Ever feel like time is slipping through your fingers like sand? Blink and your little ones traded their chubby cheeks for a full-blown grin, another blink and those tiny hands that used to cling to yours are reaching for the monkey bars.
It's no wonder a recent study by Pew Research Centre found that 74% of parents say capturing precIous family moments is incredibly important. Here's the thing: how do you translate that fleeting feeling of love and laughter into a photo that transcends time?
Consider this: on average, a family adds over 3,000 photos and videos to their collection annually, but how many of these genuinely resonate with the heartstrings? How many encapsulate the laughter, quirks, and silent affection exchanges? Sure, you've got a treasure trove of selfies and phone pics, but sometimes you crave something more – a visual story that encapsulates the essence of your family, a reminder of the warmth and connection you share.
"Lifestyle photography is about authenticity," explains Kathy Thompson, a renowned wedding photographer and videographer at Wedding Videography Brisbane. "It's about capturing the beauty in the mundane, the extraordinary in the ordinary. It's not just about good lighting; it's about the right light—the one that illuminates the love you share."
Intrigued? Read below as we guide you into lifestyle family photography, exploring the magic of both in-studio and at-home sessions.
We'll answer all your burning questions (trust us, we've heard them all!), from "What should we wear?" to "How do we handle wiggly toddlers?"
What is Lifestyle Photography?
Lifestyle photography is a genre of portrait photography that aims to capture and share people's stories through candid, unstaged scenes. It's about documenting real-life events artistically and authentically, often best represented in family photos.
Unlike traditional portraits, lifestyle photography involves the photographer's direction but not control, allowing for natural and spontaneous interactions. This style portrays people living their lives, it's a planned yet casual approach to capturing the essence of everyday life.
Whether you choose the comfort of your own home or the charm of a photographer's studio, here are some tips to ensure your photos tell a beautiful story:
How to Capture Timeless Family Memories Through Lifestyle Photography?
Embrace the Candid Moments (and the Messy Ones)!
Let loose and have fun! The best lifestyle photos capture families in their natural element, playing, cuddling, and just being themselves. Don't be afraid to let loose and capture those candid moments that perfectly depict your family's dynamic. A recent study by the University of California, Berkeley found that parents reported feeling happier and more connected to their children when they looked at candid photos from their family vacations.
Don't shy away from the silly or messy moments. Life with kids isn't always picture-perfect and sometimes, the most cherished memories are the ones that are a little bit messy or downright silly. Embrace the chaos and capture those moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
Let There Be Light (Natural Light, That Is!)
Natural light is your best friend. Natural light is flattering and forgiving, creating a beautiful, soft look in photos. If you're having a home session, open up all the curtains and blinds to let the light stream in. In Jenn’s studio, she’s designed the space to maximise natural light so you can be sure your photos will have a fresh and airy feel.
Embrace the golden hour. The hour or so after sunrise and before sunset is often called the "golden hour" because of the warm, golden light it casts. This is an ideal time for outdoor photo sessions, as the light is soft and flattering.
Dress for Comfort and Coordination (But Don't Match Too Much!)
Comfort is key. You want your family to feel relaxed and comfortable during your photoshoot, so choose soft, breathable clothing that allows for movement. Avoid anything too itchy, stiff, or constricting.
Coordinate, don't match. While you don't want everyone to look like they're wearing matching outfits, choosing a colour palette that coordinates can be helpful. This will create a sense of cohesion in your photos without looking too staged.
A fun tip: pick a bold colour that one family member loves, and use that as an accent colour in everyone's outfits.
Play, Laugh, and Be Yourself (Even If It Gets a Little Silly!)
The goal is to capture genuine connections. The most important thing is to relax, have fun, and be yourself. The more comfortable your family feels, the more natural and authentic your photos will be. Be bold, play games, joke, and enjoy each other's company.
Let loose and embrace the silliness. Some of the most memorable photos are the ones that capture your family's unique sense of humour. Don't be afraid to get a little silly and have some fun!
Capture The Little Details (They Become Big Memories Later)
It's all in the details. Sometimes, the most meaningful photos are the ones that capture the little details of your family life. A child's tiny hand wrapped around a parent's finger, a well-loved stuffed animal peeking out from behind the couch, or how your partner smiles when they look at you – these details will evoke precious memories for years to come. Keep an eye out for these special moments during your photoshoot, and let the photographer know if there's anything specific you'd like them to capture.
Think Beyond The Posed Portraits (But Don't Forget Them Entirely)
Lifestyle photos are about capturing moments, not poses. While a few posed portraits are excellent, the real magic of lifestyle photography lies in capturing those candid moments of connection and interaction. Don't be afraid to let your family loose and have fun!
A few posed portraits can add variety. Including a couple of posed portraits in your photoshoot can add a nice touch of variety and formality. I'll help you with simple posing suggestions that feel natural and relaxed.
Relax And Enjoy The Experience (It's All About Making Memories)
This is about capturing your family, not achieving perfection. The most important thing is to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience of capturing memories with your family. Don't worry about everything being perfect – the imperfections often make the photos even more special.
Let Your Photos Tell A Story (The Story Of Your Amazing Family)
Your photos are a visual autobiography. When you look back at your photos years from now, you want them to tell a story about your family. What were you like at this point in your life? What were your interests? What brought you joy? By capturing these moments, you're creating a visual legacy you can cherish forever.
Location, Location, Location (But Don't Stress Too Much!)
Home sessions: cozy and comfortable. A lifestyle home session is a great way to capture your family in your natural habitat. You'll be surrounded by familiar faces and places, which can help everyone feel more relaxed and at ease, plus, you won't have to worry about packing or travelling anywhere.
Studio sessions: creative control and consistency. A studio session offers a controlled environment, however Jenn’s studio is designed to feel warm and inviting, so you'll still get that same sense of comfort and connection that you would at a home session.
Trust Your Photographer (They're The Memory Makers!)
As your lifestyle photographer, I'm here to guide you throughout the photo shoot and capture the unique moments that tell your family's story. I'll give you prompts and suggestions, but I'll also be happy to document your family interacting naturally.
Beyond the Everyday: Watch Them Grow Photography Transforms Moments into Miracles
Whether it's the tender touch of a mother's hand, a toddler's infectious giggle, or a newborn's serene slumber, these are the instances that Jenn Bullen of Watch Them Grow Photography captures with grace and artistry.
Jenn crafts images that speak volumes of your family's love and connection in the cozy confines of her Highett studio or within the comfort of your home.
Her work is not just about photographs; it's about the stories they tell and the legacies they leave. With a focus on natural light and candid moments, Jenn ensures that every shot reflects your family's genuine emotion and unique personality.
Your family, your moments, your miracles—they all deserve to be immortalised.
Contact Watch Them Grow Photography today to discuss scheduling your lifestyle photoshoot, either in your home or at my cozy studio in Highett.
Article By: Jude Young
