What Is a Lifestyle Photographer? Guide to Lifestyle Photography
A lifestyle photographer captures moments in your natural environment, whether you’re on vacation, relaxing at home, traveling to an exotic locale, or having a baby. And while this style of photography may seem as easy as picking up an iPhone and snapping photos, there’s a lot more thought and creativity that goes into it.
The goal of a lifestyle photographer is to capture the emotions and interactions of that moment, and that means not only being able to see those moments but being able to accurately capture them as well. In other words, lifestyle photographers are excellent at observing life and capturing life authentically, all while focusing on composition, lighting, and timing. The final moment, of course, must look effortless, like someone took a frame from your life and froze it for eternity – in a way that’s personal and full of life. Let’s take a deeper dive into just how a lifestyle photographer can do this.
What’s the Difference Between Lifestyle and Documentary Photography?
While lifestyle and documentary photography may have similar features, they have distinct qualities. Both types of photography tell stories but in different ways.
Documentary Photos
Documentary photography involves capturing a moment in everyday life, without any interference from the photographer. It’s almost the opposite of fashion photography, where everything is staged and polished. In fact, with documentary photography, the camera acts like a fly on the wall – the subjects are not posed and the scenes aren’t meticulously crafted. The goal is to capture a raw, honest, and unplanned moment as it unfolds.
Lifestyle Photos
Lifestyle photography, on the other hand, captures life’s moments naturally, though it may involve some direction from the photographer. For example, a couple going out to surf may be directed by the photographer to walk into the ocean at a specific spot so the sunlight falls on their faces just right. Or a family at a picnic may be positioned where there’s a gorgeous backdrop of flowers and trees. In other words, this genre of photography is about capturing moments and then enhancing them artistically.
Shooting Lifestyle Sessions: the Different Styles
Just as there are different styles of photography, such as fashion photography or nature photography, the lifestyle genre has different styles, too. Each style offers its own feel and aesthetic. Here are some examples of lifestyle photography.
Family Photography
Photographs that focus on a family’s daily life are popular as families often want to preserve special moments – a child learning to ride a bike, a day at the beach, a birthday party, and so on. This is where the photographer gets to capture a slice of life for eternity. It’s also a way to ensure that every family member is included in the photo.
Couples Photography
Another popular style is couples photography. This style captures intimate and romantic moments, such as sharing a sunset walk or cozying up together at home. Some couples choose this style for their engagement photos as it highlights their growing bond and unique love story.
Personal Branding Photography
Personal branding captures entrepreneurs or creatives in the midst of their work day. Whether they’re sitting at their desk, taking a phone call, or seeped in paperwork, these are typically energetic, action shots. For creatives or entrepreneurs looking to build their brand, hiring a photographer to shoot them in their element can create a sense of authenticity.
Home or Everyday Life Photography
While it may seem easy to simply pick up a camera and shoot everyday home life, it’s surprisingly challenging. Poor lighting in a room with no windows can make shots look too dark. Low shutter speeds can make moving shots blurry. A skilled photographer knows how to overcome these obstacles and bring artistry to everyday, mundane activities like reading at the breakfast table, lounging on the couch, or playing with the dog.
Maternity and Newborn Photography
One of the most beautiful styles of photography is maternity and newborn photography. These soft, intimate photos capture pregnancy or the first moments parents have with their newborn babies. Many people hire photographers to capture this fleeting stage of life.
Travel and Adventure Photography
This style captures thrill seekers hiking through mountains, bungee jumping, sky diving, or discovering new landscapes. The essence of travel and adventure photography is to capture the beauty of the world and the thrill of traveling outside our safe spaces.
How to Choose a Lifestyle Photographer
If you’re looking for a photographer for a lifestyle shoot, it’s a good idea to do some research and ask questions. Here are some tips for finding a perfect match.
Review Their Lifestyle Portfolio
A photographer’s lifestyle portfolio should be your starting point. If their photographs match the style you’re going for, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to capture the mood you need.
See How They Capture Moments
Capturing authentic moments is a skill. A less experienced photographer may make these moments look staged or forced. You want a photographer who can capture slices of life authentically and accurately reflect the intimacy of the moment.
Have a Meeting or Schedule a Call
Arrange for a sit-down meeting where you can share your lifestyle photography ideas and they can share their experience and their past lifestyle photography shoots. What’s their preferred working style? Do they prefer to be mere observers, or do they like to give some guidance? Ask them how they managed to get a favorite shot in their portfolio. Let them describe their process.
Looking for a Photographer to Capture Your Special Moments?
When you’re ready to celebrate your lifestyle and hire a photographer, contact us. We specialize in telling your story and evoking genuine emotions!
