and how can I make the most of mine?
There’s something super nostaglic about going through your childhood photo album. Something about those unscripted moments, captured by loving parents on point and shoot disposable cameras (that you’d then take to your local Rite Aid or Walmart to eagerly anticipate the results).
That type of excitement is hard to replicate with photography today. I had the blessing of growing up at the tail end of the disposable camera era, and the privilege of learning darkroom photography in high school. I remember my first cell phone with photo taking capabilities (that photo quality – yikes! haha), and the camcorder collecting dust on the shelf as video became much easier to capture and store. Photography, like many other things in our lives, has been instant and more accessible. The feel of an old, slightly out of focus 4×6 (that has you questioning your grandparents’ taste in cabinets and rugs) is being replaced with thousands of (usually awesome) instant digital files.
Before I continue – there is nothing wrong with cellphone captures. Despite all of the equipment I have and use with my photography, there is a convenience (and blessing) with the cellphone that must be admired. I have been able to capture so many sweet moments with my family by having access to such an awesome, portable device. And while I’d love to lug around my ~25lbs of equipment everywhere I go, it’s just not always possible.
The Lifestyle Session
This is why I love lifestyle photography: it’s all about capturing real moments, in your real life, for you to cherish your whole life. In home or outside, this is the mindset I keep when photographing you and your family, through a mixture of your standard portrait shots and interactive shots.
What makes the in home lifestyle session so special is it’s done in your personal space. No outdoor venue, indoor studio, or any other type of location can replicate what is in the space and comfort of your home. It creates a type of authenticity that can hard to replicate, and is an especially awesome session if you’d like to include pets who wouldn’t do too great in a wide, open outdoor session or kids who are just more comfortable somewhere familiar.
This type of photography is not for everyone
It’s important to remember that photography is art, and art is subjective. What looks amazing to me may not look the best for you. I may have some of you ogling over this type of session, and others shrugging their shoulders looking for the nearest studio. That’s TOTALLY fine. Personally, I find an appreciation for both styles, and think both kinds of photography are important and should be considered for whatever type of session/time in your life you are trying to capture.
What do I need for my in home session?
You do not need an HGTV ready home to do an in home session. You do not need the newest appliances, fanciest couches, or crisp, white bedding.
Here are things I recommend to make the most out of your session
- Have a clean and decluttered space. Minimal is best!
- Pick a room (or room(s)) with the most amount of natural lighting. One window minimum will work.
- Pick a space with a neutral colored wall. While anyone can appreciate a bright red paint color, more muted colors will help keep you and your family the focus of the session.
- Winter or summer, if you’re cool with going outside into your yard space, I’m so down for that! I love to incorporate as much of your daily routine as we can during our session length.
- Wear something comfortable and try to stick to earth tone colors/more muted patterns. Whenever you book a session, I’ll send over my style guide with more tips on what to wear.
- Pick an activity you and your family love to do. Some examples that photograph well include: cooking, playing with blocks/toys/play doh/legos/sports, eating, snuggling, playing instruments
Are Lifestyle Sessions just for families?
Newlyweds, newborns, empty nesters, pet moms & dads, individuals, or small business branding – most outdoor or in studio photography sessions can easily translate into an indoor lifestyle.
Ready for some wall worthy (or even tangible album worthy!) memories of you and your loved ones? Send me a message to talk about your next lifestyle session today.
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