You have decided to take those long overdue family photos and started the hunt for a family photographer. In your search you see the phrases Lifestyle Photography or Lifestyle Newborn and Family Photography used, but are still unclear as to what that style of photography is AND, more importantly, unsure if it is right for you.
I use the term lifestyle photography to mean more natural and emotive family photos. I do not want your newborn and family pictures to be stiff, with fake smiles on your faces and angry threats under your breath to your children to stay still and look at the camera.
My goal is to document the connection between each family member and provide a photo that helps capture who you are as a family in the moment.
Lifestyle doesn’t mean that there is no guidance or direction from me, your photographer!
I will direct you during the shoot with basic instructions like where to sit or stand as well as help you with some poses, but I also encourage you to have fun and enjoy one another's company. I will ask you to look at each other instead of me and think about something you love about them.
The idea is that eventually you forget about me and the big camera in my hands and the attempt to keep that big smile plastered on your face. Instead, you interact with and enjoy the people you are taking your photos with. That is when the genuine emotions come out and unique and special connections shine through.
But what do we do in a lifestyle photo session if not stand, stare and smile at the camera?
During a family photoshoot, I want you to play with your kids, throw them in the air, give them piggyback rides, and feel free to act super silly with them. I encourage you to tell your favorite joke, because I want to snap a picture of the real giggles or eye rolls that follow the bad dad joke. And as a warning, tickle fights tend to break out in these family sessions as well.
In a newborn lifestyle session, I want you to snuggle in close with your fresh, new baby and smell the sweet scent that newborns have. I want you to breath and take a moment to be enamored with their precious little yawns and tiny little toes. I encourage an older sibling to get to know the newest family member, and ask them to notice how small their hand is in yours or how soft their hair feels.
Everyone likes a good photo of the whole family looking and smiling. However, these connections, bonds, and memories are important to capture in photographs and what you will want to look back on and remember years from now.
Click the “Book Now” button at the bottom of the page if you want me to take lifestyle family photos of you and your loved ones!
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.
