It has become a pretty popular fenomena: a lifestyle family photo session.
It’s definitely not new, but it regained popularity under photographers and clients.
When things become popular more people are using it, whether it fits or not.
So the question is:
What is Lifestyle Family Photography?
Personally as a Chicago Family Photographer, I love Lifestyle Photography!
But is this what you want? I mean, before you book a lifestyle photo session or before you call yourself a lifestyle family photographer, you might want to know what it actually is, right?
Ready? This is Lifestyle Photography according to Wikipedia:
“Lifestyle Photography is a genre of photography that mainly aims to capture portraits of people in situations, real-life events, or milestones in an artistic manner. The primary goal is to tell stories about people’s lives .”
That’s a mouthfull! Main thing is capturing real-life events in an artistic manner in a story-telling way. Before you book a Lifestyle Photo Family Session, you should ask yourself: A] is this what I want for my family photos? And B] is the photographer of my choice a lifestyle photographer?
Lifestyle photography is a skill
Of course Wikipedia is not our only source of wisdom. But they’re pretty dead on.
A family (or couple’s for that matter) Lifestyle Photo Session is about capturing the moment. Creating images that look like the photographer was just a fly on the wall (or in the sky). Accidentally there when the magic happened.
The word ‘creating’ says it all. Lifestyle Photography is a skill. Mostly a photographer’s skill. But as a family you have to be up for it. Funny enough, sponteneous moments do not always happen sponteneously. Most times they have to be created first.
How do we create Lifestyle Photos?
Movement is a keyword for Family Lifestyle Photography.
Lifestyle Photographers use prompts that incorporate action. To fuel spontaneous moments. And also to create moments in time where you, as a family, are focussed on each other. Where you almost forget the photographer is there.
The second keyword for Lifestyle Photography is: Connection. When everyone is looking in the camera, there’s usually not much conection between the people in the photo. Which doesnt’ mean it’s not a good or even beautiful photo! But it’s not a so calles lifestyle photo. A lifetsyle photo captures the bonding, the connection between people.
What to expect from a Lifestyle Family Photo Session in Chicago?
Expect intimite, genuine and maybe not super perfect photos.
It’s not about who looks the best or the cutest in the photo. It’s not about one-two-three-cheeeese. It’s about a gently directed real life moments. Cuddling together as a family, playing hide and seek. Having a picknick or telling each other little secrets. And mostly be your unique family just the way you are. And let things happen!
Before you book a family lifestyle photo session, be sure this is what you’re looking for. Andif you are…. and you live in the Chicago area, let’s go for it!
Do you want to know more about family photo sessions in Chicago? Check it out here.
Mini family and couples photo sessions are available in Chicago all year round. Take a look at the mini photo session packages here.