What Is Lifestyle Photography? | DMV Family Photographer

Client Education, Family

February 2, 2023

“Lifestyle” photography has become a bit of a buzzword in the photography community. But, what is lifestyle photography? What does it really mean? Today, I want to break down my definition of lifestyle photography – and what it means for your family. I also want to touch on how you can find a lifestyle photographer you love. Lifestyle sessions are always a good time (in my opinion) because they’re capturing who you really are – when the camera is away, when you’re interacting together, and when you’re just enjoying yourselves. I love the storytelling that lifestyle photography inspires… and I hope you will too!

family sits on bed with kids and go during lifestyle family photos

What is lifestyle photography?

Lifestyle photography is defined as “a genre of photography that mainly aims to capture portraits of people in situations, real-life events or milestones in an artistic manner and the art of the everyday. The primary goal is to tell stories about people’s lives or to inspire people in different times.” Essentially: it’s less posed, more realistic photos. These images can be captured at home or on location. Either way, the goal is the same. Your photographer is working to tell your story through photos in a less staged way.

family reads together on bed during photos at home

How do I know if a photographer is a lifestyle photographer?

If lifestyle photography sounds like your kind of photos, then you want to find a photographer who specializes in lifestyle photography! This will ensure that you get the images that you want from your session. When you look at a photographer’s images, you should be able to determine the style of their work.

Look at their work – on their website, on social media, anywhere you can find it. Look at how their subjects and light are used in the images. If the subjects are pretty posed and light is very controlled, you have a traditional photographer. This could be on location or in a studio – but you’ll quickly recognize that “picture perfect” look. Another popular style is documentary. In these photos, the photographer has little to no control of the subjects and light is creatively used. Images are fully candid which means you get the highs and the lows – they embrace the messy and all the emotions along the way.

Lifestyle photographers are a combination of both traditional and documentary photography. The photographer has control of the subject almost the entire time and gives some directions, but is open to letting natural moments un-fold so that the result is natural images. There is more of a connection between subjects. Images feel more genuine. Images are perfectly imperfect.

What is lifestyle photography? DMV family photographer Christina Tundo Photography shares all about lifestyle photo sessions!

What does in-home lifestyle photography mean?

One of the other common terms you’ll hear with lifestyle photography is “in-home lifestyle”. These sessions capture the controlled chaos of life but are done in your home. In-home sessions can be less stressful for everyone – especially if you have a new baby or younger kids. I remember one time, I had a session starting outdoors and it was… too many options and stimuli. Once we moved inside though, their toddler had less meltdowns and everyone could just relax! Being in your home, in your own space, with your life around you can create such a stress-free atmosphere. I’m all about that!

During an in-home lifestyle session, families often dress a bit nicer than usual (though I’m always cool with a cozy comfortable session, too!) and we’ll plan to do some sort of fun activity. Families often opt for baking, playing a game, having a dance party, or reading together. Everyone gets to pile together and work on the activity. My job is to capture you as you naturally are as a family. I’m watching for your interactions and all of those little moments that you want to remember forever. Your fur babies are always welcome – and truly, it’s meant to be a relaxing and fun experience for everyone!

Overall, lifestyle photography is about capturing what your life is really like. It’s about documenting the moments of our lives so that you can truly remember every season of life as it changes around you. I love these sessions because they’re so true to who my families are and watching their interactions together always sets my heart aflame.