Lifestyle Photography - What is it?
Have you come across the term “lifestyle photography” in your search for a family photographer? Were you left wondering what the heck that means? If you are on any of the social media platforms, chances are you have seen this style of photography even if you are not quite familiar with the term.
In my opinion, lifestyle photography falls somewhere in-between traditional portrait photography and documentary photography. Portrait photography is posed and controlled by the photographer whereas documentary photography is a fly on the wall approach in order to tell a story through a series of candid images. There is no direction from the photographer.
The Beech Family - Lifestyle Family Photography
Lifestyle photography is like a hybrid of the two. It focuses on documenting candid moments and emotion but, also includes a bit of direction from the photographer. There isn’t a one size fits all definition for Lifestyle Photography and each photographer will have a different idea as to how much intervention should occur during a lifestyle session. I personally believe you can have those candid images and look cute AF too! During my lifestyle sessions I will do the following:
Help choose activities or locations that best suit the individual/couple/family.
Encourage those candid moments by asking questions & giving things to say or do.
Provide advice on what to wear.
Consider lighting and move as necessary.
Offer gentle direction on body positioning if required.
Adjust clothing as needed.
Go with the flow and adjust my involvement based on the needs of each client.
The Beech Family - Lifestyle Family Photography
The trick with lifestyle photography is to know when to step in and when to just let things be. When I shoot a lifestyle session my number one goal is to capture real emotion and connection. I find this is best achieved by gently directing to help encourage those moments to happen and to ensure that they occur within the time frame of the session.
Want to know if a lifestyle session is right for you? Shoot me a message and we can chat!