The Art of Lifestyle Photography: Capturing Real Moments in Time
- Lifestyle Photography Defined
- Types of Lifestyle Photography
- How to Create Lifestyle Photos
- Basic Equipment for Lifestyle Photography
- Recommended Photography Gear
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Photo by Studio4 via iStock
On one hand, lifestyle photography is, without a doubt, one of today’s trendiest genres of photography. On the other hand, millions of people worldwide remain completely clueless about what it is. We aim to fix that!
In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about lifestyle photography and why it has recently taken the photo industry by storm. We’ll start by explaining what exactly lifestyle photography is. Next, we’ll examine a few popular types of lifestyle photography. Finally, we’ll share how to capture perfect lifestyle images and some of the must-own gear you need to do it.
Now, it’s time to buckle up and put on your learning caps as we dive in and uncover all the hidden secrets of lifestyle photography!
Check out the video above by Peter McKinnon to learn more about lifestyle photography from one of YouTube's most successful content creators.
Table of Contents
Lifestyle Photography Defined
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So, what is lifestyle photography? While there is no official definition, the best way to explain it is that it’s an umbrella term for all types of photography that try to portray the actions of everyday life.
People often confuse lifestyle photography with either documentary or portrait photography. How is it different? Well, lifestyle photography aims to capture staged moments that imitate real life. In contrast, documentary photography is 100% real, and portrait photography is staged and doesn’t try to pretend it’s not.
A good way to think about lifestyle photography is that it bridges the gap between candid and staged photos. The best lifestyle photos are the ones that look so realistic that viewers have absolutely no idea whether or not it’s real…
Types of Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle Family Photography
Photo by skynesher via iStock
The most common type of lifestyle photography is family photography, and today, many families plan lifestyle photoshoots instead of family portraits. The photos are ideal for hanging on the wall, gifting to loved ones, or making Christmas cards. While real families have a natural chemistry that makes it easy to take great photos, many companies use models for lifestyle ads.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Photo by PIKSEL via iStock
Since the invention of the first camera, people have loved taking photos of their babies. Thanks to lifestyle photography, today, this rings truer than ever. For best results, we recommend mixing it up and shooting newborns alone, with mom, dad, and both parents. They make unforgettable mementos guaranteed to bring a smile to your face every time you look back on them.
Lifestyle Product Photography
Photo by LaylaBird via iStock
Lifestyle product photography is the art of subtly and naturally slipping a consumer good into your photo. The goal is to highlight that product to draw attention and make people want to buy it. Lifestyle product photography is a huge part of every company's marketing strategy today, and you will find it everywhere, from ads in magazines to social media posts by influencers.
Lifestyle Fashion Photography
Photo by Rossella De Berti via iStock
Similarly, lifestyle fashion photography shows off apparel, jewelry, and stylish fashion trends. Whereas traditional fashion photography is done in a studio or on a runway, lifestyle photography places the models in real-world situations and scenarios. Two ways to make your images stand out are by shooting attractive group photos or in chic bars and restaurants.
Learn More:
How to Create Lifestyle Photos
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Lifestyle photography can be extremely unpredictable. Therefore, the key to a successful lifestyle photography shoot is to have a solid game plan but not to be afraid to go off-script if the opportunity presents itself. That way, you can control what you can, and if any outside factors (people, environment, animals, etc.) arise, you can easily incorporate them into your photos.
Other lifestyle photography tips are to never put your camera down and take different types of photos. You never know when the perfect scene will play out in front of you, so always being prepared to shoot could be the difference between capturing a breathtaking image and not. Likewise, including headshots, full-length portraits, and action shots creates a stronger portfolio.
Basic Equipment for Lifestyle Photography
Photo by structuresxx via iStock
We’ll keep this short and sweet. A lifestyle photography kit's three most essential items are a full-frame camera, a 24-70mm zoom lens, and a 35mm prime lens. With those three pieces of camera gear, you can capture any lifestyle photography type. After that, you can start investing in things like a tripod, lens filters, a telephoto lens, or a gimbal (for lifestyle videography).
Another important thing to consider is how you want to display your photos. And while we understand that it’s not necessarily a piece of equipment, we believe the best way to showcase lifestyle photography is through a photo album.
Photo by Pixsooz via iStock
Photo Book Press is our go-to place for customizing and ordering photo albums. They have been creating top-of-the-line albums for nearly forty years and are the only ones we trust with our lifestyle images. Furthermore, they have an experienced team of printing professionals and affordable prices.
Here’s a list of all the amazing photo albums they offer:
Recommended Photography Gear
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