Hiring a profession photographer is an investment, so you’ll want to do your research to make sure that your session is exactly what you’re dreaming of. But before you can choose a photgorapher, you’ll need to decide what type of photography session you’re looking for. Are you envisioning a formal session with everyone dressed in their finest? Maybe you’re having a baby and want to capture the birth. Or, do you want a photographer to capture what a typical day looks like for your family? These are all very different styles of photography and you’ll want to hire a photographer that specializes in that stye. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between traditional, lifestyle and documentary photography so you can choose the photographer that is right for you and your family.
Traditional photography
Often when you think of family photos, you automatically think of traditionl posed photography. Everyone is dressed up, postioned just right, and looking and smiling at the camera. These are usually the images that you may have grown up with and that your are so familiar with.
You know, on the count of three, everyone look at the camera and say “cheese”. This style of photography is more formal.
Often external lights are used and the primary focus is to capture the expression or mood of the subjects. This type of photograph is a good way to record how someone looked at a particular moment in time. Some photographers call this type of image the Grandma shot, because everyone’s Grandma always wants that one photo where everyone is looking an smiling!
Documentary photography
Documentary photography is not posed at all. Images capture the real, straight-forward glimpse into someone’s life. Think of birth photography. In these images, no one is looking at the camera and often no one is smiling.
Lifestyle photography
Lifestyle photography sits comfortably in between traditional and documentary photography. Images capture the essence, emotion, and connection of the subjects being photographed. That doesn’t mean that the subjects aren’t directed. The photographer uses prompts to invoke authentic action. You might be directed to sit between your children and tell them a story. The images capture the connection and emotion that happen after the prompt. So essentially, your photographer directs the scene, but not the emotion that is captured. Tender, sweet moments between loved ones can be frozen in time with lifestyle images.
Not everyone will be looking at the camera in every photo. In fact the magic is in the photos where you are connecting with the ones you love the most, not the camera.
I am a Lifestyle photography. Nothing makes me happier than to be able to capture raw, emotional moments for my clients. During sessions, I help guide you to moments that you will want to remember forever.
Leigh Ann – Your Bay Area, CA, Family and Newborn Photographer, serving perfectly imperfect families. And remember, I serve families throughout the Bay Area.
P.S. Be sure to signup to be part of my email community, where you can get tips and tricks for capturing your own adventures with your family and early access to my shoot dates.
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