Lifestyle photography is a style of photography that captures moments as naturally as possible while still adding an artistic touch. What's great about this style is it's ability to capture things that are important to the client! Lifestyle captures these things in a more genuine and personal way than any other kind of photography. (If you want to learn more about lifestyle photography check out my post here.)

Lifestyle sessions often photograph individual hobbies or activities between loved ones. These sessions are great for individuals and awesome for families! This post is dedicated to showing what a family lifestyle shoot looks like from the perspective of the Marks family.

The People

This is the Marks family! On the left you have Dad (Isaac), on the right is Mom (Rosie), and in the middle is Son (Grayson). The Marks live in Vermont, USA and had their shoot done just after Christmas. They love being outdoors, reading, and going on adventures. I have a special attachment to this family in particular because Isaac is my brother-in-law! We've been best friends since I met my now husband. So although I may be biased I think their family may be the cutest I know ;).

The Plan

The start of every lifestyle session is choosing what memory you want captured. In the case of family lifestyle sessions it's helpful to think of what your family loves to do together. What is something that everyone gets excited to do or somewhere everyone is excited to go? What is something you do with your family that makes you smile to remember? The main thing is to find something that is meaningful to your family specifically.

The goal of the Marks shoot was take family pictures that showed the stage of life they are in now with a one year old in their first home. We wanted to capture genuine moments between the family members and show a few ways Grayson likes to play as a proud one year old!

The next key feature in the planning process is making a list of photo ideas. A list is important for making sure we get what you're looking for! If you don't consider yourself a visual or especially creative person try turning to Pinterest for pose ideas. Pinterest can also be a great place to stir up theme ideas if you're having trouble thinking of a memory you want to capture!

Before shoot day, Rosie and I worked together to come up with ideas for the session and Rosie gave me a few photo ideas that she wanted to try capturing. We also came up with several ideas during the session! Often during shoots clients will think of more ideas or remember a specific moment they wanted to get. I love when that happens because we get to work together to create truly meaningful and personal photos!

The Process

We've made a plan and now it's shoot day! We'll all meet at the location we decided on in the planning process and get picture taking! At the beginning of every sessions I like to take a few pictures that are just meant to help everyone warm up to the camera. Modeling isn't everyone's favorite pass time so it helps to take a few minutes to relax and get used to being in front of

the camera.

Nervous about having your picture taken?

I get it! A general fact about photographers is that we don't like getting our picture taken and I am no exception! The biggest tip I can offer here is to let your photographer know what your favorite features are and any features you might want to be photographed around. Then your photographer can be even more prepared to make sure you love how you look in the pictures! Ultimately, try to relax and have fun. Doing so will not only help you have a good time but also help the photographer capture your natural self!

During the rest of the session we'll work together to photograph your memory! I love working with "props" in the location. For example, in the above photo of Grayson we used the mirror because he loves to look at himself and play in the mirror. In the photos below we used the window to capture how much Grayson loves watching what's happening outside! This is where picking a good location comes in. You want to pick somewhere that fits with the goal of the session (if there's not already a clear location) so you can use the environment to capture as much as possible!

The Photos

After the shoot I touch up the photos and send them to my client typically within 4 weeks! Delivering a completed photo session is probably my favorite part of the process. I love hearing my client's excitement when they see their photos! It's an awesome feeling to see special memories in a physical form. The photos can even go one step further into a physical version through prints! I always deliver digital versions of the pictures. I recommend buying prints as well because then you can have professionally crafted artwork of your life displayed in your home where you can see it every day!

Below are a few more pictures from Isaac, Rosie, and Grayson's shoot. These show more of the relationship between each family member, photos of both parents, and more photos of Grayson!

Lifestyle sessions are by far my favorite sessions to photograph. I love capturing authentically personal moments between my clients. I had an awesome time working with this sweet family to catch their moments! They have such a genuine love for each other that was a pleasure to photograph. I can't wait to watch them keep growing as a family and keep being a part

of their family!

If you're still not convinced this is the right kind of session for you let me end in their words . . .

Ready for Your Session?

Whether you're ready to book or still have questions I'd love to chat with you! Reach out through the "Book Now" button below to start the conversation.