WHAT IS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing real-life moments and evoking emotions like joy and nostalgia with every image. It's ordinary life unfolding in real time without any gimmicks or props. You might also hear this called "documentary-style" or "storytelling" photography. Even though I market myself as a portrait photographer (which typically means I'm posing you the whole time), I love getting candid photos during all of my sessions!
IN THE ETERNAL WORDS OF DAMIEN (FROM MEAN GIRLS): DON'T LOOK AT ME
The beauty of lifestyle photography is that no one is looking directly at the camera. If you want to get more candid photos during your session, don't look at me! It's that simple. Even if you're reacting to a prompt or staged in an area, you should be totally focused on each other and ignore the camera. It's not about looking at me and smiling while your kids are being cute. It's about smiling at each other, being affectionate, and letting your kids be kids.
Throughout the session, stay close to each other. Your kids or partner should always be within an arm's reach. If your kids are little, get down on their level or pick them up often. I really want you to be in the pictures with them!
Being affectionate creates movement and moments that I can photograph. If you're not sure what to do, here are some ideas: Hold hands, link arms, rub your child's back, kiss their cheek, brush their hair out of their face, kneel down and whisper something funny in their ear, toss your child in your arms, kiss your partner's forehead, rest your arms on someone's shoulders, wrap your kids in a big bear hug. Or... Plan an activity! We can bake cookies, get ice cream, explore a farmer's market, cook spaghetti, or paint a family portrait.
Travel light. If we're meeting in a public space, don't bring anything bulky (like a giant diaper bag). I can hold onto your essentials. We want to be able to move as freely as possible.
During a lifestyle session, I will not pose you. I may stage you in a specific area or room, but I'm not going to tell you how to stand or where to put your hands. While I may offer prompts or suggestions during your session, you should really come into the session with intention rather than waiting for me to give you direction.
LET YOUR KIDS BE KIDS
The best thing about lifestyle photography is it takes all the pressure off kids to behave. They can be loud, spontaneous, silly, or shy, and no matter what, it just works. If you have a feisty toddler or preschooler, I might nudge you towards this type of session. It will be so much more enjoyable for you and less demanding on them.
A custom 30 or 60 minute session is ideal for capturing lifestyle images, but I can approach any session (even a mini) this way. Even though I specialize in portrait photography, I really do love capturing unexpected moments or emotions. I can do a full lifestyle session or get a mix of both posed and candid photos. At booking, let me know your preferences.
Cheers,
Brooke
p.s. Make sure you share these tips with your partner too!
