Image Source: Skylum Blog
What is lifestyle photography?
Lifestyle photography is more than just capturing everyday moments - it's about telling a story, creating a mood, and showcasing the best parts of life. It encompasses various genres such as high living standards, fashion, advertising, family portraits, children photography, city lifestyle, and travel. Lifestyle photographers aim to create realistic and appealing images that resonate with viewers. Each picture has a story to tell, and in professional lifestyle photography, the story must have a happy ending.
Renowned lifestyle photographers have different views on what lifestyle photography truly is. Slim Aarons, for example, believed it was about photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places. He captured the lives of celebrities and wealthy families without interrupting their activities. On the other hand, contemporary photographers like Dixie Dixon focus on creating an environment that people aspire to be a part of. This involves utilizing models, lights, and a team of stylists to craft a well-organized photo session.
Family photography: Capturing Precious Moments
Image Source: Skylum Blog
Family photography is a significant aspect of lifestyle photography that combines candid lifestyle shots with family portraits. These cherished photographs serve as memories for both parents and their loved ones. High-resolution and high-quality prints are essential for family portraits. A successful family lifestyle portrait showcases love, care, and the joyous side of family life. It should capture the essence of the family and the current moment in their lives. While incorporating games, scenarios, and props, it's crucial to involve the entire family and maintain quality standards.
Children photography: Capturing Innocence and Joy
Image Source: Skylum Blog
Children photography is another facet of lifestyle photography that focuses on newborns, children, and their activities. This type of photography requires creating a child-friendly space with an abundance of toys and props. Photographing subjects in motion demands patience and the ability to move swiftly. Newborn professional lifestyle photos require delicacy and a genuine love for this specialized genre. Whether it's capturing portraits or candid moments, it's essential to ensure that the photos are suitable for printing and satisfy parents' desires for close-ups and wide-angle shots.
Commercial photography: Creating a Lifestyle Experience
Commercial photography plays a significant role in lifestyle photography, as it is closely tied to portraying lifestyles and environments that attract people. Fashion campaigns, for instance, prioritize the environment more than the poses of the models. It's not just about the clothes; it's about the lifestyle and the impact it can have. Commercial lifestyle photography extends beyond family portraits and encompasses city lifestyle, interior design, and tourism photography. In these photoshoots, the focus expands beyond people to include the environment, background, objects, and overall atmosphere. Commercial photography often involves outdoor shoots, candid images, and working with real people instead of models.
Travel photography: Capturing the Essence of a Place
Image Source: Skylum Blog
Travel photography is a captivating aspect of lifestyle photography that enables photographers to document the spirit and soul of different places. It captures the essence of a location and incites a desire to explore new destinations. Whether it's a serene moment by a quiet lake, exhilarating beach activities, or an extravagant dinner at an exotic restaurant, travel photography invites viewers to experience life through captivating images. Mastering this genre requires skill, but the end result is immensely rewarding.
The Secrets of Lifestyle Photography
Image Source: Skylum Blog
Regardless of the chosen genre within lifestyle photography, it requires dedication and hard work. Here are some insider tips to help you navigate the challenges:
Befriend image editing software
Lifestyle photography demands clean, bright, and sharp images that are ready for print or advertising. A powerful image editing software like Luminar Neo can be your best friend in achieving these goals. Luminar Neo offers various tools and filters to enhance your lifestyle photographs, allowing for subtle and realistic adjustments. Its organizational features ensure your images are well-managed, and its creative tools can elevate your work to new heights. Whether you're dealing with a noisy family photoshoot or need to overcome challenging lighting conditions, Luminar Neo has got you covered.
Take control of the photoshoot
In lifestyle portrait photography, taking control of the photoshoot is essential. Many people are unfamiliar with posing and may feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. Whether it's for family or commercial photography, providing clear directions and creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere is crucial. For family portraits, capturing genuine moments when no one is aware of the camera can result in amazing images. In commercial shoots involving multiple individuals, you are the artist with the artistic vision, guiding everyone towards the desired narrative.
Good light, good lifestyle photography
Lighting plays a vital role in lifestyle photography, setting the mood and creating a welcoming environment. Utilizing natural light whenever possible is highly recommended. The location of your shoot greatly influences lighting conditions, so take advantage of scenic spots such as beaches, meadows, and sunny squares. The golden hour, characterized by soft and warm light, can add a magical touch to your images. Understanding shade, light direction, and using reflectors when needed can help you achieve outstanding results.
Practice when you travel
Traveling provides excellent opportunities to refine your lifestyle photography skills and discover new inspirations. Immersing yourself in different cultures and capturing family portraits and candid moments can further develop your photography techniques. While exploring various locations, focus on unusual angles, details, and balanced compositions. Embrace the diversity and find your own style and artistic voice. Look for inspiration in museums, interact with locals, and gain a thorough understanding of different lifestyles.
Storytelling: Crafting Memorable Narratives
Image Source: Skylum Blog
One of the most powerful aspects of lifestyle photography is storytelling. Combine your technical skills with narrative abilities to create compelling stories through your images. Before capturing the shots, understand your subject well and sketch the narrative in your mind. A well-executed story adds a new dimension to your photographs and engages viewers on a deeper level. Organize your images in a captivating order that reflects the narrative, and consider incorporating collages, handwritten text, or other elements to strengthen the story. Let the work of renowned storytellers like Duane Michals inspire you as you strive to create extraordinary narratives through your lifestyle photography.
In today's highly competitive world of photography, delivering originality, creativity, and high-quality work is paramount. Study the works of great photographers to gain inspiration, but always strive to find your unique style and perspective. Explore the world, visit museums, and reflect on your own passions to uncover what truly moves you as a lifestyle photographer.
When embarking on your journey into lifestyle photography, having a reliable and versatile image editing software is essential. Luminar Neo offers precise editing tools, efficient workflow management, and creative features to support you in achieving your vision. Try the free trial version of Luminar Neo today and experience the difference firsthand.
- Follow Skylum Software on YouTube for the latest videos, tips, and photography inspiration!
