What is Lifestyle Photography?

I’m actually surprised how rarely I get asked this question! I think it’s a genuinely fantastic question that surely people wonder (and maybe eventually Google).

There are a lot of different types of photography, and different photographers may define them differently. For the sake of simplicity, I’m just going to tell you about a few styles that are seen in the family and newborn photography realm. I’m also going to define them the way I view them.

1) There are heavily posed, portrait photographers. This is a more traditional style. Most photos will feature all members of the family looking (and probably smiling) at the camera, all faces in focus. A lot of these photographers operate out of studios and many use artificial lighting for a perfectly lit subject. When it comes to newborns, they will likely be asleep, naked or dressed in intricate wraps or costumes, posed in a very specific way, laying on a bean bag prop. Like anything, this is a style. Some people prefer it and others do not.

2) There are documentary style photographers. This is more of a fly-on-the wall approach. The photographer is unlikely to influence the shot in any way. I would consider this the truest photo but also the least perfect. It’s beautiful in its own way, but once again, not for everyone or every situation.

3) There are lifestyle photographers (me!). Lifestyle photographers photograph authentic moments that are oftentimes influenced or prompted by the photographer. For instance, the photographer may ask you to stand in a certain area with ideal lighting. The photographer may suggest a game you can play with your children that encourages them to laugh and have fun in photos. The photographer may suggest that a newborn mother lift her baby up for a kiss. These photographed moments may be somewhat staged (the amount of staging required varies by situation), but the joy and love captured are very real. It’s perhaps a more glamorized version of everyday life.

My goal in lifestyle photography is to photograph the love between family members. Not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera, but the right lifestyle photographer will be able to bring about natural moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.

I also want to point out that as a lifestyle photographer…I absolutely do also take photos of everyone looking at the camera and smiling! I’m not sure you can count this under “lifestyle”, but well..my clients tend to want that shot as well. I will act silly to get your kids’ attention (and smiles!) for these shots, regardless of what “style of photography” it falls under.