What Is Lifestyle Photography?

What is considered lifestyle photography?

Many different types of photography can be done by a professional in the industry. Within these types, many subgenres of photography also fall within those larger categories. For instance, commercial or corporate photography has several small genres within that classification. These include fashion photography, product photography, corporate headshots, and many others.

Many photography sessions are staged to show the subject from the best angle possible. There may be multiple shooting locations or angles, but they are often perfectly set up with great lighting and a clean background. A photoshoot like this will undoubtedly produce exceptional images that can be used in various ways, such as in advertising campaigns or business cards.

Other types of photography, on the other hand, appear less staged and more naturalistic. These photos will appear more candid, capturing moments that could not realistically be staged. This is referred to as "lifestyle photography." The lifestyle photography expert will be able to create images of everyday life that are beautiful moments to be treasured forever in an artistic manner. This is the "art of the everyday," and capturing a great lifestyle photo requires a certain type of photographer.

At Kuoh Creative, our team has vast experience in lifestyle photography. I am happy to walk you through what happens in a lifestyle photography session and explain exactly what lifestyle photography is. When you want to capture lifestyle images of your family, friends, and loved ones, our skilled photographers have what it takes to meet and exceed your expectations.

What is lifestyle photography?

First, let us address what lifestyle photography is and what differentiates it from other types of photo shoots you may have. Unlike portrait photography or a photo shoot you may have in a studio, lifestyle photography generally takes place in a location (or more than one location) that you and your family or loved ones find special or meaningful.

The location of the shoot is important because it can be the deciding factor when it comes to getting high-quality, realistic images of real-life events. Lifestyle photos are not meant to be perfect, but they often capture the perfect moment. This means that your hair or clothes may be slightly out of place, but the expressions on your face and the emotional connection within the photo are priceless.

Photographers are often sent on lifestyle photo shoots to commemorate a special moment in the lives of their subjects. This can be a birthday, graduation, anniversary, baby announcement, engagement, reunion, or any other life event. It can also simply be a day that the whole family wants to remember.

The most important aspect of lifestyle photography is that the photographer has experience doing this type of shoot and is always ready with the camera. It is not uncommon to shoot hundreds of "candid" shots and only a few posed portraits of the family. Often, the family members will prefer the candid, or unstaged, photos over the posed ones because they truly capture the essence of their family members. Candid documentary photography can be extremely fun and get shots of everyday moments you usually wouldn't have.

Why Invest in a Lifestyle Shoot?

A lifestyle photography shoot is a great way to get long-lasting family photos in which every member can participate. Quite frequently, one family member is left out of the group photos because someone must be behind the camera. With a lifestyle photoshoot, everyone can be in the pictures and be a part of the fun.

Lifestyle photography is a way to capture real-life moments and document life without the staging or fakeness of an in-studio shoot. Candid portraits and a genuine smile can make a difference in a superb lifestyle photoshoot.

Lifestyle Photography Tips to Capture Real Life Events

As lifestyle photographers, we should be prepared for all types of scenarios when it comes to getting ready for the shoot. Your subjects will also be doing their best to prepare themselves for the shoot, and they expect that you will also help them enjoy the process.

Here are some lifestyle photography tips to make sure you get the photos your clients will like and have fun with at the same time:

• Get to the photo shoot location early to scout the perfect settings for a few different scenarios.

• Bring multiple lenses and at least 2 cameras to ensure you can get the perfect shots.

• Make sure you are familiar with your camera gear in case something goes wrong and you need to come up with a quick fix.

• Remember that your lighting situation will change as time goes by, so be sure to account for that with your off-camera lighting, diffuser, and camera settings.

• Always have a camera ready—even if you are walking between locations, you never know when a child or the family pet may do something that is photo-perfect!

• Bring an assistant (or two) to help you carry equipment, hold lighting on windy days, choose locations, and keep your client's photo-ready

• Keep your camera ready for those authentic moments that you could never stage.

• Remember that most clients who hire you do not live a model's life, so they may need more coaching than simply saying, "act naturally."

• To get great shots, start shooting and keep shooting, so you have plenty of options to choose from—use burst mode to get several shots of the exact moment and get the perfect smile.

• Be prepared for something unexpected to happen (e.g., snow falling on what was supposed to be a perfectly sunny day).

If you can follow these tips, you are sure to be able to capture amazing photos of natural moments for your lifestyle photography clients.

Ways to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Photos

When a lifestyle photography client has asked you what they can do to get ready for their upcoming shoot, you should be ready with a list of a few tips to ensure they feel comfortable once they arrive. Here are some things you can tell them ahead of time:

• Pick out clothes you and your family feel comfortable in and will like to see immortalized in a digital print.

• Have more than one option available as well.

• If you are wearing matching outfits, make sure everyone is happy with the agreed-upon choice.

• Get plenty of sleep the night before, so you feel rested and ready for your close-up.

• Practice your facial expression for any posed photos and find out if you have a side that you prefer.

• If children are involved, bring along some of their favorite toys to keep them entertained and for naturally happy expressions during those real moments.

• For photos with family pets, they should also have a toy or a chewie to play with.

• You may need to bring a poop bag in case nature calls.

• Give your photographer plenty of advanced notice of who will be involved in the photography shoot and if you would prefer golden hour (sunset or sunrise).

• Props are always a welcome addition to a fun photo shoot and can lead to great moments to capture in a photo.

• Do not be afraid just to have fun with your family and let the photographer do the rest.

• Plan ahead for any unexpected accidents or mishaps.

Once you have decided to invest in a lifestyle photography shoot for you and your loved ones, be sure to talk to your photographer and find out if they have any more specific tips for you and your family. These photos should tell your family's story, which is what each photographer on our staff aims to capture in this type of session.

Contact Our Experienced Lifestyle Photographer Today!

If you are in the Oakland or San Francisco, California, area and are looking for a photo studio to make precious family photos for you, contact Kuoh Creative. Our team is here to help you capture the most amazing moments during lifestyle photography sessions, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you are 100% satisfied with the outcomes.

Kuoh Creative has extensive experience in the photography industry and has created many genuinely memorable photos for our clients. It's a lot of fun for us to do lifestyle photography sessions because we see our clients being their wonderful selves and capturing their expressions in photos.

We are always happy to discuss all of your options with you, so give us a call or request a quote for lifestyle photography sessions in San Francisco, CA.