Lifestyle photography is all about capturing the real, beautiful moments of your life—the genuine connection, the everyday chaos, and the little details that make your family unique. It's less about stiff poses and forced smiles, and more about documenting your story as it unfolds.
If you’re preparing for a lifestyle session, here are my top tips to help you relax, have fun, and ensure we get the most authentic and stunning images possible!
1. Ditch the Perfection, Embrace the Real
The biggest secret to a great lifestyle shoot? Let go of the pressure to be perfect.
Don't stress the mess: If we’re shooting in your home, a little clutter is normal—it shows life happens there! We can quickly tidy up the main areas we’ll use, but don't spend hours deep cleaning.
Focus on connection: Instead of worrying about whether everyone is looking at the camera, focus on connecting with each other. Snuggle up, tell a funny story, give a big hug. Those are the moments I’m waiting to capture.
Kids are kids: If your little one is having a meltdown, it's okay! We'll take a break. Sometimes the sweetest, most genuine photos come right after a moment of frustration when you're comforting them.
2. Choose Comfort and Cohesion for Wardrobe
Your clothes should reflect your style and allow you to move freely.
Prioritize Comfort: You should feel great in what you're wearing. If you're uncomfortable, it will show.
Think 'Coordinated,' Not 'Matching': Don't have everyone wear the exact same color (like all white shirts and jeans). Instead, choose a color palette (e.g., neutrals like cream, grey, and brown; or muted jewel tones like mustard, deep teal, and burgundy).
Add Texture and Movement: Flowy dresses, chunky knits, subtle patterns, and soft fabrics look beautiful on camera and add dimension to the images.
Avoid: Large logos, neon colors, or anything that will distract from your faces and connection.
3. Plan for Light and Location
Whether we’re shooting at your home or an outdoor location, light is everything.
At Home: We will gravitate toward rooms with the best natural light, usually near large windows or glass doors. Open up all the blinds and curtains!
Outdoor Sessions: These are typically scheduled during the "Golden Hour" (the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset) when the light is soft, warm, and magical. This timing is non-negotiable for the best results!
Prep the Space: If we're at your house, try to put away items like remotes, water bottles, or bright plastic toys from the main shooting areas to minimize distractions.
4. Bring Activities (Especially for Kids!)
Lifestyle sessions are great because they involve doing things, not just posing for them.
Props as Activities: If we’re shooting at home, plan a simple activity: reading a book, baking cookies, playing a favorite game, or simply cuddling on the bed.
Outdoor Fun: Bring a blanket for snuggling, let the kids pick flowers, or play a game of tag. When you're interacting with an object or activity, you forget the camera is there, and that's when the magic happens.
Ultimately, my goal is to deliver photos that make you feel something when you look at them—images that transport you back to this specific time in your family's life. Trust my eye, follow these simple tips, and most importantly, just be yourselves! I can't wait to capture your story.
Do you have a favorite family activity you'd like to capture during your session? Let me know, and we can start planning the perfect backdrop!
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