Random person: What kind of photography do you do?
Me: I’m a lifestyle family photographer.
Random person: *blank stare* huh?
In all fairness, I had no idea what this was either before I became a photographer. This style of photography is currently one of the most popular styles for photographers today. It is my absolute favourite style!! The best part about being a photography is telling stories through my photos, and I feel that this type of photography is the best way to do that!
So what is it? Lifestyle family photography is a hybrid of traditional posed portraits and documentary style photography. With traditional portraits, the family is typically posed, often in a studio setting, and staring straight at the camera and smiling. In contrast, documentary style photography is unposed and seeks to capture the realism of family life, with little direction from the photographer, who basically acts as an observer.
In this photo, I asked the family to all sit on the couch, and read a book together. So, I initiated the pose, but them told them to just be natural. As you can see, the older boy was not interested in the story, but I still captured the family authentically, even though I was involved in the posing.
As a hybrid of traditional posed portraits and documentary style, the lifestyle genre captures authentic moments and interactions but usually with the photographer giving direction on things like posing and location, as well as interacting with the family to elicit genuine moments. Maybe a little help with outfits as well.
In this photo, I asked mom and dad to kiss in the background, and then asked the little girl to make faces, like she is surprised. I am obsessed how this turned out! I captured the perfect moment.
Every photographer has their own spin on lifestyle family portraits. For me, I try to capture a family authentically, but in the most flattering way possible. This means that I help pose the family in a way that looks good, but then I take a step back and just let them “be.” I use prompts and interaction to help people relax and have fun. Because I work with kids (I own a home daycare), I have a way with them, and I try to focus on the kids during family sessions. My sessions are very much “child led” because have you ever tried to tell a 2 year old to do anything? Yeah, it doesn’t work, but they make their own magic if we give them enough space to be themselves.
This child decided he wanted to blow bubbles during our session, so we went outside and he blew bubbles. How cute did these turn out? See........magic!
To me, lifestyle photography means helping families create beautiful and authentic portraits by providing a session that is both fun, natural, and child led. I know I’ve succeeded when at the end, the kids are still playing and dad says to me “That wasn’t so bad!”
Look at how natural these look, rather than the traditional, look at the camera and say cheese poses. Don't they tell a story?
If you are looking to capture your family in these authentic moments, contact me to set up a session. I am so excited to hear from you!
If you love these photos, and you are looking for a North Bay Family Lifestyle Photographer, I would love to connect with you to begin planning your session.
I know that the options can feel overwhelming as you search for the perfect fit for your newborn and family photos. I want to provide as much help as possible.
If you would like to reserve your maternity, newborn, or family photos, outdoors in North North Bay, or inside your own home- you can contact me here
Lee Hardy Photography provides lifestyle newborn, family, and couples photography in North Bay, Ontario for busy moms who want a stress-free and fun portrait experience. Also offering maternity, and baby photography, I work closely with you to personalize your experience. I serve families in North Bay, Callander, Powassan, Corbeil, Astorville, Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa, Timmins, Iroquois Falls, New Liskeard and all throughout the Northeastern region of Ontario.
I offer a high-end, full service experience including a pre-session consultation, a beautiful gallery of story-telling images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, birth, newborn or family portrait photographer near North Bay, and are wanting to create memories for your family, I can’t wait to serve you.
