Lifestyle is frequently connected with the positive aspects of life — be it social status, daily activities, outfits, belongings, and personal beliefs. The term “lifestyle photography” has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially on social media.
Photographers who desire to focus on home life, fashion, advertising, family portrait photography, as well as urban and city lifestyle and travel, are drawn to this kind of photography. It’s difficult to fully encapsulate what lifestyle photography really is since it encompasses a wide array of subjects. It has to be realistic yet creative at the same time. It has to be candid but intentional. Every shot is both a story and art.
What Does Lifestyle Mean In Photography?
Lifestyle photography aims to capture individuals and families during real-life events or milestones in a visually appealing way. It’s a style of portrait photography that seeks to artistically capture life as it happens and to tell people’s tales in a natural, unstaged setting.
What makes lifestyle photography different from other types of photography is the involvement of the photographer. The photographer is engaged with the surroundings as well as the subjects. They will provide directions to the subjects to assist them on how to behave in a natural, more casual, and candid manner during the shoot. In essence, lifestyle photography is a marriage of planned and candid photography that depicts a small slice of life.
Types of Lifestyle Photography
The term “lifestyle photography” refers to a wide range of different types of photography, and it can be broken down into the following:
- Family photography
Family photography usually refers to a session in which families are captured in their most natural state. A family portrait demonstrates love, care, and the family’s playful side. It is usually set during the most striking moments of the family and reflects their current situation. The shoot can include games, scenarios, and props, where the whole family can get involved. These are often sought as a keepsake for the family and their loved ones.
- Children photography
This is likewise a form of a family photograph, but the children are the centre of attention. There are baby photographs, portraits of children, and photographs of youngsters engaged in various activities. It often involves a child-friendly setting, a lot of toys and props, and a lot of patience.
- Commercial photography
Commercials have also turned to lifestyle photography to give life to their subjects. Advertising and social media often use lifestyle photography for this purpose. Take fashion, for example. It is no longer about clothing. It’s all about how and where you wear them. Almost every fashion commercial for women emphasizes the importance of the environment above the poses. Commercial lifestyle photography captures the mood, the sensation, and the desire for a better way of life.
Importance of Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle photography is growing in popularity because there is a large market for people who prefer relaxing, natural shots taken at home or in nature. Here are some more reasons why lifestyle photoshoots matter:
- It reflects human experience
The human experience is beautifully expressed through lifestyle photography. The image in this style of photography provides information about how people live and interact with the world. No lifeless studio backgrounds and stiff poses. This doesn’t mean that all lifestyle photos have to include people, they only need to depict reality.
- It captures authenticity
The scene doesn’t have to be excessively planned or staged. In lifestyle photography, you are catching a moment. Even if you ask people on the street to pose for you, they are captured without being isolated from their surroundings. At the end of the day, lifestyle photography aspires to represent something genuine.
- It embraces the mess
Lifestyle photography doesn’t aim to be manicured or perfect. You can capture each and every moment — even if some juice has spilled on the kitchen counter or if a child can’t stop rushing up and down the stairwell. These are the moments that make the photo unique and memorable.
- It prepares you for other types of photography
For those who want to have a career in photography, lifestyle shoots are a good stepping stone. In lifestyle photography, you have to expect the unexpected.
Once-in-a-lifetime images and frame-worthy moments can happen anytime. Adapting to difficult situations equips lifestyle photographers for a variety of other types of photography, including professional wedding photography, corporate headshots, and product photography.
- It tells the subject’s story
Lifestyle photography is not simply taking a few photographs, you need to translate experiences into images. This makes lifestyle photography stand out from the rest — it is an art of storytelling.
Tips for Lifestyle Photography
When conducting a lifestyle photoshoot, you need to bring out the best of your subjects. Here’s what you can do to do just that:
- Plan it out
In lifestyle photography, you walk a fine line between having a strict plan and having no plan at all. Although this is not a staged photoshoot, you should get to know who you’re photographing. Get to know your subjects so you can bring their personalities to life in photos and videos. Also, take into consideration where the shoot will take place and how the space and lighting will be used. Great lifestyle images are created by photographing subjects doing what they enjoy.
- Home is the perfect location
There is a reason why at-home lifestyle photography is popular. There’s no need to change everything in a room when shooting at the subject’s home. Too much staging interferes with capturing their natural surroundings and detracts from the authenticity. Because they are in a familiar setting, this will also make the subjects feel at ease on camera.
- Lighting is important
Lighting is the most important aspect of any type of photography. Even if the chosen setting is great as is, you may need to advise your subjects to relocate to a different location with better lighting. Lifestyle photographers frequently use natural lighting to create stunning images. However, professional lighting equipment can be used if you don’t have access to good natural light.
- Keep subjects comfortable and carefree
Sometimes, when you advise your subjects to behave normally, they begin to ‘act’ natural rather than simply ‘being’ natural. The best thing you can do is to cultivate a fun and comfortable environment. Start by chatting about something they’re enthusiastic about to break the ice. Speaking with them about the types of photographs you want to take and how you plan to achieve them will also make them feel much more at ease in front of the camera.
- Never put the camera down
During a lifestyle shot, every single moment is worth capturing. Requesting that your subject redo what they just did can make it appear unnatural, which is the polar opposite of lifestyle photography. Attempt to capture the moments leading up to and following the actions. Also, if you’re continuously shooting, you’ll have the opportunity to diversify your perspective and capture something truly unexpected.
People always look forward to — and are willing to pay for — the opportunity to take a one-of-a-kind picture that can truly capture their most genuine selves. Lifestyle photography offers that opportunity, something that many can cherish forever.
If you’re in need of lifestyle photography in Toronto, Twenty5Films offers videography and photography services that are highly touted for turning moments into stunning visuals. Get in touch with us at (905) 741-3697.
