What is Lifestyle Photography?
In a world where the term "lifestyle" is used for everything from home decor to workout routines, it's natural to wonder what it means when it comes to photography. In short, lifestyle photography is about telling a story—your story—in a way that feels authentic, candid, and true to life. It’s an art form that focuses on capturing genuine emotions and connections, allowing your unique personality to shine without the stiffness of formal posing.
There are two main applications of this storytelling approach:
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Documentary & Candid: This style is all about capturing moments as they naturally unfold. It's the art of the everyday—the candid laughter, the messy hair, the quiet moments of connection. This approach is perfect for telling the story of your family, your children, or a special tradition, preserving memories exactly as they happen.
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Curated & Editorial: This approach is more intentional and stylized, often with a "magazine" feel. While the goal is still to tell a story, the environment, lighting, and styling are carefully planned to convey a specific mood or brand message. This is often used for commercial purposes like branding, marketing, or personal passion projects.
Is Lifestyle Photography for Me?
If you're looking for an experience that produces beautiful, heartfelt photographs, a lifestyle session is a wonderful choice. It's especially popular for families with young children because it embraces the natural chaos and joyful energy of kids at play, giving you a treasured glimpse into that moment in time.
But you don't need to have children to benefit from this style of photography. A lifestyle session is a fantastic way to document a meaningful part of your life or a personal passion. For example, imagine a session focused on capturing the joy of Grandma making her famous apple pie—a beautiful visual legacy to pass down for generations. If your goal is to preserve who you are, who you love, and what makes your story special, then yes, a resounding yes, lifestyle photography is for you!
5 Tips for Booking a Lifestyle Photographer
Once you decide to book a lifestyle session, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
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Find the Right Fit. A photographer's portfolio is a window into their style and vision. Choose an artist whose work you connect with and who consistently creates images that you love. This is the first and most important step to a great outcome.
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Communicate Your Vision. Before the session, discuss your goals with your photographer. What story do you want to tell? Is the focus on a family tradition, a new milestone, or a personal passion? This open communication allows your photographer to prepare and plan accordingly.
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Keep it Simple and Focused. A successful lifestyle session is about being present, not working off a checklist. Narrow down a few key highlights you want to capture and keep the session focused on one location and one central activity.
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Get Everyone on Board. If others will be in the session, get them involved in the planning process. Discuss the timing, location, and expectations with everyone to ensure they are ready for the adventure and feel vested in the experience.
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Trust the Process. You hired a professional to document your life. On the day of the shoot, sit back, relax, and let your photographer tell your story. Don't worry about forcing smiles or perfect poses. Embrace the unexpected moments, as there is often great beauty and magic in the unplanned.
