If you’ve ever searched for a family photographer you may have an idea of what you’re looking for and how you want to experience your session. You may have a special place in mind and you might already have the family’s outfits picked out. That’s great! There are likely several photographers in your area and it might be overwhelming to choose whether you want a lifestyle family photography session or a traditional family photography session. I wanted to share this blog post to give you an overview of the differences between lifestyle family photography and traditional family photography.
at a traditional family session,
You will receive images of everyone looking at the camera:
Typically with traditional family photography, your photographer will do a lot of posing and guiding to make you all look your best while you’re looking at the camera. It’s a great way to get that shot of the family that Grandma wants and it’s great for holiday cards. Your photographer will have tips or noise makers to have the little ones pay attention to the camera and smile so that everyone is looking together at the same time.
the photos will show what you look like:
Traditional family photography focuses on what you look like and tend to be a little more formal (in my opinion) and they are great for documenting photos that are perfectly composed and perfectly lit and just, well, “perfect” but doesn’t necessarily always focus on what it feels like.
at a lifestyle family session,
Children want to play:
During a lifestyle family session I encourage your children to play. It might take them a little while to get comfortable with a new person following them around with a camera. I encourage playful interactions when I photograph your family, which means if your child wants to play a game of chase or enjoys tickles or wants to look at the flowers, I will follow you and document those moments.
Sometimes children want to be comforted:
If your child needs a nap or hugs from mama, please take advantage of that time. I love photographing those little moments when she’s reaching for your hand or when he needs a paci to be comforted. As your children get older they will grow out of these little moments that will make you wish they were still that little. Sometimes these moments can be missed at traditional family sessions when your photographer is working hard to have the children look at the camera rather than focusing on family connection.
We can capture everyday moments:
Everyday moments of your family can take place outdoors at the park or right in your own home. When you book your lifestyle family session with me I want you to share those moments that are special to your family and see how we can incorporate them into your family session and get photos of those moments. I offer in home lifestyle family sessions as well, which is perfect if you want your home as a natural backdrop. It’s also great for the kids because they can grab a toy or book and I’m right there to photograph it! There isn’t usually as much flexibility at traditional family sessions because there isn’t as much of a focus on family connection and interaction.
you don’t need to smile:
I tend to photograph children as they are. If they’re happy they will smile. If they’re engaged with their family, they will laugh and want to continue playing with their family. I try to be quick when photographing so that I can catch those fast moments. At a traditional photo session your photographer may have a lot of tricks to get the child to look at the camera and smile and it might also take some bribing. I don’t focus on that when I am photographing families but rather make sure to catch those moments and ensure I’m right there when the children are having a good time and smiling naturally.
you don’t even have to look at the camera:
I mentioned this at the last point and think it’s important that family portraits don’t require everyone to be looking at the camera and smiling. Some of my favorite photos of myself and others are when the people in the photo are engaged with one another and you can see the engagement in their face and expressions. Traditional family photographers are typically looking to find ways for everyone to look at the camera and say cheese.
Don’t be surprised at your session when I tell you to only look at the camera at certain moments. Sometimes moments are better uninterrupted and rather photographed, than interrupted making everyone stop having a good time just to look at the camera and smile.
Do you think you now know enough about the differences between traditional family photography and lifestyle family photography?
Please reach out to me and we can schedule a session that you feel will be great to capture your family!
