The Myth of Lifestyle Photography
a.k.a. Those special moments don’t make themselves.
In your search for a family photographer or a newborn photographer, you’ll probably come upon the phrase “lifestyle photography“.
Oooooh, yes! Cut to images of a dreamy day spent whiling away the hours with your baby or kiddos in your gorgeous home as everyone is making cookies.
Or, the flowy dress in the field dream. Big floppy hat, sunflowers, happy kids with dazzling smiles.
What? That isn’t YOUR lifestyle?
Lifestyle photography means natural poses that show connection.
Not your lifestyle, or that of anyone that I’ve ever photographed!
The term “lifestyle photography” is truly a misnomer and is confusing for photography clients, and even for photographers. If you’re looking for candid moments, those expressions caught when the camera is forgotten, what you really need is a photographer who knows about families, babies and yes, POSING.
Sounds a little sketchy coming from a photographer who promotes her work as authentic and natural, eh?
When I first started in professional photography 10 years ago, I naively thought that just telling families to “be themselves” was enough. I aimed to capture the natural connected family moments that I’ve experienced as a mom myself. But, it just didn’t happen.
Posed or Unposed? I guide, move, cajole, and let your family do the rest.
My AHA! moment.
Very quickly into some of my first sessions, I realized that “natural” and “authentic” moments did not fall out of the sky and land in my camera.
I was an art major. I’ve been taking photographs all my life. I have opinions and a point of view. Clients want to be told what looks best, where to stand, and what to wear. That’s why they hire ME.
I am a proud “lifestyle” photographer. That being said, I will tell you what to do at your photo session to make sure that we capture wonderful photographs of your special connection with your family.
Guided posing produces warm, real, and connected photos.
Finding my people
As my photography journey continues, I’m always looking for new methods and inspiration to get me closer to my happy photo place. I’ve been lucky to recently take classes with the awesome Elena Blair (Washington) and Jessica Nip ( Toronto).
Their work and teaching has made me fall in love with the power of simple, elegant, authentic images again. Many thanks.
