ll recognize that your camera is a tool for remembering and honoring who they are and how they live.
Revisiting Your Archives with New Eyes
As you grow as a photographer, your perspective will change—and revisiting your older work can be surprisingly powerful. What once felt like a missed shot might now seem deeply emotional. What once looked simple may now feel poetic.
Take time to look through your photo archives. You may find hidden gems, forgotten memories, or recurring themes that strengthen your story. Revisiting your work helps you reflect on your progress, your growth, and the passing of time.
Use this reflection to inform your future photos. What do you want to capture more of? What moments do you regret not documenting? Let your past work guide your creative vision forward.
Photography is a living practice. Even old photos can feel new again when seen through the lens of experience.
Documentary Photography as a Legacy
The photos you take today may be ordinary now—but one day, they will be priceless. Documentary photography is not just about today’s memories—it’s about tomorrow’s legacy. When your children grow up, these images will be windows into their past, evidence of your love, and a testament to the life you built together.
Legacy isn’t measured by how technically perfect your photos are. It’s measured by how real they feel, how deeply they resonate, and how they tell your story. Your legacy is built with every shutter click, every moment you choose to preserve.
Even if you never show your work to the world, it will mean the world to your family. These images will be held, cherished, and remembered. They will outlast trends, outlive platforms, and remain long after your children have grown.
Documentary photography is an act of love. A legacy of noticing. A gift to your future self and the people you hold dear.
Conclusion
Documentary photography allows us to capture childhood with honesty, creativity, and heart. It frees us from perfection and invites us to embrace what’s real. Through light, emotion, timing, and thoughtful storytelling, we create images that matter—not just for today, but for all the days to come.
As you pick up your camera and begin documenting your own family, remember this: the ordinary moments are not small. They are the essence of life. The laughter, the mess, the quiet, the chaos—they all belong in the story. Trust your eye, your heart, and your instincts.
In time, your photos will become more than just images. They will become evidence of love, of presence, and of a life fully lived.
Let the moments come. Let them unfold. And be there—not just to capture them, but to feel them.
That’s the beauty of documentary photography. And that’s the gift you give every time you choose to see and preserve the real.