What is Lifestyle Family Photography?
Back when I started my career as a photographer nearly 20 years ago, the term "lifestyle family photography" didn't exist. In the world of family photography, there was just one choice: traditional portraiture. For those on a budget, JC Penney provided the quick in-and-out, "say cheese", cross-your-fingers-for-one-good-image option. For those who craved quality, there were a handful of local studios who could provide an upgraded version of the department store experience (and maybe even let you go outside!).
Oh, how times have changed... thank goodness. These days there are more options for family photography than there are for types of LaCroix at the grocery store. And in the last few years, there has been a serious and staying trend towards the more authentic, candid approach termed "Lifestyle Photography."
So, what is Lifestyle Photography?
The style of Lifestyle Photography is a fluid term from photographer to photographer. But at the root of it are two disciplines of photography: Traditional "Classic" Portraiture and Documentary Photography.
Traditional portraiture is probably what you think of as traditional family photography. A traditional portrait photographer usually has a vision of what s/he wants to create, from the outfits and background to the facial expressions and props. A family photographer in this discipline will pose her subjects carefully.
Documentary photography has long been a journalistic effort - more of a fly-on-the-wall, document life as it is, approach. Documentary photographers pride themselves on being hands-off and photographing the world as it is, not how they want it to be. There is no posing in documentary photography.
And somewhere between the two lies Lifestyle Photography.
Lifestyle Photography is both authentic and gently crafted.
Every photographer has their own approach to this style. Some try to stay closer to the documentary feel, posing only when necessary with many candid, hands-off images. Others orchestrate scenarios in which they follow their subjects to create candid-style images that are actually carefully directed.
Lifestyle Family Photographers shoot in a wide variety of locations, from their client's backyards and kitchen tables to beautiful sprawling beaches or wide-open prairies.
Wherever the location or the approach, the root and feel of Lifestyle Photography is always authentic and true. One might say that the style is a love letter to everyday life.
My approach
When I started photographing families, I already had a few years of wedding photojournalism under my belt, and it was natural for me to look for authentic moments and to allow my subjects to unfold before my lens.
Over the years, my style has developed into a mix of real candid moments and posed portraits full of genuine emotion. I adore the energy of the people I photograph and try to capture that feeling in all that I do.
Where am I on the spectrum between documentary photography and traditional portraiture? It usually depends on my subjects. Some families embrace a more candid approach to their family portrait sessions while others rather have a few more traditional portraits.
While I'll always provide a bit of both candid and posed, the documentary end of Lifestyle Photography is where I really feel I provide the most value. As a parent of two kiddos (who are growing way too fast way too quickly!), I fully understand the value of capturing the real, true essence of your family... and especially your children.
Lifestyle Family Photography is a way I can help you bottle up a little bit of now.
Are you interested in booking a Lifestyle Family Photography Session? I'd love to chat with you!
