Have you heard of lifestyle photography? It’s a term being used more and more over the past few years. Lifestyle photography is a genre of photography that aims to capture people in real-life situations. Unlike traditional photography, which tends to heavily pose subjects, lifestyle photography seeks to document candid moments and interactions, often in natural or familiar environments like nature, homes, or urban settings.

The goal of lifestyle photography is to tell a story about the subject’s everyday life, personality, and interests. It is favored for capturing various life milestones, such as seasonal family portraits, maternity sessions, engagements, weddings, and other significant events. It often involves minimal posing and relies on natural light and surroundings to create a relaxed and genuine atmosphere in the images.

Lifestyle photography is especially suitable for families with small children. As you can imagine, sitting still and posing for a camera can be very boring or frustrating for little ones, and you can’t really blame them. They often refuse to do what you or your photographer tell them to, and that can result in you being frustrated as well. The whole experience might end up not being fun.

I truly believe that lifestyle photo sessions are perfect for families, and here are the reasons why:

1. It tells your family’s story.

Lifestyle photo sessions document exactly how your family is at that moment. You probably know that kids grow way too fast, and you want to capture how they look right now: what they like, how they run, the way she holds your hand, the way his chubby fingers touch your cheeks. If that’s what you want to remember, don’t you agree that photographing authentic moments would serve you better? As a mom of three little ones myself, I know those small moments are the ones that tell stories.

2. It’s family-led.

Instead of posing your kids like in traditional photography, with the lifestyle approach, your family does whatever you enjoy together during your photo session. You can let your kids be free just like you do while they play out in nature. Do they want to look for flowers and bugs? We can do it. Does your family enjoy playing music? Let’s bring a guitar to your session. If you love baking cookies with your little ones, we can document that too. The key is to treat your family photo session as a fun family event. 

3. It’s stress-free.

Because you spend quality time with your family doing what you all enjoy, everyone will be relaxed, and the session will feel stress-free. It can also be at your favorite location, whether that’s at your house, the beach, or your favorite park. Lifestyle photo sessions often make you forget you’re in a photo session since it’s capturing your family naturally doing your favorite things in your favorite places. I’m often told by my clients that they felt so relaxed and comfortable that their session was like just hanging out with friends in their favorite spot.

4. It makes fun memories.

Lifestyle photography not only gives you photos, but also a memorable and fun experience. Because your family is doing things you all enjoy, the session itself becomes a family memory. Running around in a flower field and cuddling tight with their parents on a blanket will surely be a fun memory for your kids. They will ask you when they get to do another photo session and have more fun and quality family time.

Overall, the lifestyle photography approach helps families be themselves during photo sessions, and it captures the ordinary moments that are worth being keepsakes. You will cherish those moments for years to come. 

I hope this helped you better understand lifestyle photography and why it’s perfect for families. I’m sure you will love the session itself and all the authentic images that tell your family story. If it sounds like something you and your family will enjoy, contact Portland family photographer to get session details.

Portland Lifestyle Photographer – Amy (Ayumi) Fischer of Lion & Oak Photography