Lifestyle Photographer

Have you heard or seen online the term “lifestyle photographer” and wondered what it means? Are you possibly trying to decide if a lifestyle photography session is what you’re looking for? Let’s discuss!

What is a lifestyle photographer?

Is lifestyle photography right for me?

Lifestyle photography may be the right choice for you if you’re interested in portraits that capture you loved ones’ personalities, feature connection, and possibly tell a little bit of a story. While documentary style photography can accomplish this too, lifestyle photography will be a better fit if you aren’t really sure what to do in front of a camera. If you feel more comfortable receiving some gentle direction, hire the lifestyle photographer.

“Tell me what to do with my hands!”

If you have your heart set on creating an image where everyone is smiling perfectly at the camera and is standing or seated in a polished, posed position, then a formal portrait may be a better fit for you. Again, a lifestyle photographer will likely capture a few “traditional” smiling at the camera portraits, but they will likely have a looser, more natural feel.

There really isn’t a wrong answer when it comes to choosing a genre of photography. They all have their merits and your entitled to your preferences! However, there can be an issue if you hire a photographer who’s style is a mismatch with your vision. You don’t want to hire a documentary photograph if you desire a formal portrait. (You wouldn’t expect a hamburger at a sushi restaurant, would you? Sure, they’re both food, but they have totally different ingredients and are made in totally different ways!)

My best advise is to study a photographer’s portfolio, both on their website and social media, before booking. Do their pictures resonate with you? Are the images they are showcasing in line with your vision? Then they are the photographer for you!

Where to lifestyle photographers photograph sessions?

As I discussed above lifestyle photography is defined by a level of direction from the photographer and a more natural, laid back narrative. This approach can really be applied to any setting! Let’s dive into some of the pros and cons of different settings for your lifestyle photography session below.

In-Home Lifestyle Sessions

In-home lifestyle sessions have grown in popularity in recent years and for good reason! In general there isn’t the stress of getting everyone ready on time and out the door to arrive at an appointment. If I arrive and you aren’t quite ready yet, there’s no pressure. I have equipment to set up and rooms to scout out. When the session is finished, you won’t have to load everyone up and into the car again. You’re already home and can relax or move on with your day while I do the loading up of my equipment.

I personally have had a lot of clients opt for in-home lifestyle sessions when adding a new baby to their crew! Those early weeks with a new infant are a complete whirlwind. Sometimes staying home can bring needed simplification to the process of getting photos. You don’t have to worry about packing up the outfits, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, etc in order to leave the house. Everything we will need is already present and accessible. Need a diaper change? Your changing table is ready to go. Need to stop and nurse? Your favorite chair is right there.

However, in-home lifestyle sessions aren’t relegated to only one season of life! They are great for families with toddlers, school aged kids, and teens. Your home is where much of your life takes place. I don’t think there is a more natural place in the world to tell your story or document a season of life.

Before we get too carried away, let’s talk about the downside of in-home lifestyle sessions. In my opinion, the main stressor of in-home photography sessions is making sure your house is photo-ready. I’ve often had client’s complain that they don’t think their house is photogenic enough.

Let me go ahead and simplify that task for you. Before our session, we will discuss the potential rooms we will use during your session. I’ll make recommendations based on which rooms will help create portraits most consistent with my work. Lighting is less of a concern because I bring in my own. Typically, I utilize 1-3 rooms during a session, but we can use less or go outside if needed. We will start your session with a game plan. All this to say, your entire house does not need to be spotless. I don’t expect it to be! If something needs to be moved, I’ll let you know and help you. Some of my favorite portraits have happened in front of a bare wall by a window. The point of your portraits isn’t the decor. It’s you and your loved ones!

Studio Sessions

If you really don’t want your session to take place in your home or yard, that’s not a problem. My area has several wonderful photography studios that we can utilize. All that’s required is that we plan ahead so we can easily reserve the ideal space.

The beauty of studio lifestyle sessions is that all you have to do is show up! There’s no need for your to prep the space prior to my arrival. All you have to worry about is having everyone dressed (which is a feat in itself).

Studios also provide a simplicity of backdrop that and really lend to a classic, ready to hang on the wall look. Many also provide a variety of props and seating that can be used to create unique portraits.

I personally love that the weather is less of a concern when scheduling a studio session. I’m typing this post in the dead of summer, during a week of 90+ degree days. Trust me, an air conditioned (or heated) studio can be a wonderful option when scheduling portraits outside of the spring and fall seasons.

Outdoor Sessions

Lastly, lifestyle photography sessions can also take place outside on location. To a view a list of some of my favorite free locations for outdoor lifestyle photography sessions, click here.

I will say, I’m a sucker for incorporating outdoor beauty with photography. I’ve found that choosing an outdoor location can also inspire a sense of playfulness and exploration during a session. Movement bring life to photographs and outside there’s usually plenty of room to move!

If you’re considering an outdoor lifestyle photography session, there are two factors to be aware of:

1) The weather may very easily derail our plans. I watch the weather pretty obsessively leading up to outdoor sessions. Unfortunately, we sometimes have to reschedule, so flexibility is key.

2) Lighting will dictate when the session will be scheduled. Light is a huge component of photography. As a photographer, part of my expertise is being able to read and manipulate light in order to create a beautiful (and flattering) image. Trust me. You don’t want the raccoon eyes that will result from me photographing you at noon in an open field. No amount of editing can fix harsh light. Sunlight is generally softest and most flattering in the shade or during the golden hours (right after sunrise and right before sunset). This may mean getting up early or staying out past bedtime for your session.

Want to hire me as your lifestyle photographer?

If you’re in the Chattanooga area and looking for a lifestyle photographer, let’s chat! I offer sessions throughout the year and would love to hear about your vision.

To learn more about my process an pricing under the details section of my website.

Don’t just stop at digital files when you consider scheduling a photoshoot!

I get it, we live in a digital era. At last count, I have over 28,000 images in my phone camera roll. I know, I’m a photographer so that is a huge part of the high number. However, a recent study found that Americans take over 20 photos per day on average with their phone. That adds up!

What’s my point? We can easily have an overwhelming number of digital images. I do believe that we are losing something very important by not having tangible copies of our images. While some may argue that digital copies are safer, I have found that clients more frequently lose or forget where they have their digital images saved. If you’ve gone to a lot of effort and expense to hire a photographer and plan a lifestyle session, why not take active steps to print them and preserve them?

In an effort to aid in this process, I have expanded my offerings and am now a full service Chattanooga lifestyle photographer As of 2023, all images purchased include a small fine art print. I also offer a variety of curated, archival photography products such as framed wall art and archival albums. Let’s talk about how we can beautifully preserve and display your treasured memories! Learn more about the products I offer here.