What is LifeStyle photography?
Lifestyle photography captures real family moments, like playing and laughing naturally. It's like a visual story of what makes each family special. Unlike formal studio pictures, it's all about showing personal and loving moments in a family's life. The best kind of lifestyle photography is a mix of candid and planned moments. It's about capturing everyday life in a visually appealing way.
What's a lifestyle session like?
Lifestyle is more about capturing a moment. It's about photographing emotions and connection.
1. Direct, but just a little bit.
Sometimes I may provide a prompt and leave it open to interpretation, allowing the family to make it their own. Other times, I may set a family up into a pose but then instruct them to engage in something sweet or silly to encourage interaction. Alternatively, I might introduce games to get everyone having fun together during the session.
2. Movement
Movement plays a big part in lifestyle photography. A lot of times, the prompts I use incorporate a lot of movement because it looks beautiful on camera and provides something a bit different. Another benefit to keeping my subjects moving is that it gives them something to do and helps them to feel more comfortable.
3. Every session is unique, embrace what you are given.
Everyone is different because we have different personalities. Maybe there’s spilled juice on the kitchen counter. Maybe one kid won’t stop running around in the park. Maybe one parent can barely muster any energy before the morning coffee kicks in. Embrace the mess, because those moments are what make it real. Your session shouldn’t look like it belongs in a perfectly manicured, staged open house.
"I don't ever crave extraordinary moments anymore, just small, gentle hums of beauty streaming from below, above, and beyond simply from paying attention. Sound. Light. Shadow. Art. Warmth. The night. The morning, dreams that are not far away but exist right here already in my days, hands, and heart."
--Victoria Erickson