If you're a photographer looking to capture deep and meaningful connections in your family portraits, then lifestyle family photography might be the perfect style for you. Unlike traditional portraits, lifestyle family photography focuses on capturing genuine moments that reflect the true essence of a family. In this article, we'll explore six tips to help you execute successful lifestyle family photography sessions that resonate with both your clients and viewers.
1. Get to know the family and be relatable.
Creating a connection within a lifestyle photograph is crucial. To achieve this, you must make an effort to get to know your subjects and create a comfortable environment for them to open up in front of your lens. Start by using an effective client questionnaire to gather information about each family member. Additionally, talk openly with the family throughout the session to build trust and authenticity.
2. Have a solid lifestyle family photography session routine.
Lifestyle family photography sessions can be chaotic, considering the number of subjects involved. Having a session flow or plan in place will help you stay organized and in control. By getting the necessary shots out of the way early on, you'll have more time to be creative and capture unique moments that truly represent the family.
3. Know your light and location.
Light is a vital element in photography that can evoke emotion and strengthen the connection in your images. Schedule sessions during the best lighting conditions and choose locations that complement the family's dynamics. For families with young children, opt for open spaces that allow them to run and play freely. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and how they contribute to the overall composition of the photos.
4. Don't be afraid to choose moments over perfection.
Lifestyle family photography is about capturing genuine emotions and connections. Avoid rigid poses and instead focus on moments that reflect joy, love, and laughter. Be willing to break the rules and experiment with different techniques to capture the essence of what you feel. Embrace imperfections and create portraits that are filled with depth and meaning.
5. Use movement and activities to engage your subjects.
Asking your subjects to engage in motion can help them relax and bring authenticity to your images. Encourage the family to walk, dance, or participate in activities that create natural moments of interaction and fun. By incorporating movement, you'll capture dynamic and engaging lifestyle family portraits.
6. Embrace the chaos.
Chaos is part of family life, so embrace it as an opportunity to capture raw and genuine moments. While it's essential to direct your subjects into good light, don't be afraid to encourage them to play and interact freely. Some of the most memorable images come from unexpected moments of spontaneity and joy.
Remember, as a lifestyle family photographer, your goal is not to make the family look perfect, but to showcase their unique beauty and connection. Through artistic and meaningful photographs, you can create lasting memories for your clients. So, go ahead, break some rules, and let your creativity shine in capturing the magic of family life.
Elena S Blair is an award-winning family and newborn photographer based in Seattle, Washington. She is also an educator and co-owner of Blair & Thurston Retreats and Lady Boss Workshops.
