If I were an accountant, my priorities as a parent might look quite different. My dining room might be spotless and clutter-free, with ample space to move around, rather than being filled with art supplies and colorful drawings. Perhaps the fridge would display high-scoring math tests instead of an array of sketches, drawings, and collages plastered on every wall.

But since I am an artist, art has a significant presence in our family life. Our home is adorned with artwork on every wall, and sketchbooks and journals are piled up in every corner. Art spills over into math workbooks and fills the shelves with sculptures crafted from recyclables. While managing finances like an accountant is an important life skill (especially for artists!), I embrace every opportunity for creative expression.

When it comes to field trips to photograph, especially with a documentary photographer, I always seek opportunities to learn from experts in their fields—artists, engineers, writers—anyone passionate about their craft. You don’t always have to look far or for fancy credentials to find them in your community. These experts often share their knowledge in ways that even children can understand, sparking curiosity and wonder.

School age children and old woman stand in front of graffiti wall while another woman crouches down on the ground to take photo — What do you get when 2 photog moms take their artist kids to see art and create art? A LOT of photos!

Recently, we had the chance to take a field trip to photograph graffiti art in NYC, guided by Audrey from Graff Tours. Audrey’s deep knowledge of art history and her engaging approach turned the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn, into an interactive gallery. As a veteran homeschool mom herself, Audrey made learning about the neighborhood's history, its people, and its art both enjoyable and informative.

Elderly woman in black cap, sunglasses, and rainbow mask stands with arms raised in front of colorful wall mural — Audrey explains the characteristics of the Brazilian style graffiti behind her.

During our tour, we explored the evolution of graffiti, from ancient cave drawings to contemporary street art. Audrey explained the differences between tags, throw-ups, fills, and burners, and highlighted the respect and hierarchy within the graffiti community. We learned about the legal implications of graffiti in NYC, which is illegal unless authorized by the property owner, and discovered how graffiti can sometimes evolve into accepted street art.

The appeal of making ones mark on something considered off limits seems almost an innate part of humanity. Graffiti has been around for millennia, from early cave drawings, to etched vandalism protesting authority figures in ancient Egypt and Greece. I remember numerous times as a child drawing on the walls knowing full well I was balking my parents authority. While the modern day graffiti we know of today finds it’s roots from hip hop culture, its message at its core has remained the same. “I am here.”

Today it just comes in forms of pigeon kings and vibrant propagating leaves.

For a documentary photo session, a field trip like this offers a rich opportunity to capture dynamic visuals and explore complex themes. The boundary between art and vandalism, the relationship between artist and public space, and the ongoing debate over what constitutes art are all fascinating subjects for photography. Modern graffiti and street art provide a vivid canvas for exploring these themes in real time.

The girls walk past several burners along Meserole St.

As an artist, I have great respect for graffiti artists who push boundaries and hone their craft with dedication. While I don’t necessarily support defacing property, I appreciate the commitment required to turn illegal graffiti into accepted street art. A documentary photo session in such a setting not only captures compelling visuals but also delves into the broader narrative of artistic expression and societal impact.

Want to see what the girls created from their hands on graffiti workshop? Check out their spray painting skills in part 2 of this graffiti blog post.