Have You Ever Wanted to Freeze Time?
I definitely have! I'm a hugely sentimental person so I take every opportunity I can to remember the special moments I have with my loved ones. One of my favorite ways to do that is through photography! Specifically, lifestyle photography. I love how lifestyle can capture moments as they happen like no other genre of photography.
"A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away."
- Eudora Welty
This is a quote that I think really embodies lifestyle photography. The goal is to "keep a moment from running away" by freezing it in an image. That's why I love not only lifestyle but photography as a whole! Photography provides a way to look back through a sort of window into the past. Photographs allow people to relive moments that might have been forgotten by preserving them in something tangible. In my humble opinion, it doesn't get cooler than that!
So What is Lifestyle Photography?
Simply put, it's capturing a moment as authentically as possible while adding a level of artistry. The kinds of moments this genre really tries to capture are events, hobbies, or habits that are meaningful to the subject (e.g. playing a specific game, being in a specific place, or spending time with specific people). Lifestyle is similar to photojournalism in how it tries to keep a moment as true-to-life as possible. The main differences between these two styles is how lifestyle is free to add a bit of life to the photo and free to recreate moments.
"Recreate moments? I thought you said you're about capturing them as they happen."
Yes and no. When clients hire a lifestyle photographer they usually already have an idea of what memory they want preserved. The photographer obviously wasn't there when the original moments happened but can be there to recreate the moments. In this way the photographer isn't really "recreating" a moment so much as they are fostering an environment for the moment to happen again.
Example: A family visits a hiking trail and has a wonderful time exploring, learning, and enjoying nature. They love the experience so much that they go back regularly. The photographer may not be there the first, second, or third time but by then the hiking trail has become a special place to the family. Then a lifestyle photographer could go with them to capture memories of enjoying time together on the trail. The recreation happens by spending time in the activity again.
Lifestyle is great for memories you already have and memories you're in the process of making
The beauty of this method is that it's perfect for capturing both traditions and new parts of life. My favorite part of lifestyle photography is it's ability to capture stages of life like moving to new places, young motherhood, hobbies, and time with loved ones. In my own life I love being able to look back at times I've moved on from. I love being able to give that same feeling to my clients!
Is Lifestyle Right for You?
If you're looking for a way to preserve cherished memories in your life then lifestyle photography is for you! It is the perfect photo style for anyone who wants to remember their special people, places or activities. Whether it's a picnic spot you and your family always go to, a new skill you're learning, or a game you love to play alone or with your loved ones, lifestyle is the perfect way to freeze time for both individuals and families!
