What I Mean When I Say Lifestyle Family Photography

Families

Feb 28

A family of four holds hands and runs down a path at Carbon Canyon Regional Park with the sun glowing behind them.

Photographers use a lot of different terms to describe what they do. Are you a lifestyle photographer or a documentary photographer? Do you capture more posed or more candid shots? It can be difficult to know what it all means, but it’s so important when you are booking a photographer to understand what your experience and photos will be like. Here’s what lifestyle photography means to me:

Valuing real moments over perfect ones.

Sure, we can totally capture a photo of your family where everyone is nice and still, standing up straight, and looking at the camera. Everyone wants that traditional photo, and that’s great. But my goal is to photograph moments where you are playing, snuggling, and laughing to capture the love you have for your family. It’s about capturing who you really are.

Not always looking at the camera.

I’d rather take a photo of you looking at each other! The magic is in your interactions, not in having everyone looking at the camera all the time. Unless I specifically tell you to look at the camera, you don’t have to. I often tell my families to pretend I’m not there and just interact with each other.

Letting kids be kids

Kids can’t sit still? Great! Let’s run around and play! Kiddo feeling shy? No problem! Let them snuggle you so I can capture how you comfort and reassure them. Kiddo not into doing what I asked them to do? No problem! We’ll change it up. I have years of experience with kiddos of all ages, and I am happy to take the lead with directing and interacting with them. The best family photos happen when kids feel safe, loved, and allowed to be themselves. I will often follow a kid’s lead, so don’t fret if I change things up, I’ve got it all under control.

Going with the flow

You’re in good hands and I’ve got you! You trust me to guide you through your session knowing that I know what to do to capture the moments you’ll want to frame and keep in your home forever.