What Does Lifestyle Photography Mean? | Seattle Family Lifestyle Photographer

The term “Lifestyle”

I wanted to talk a little bit about the term "Lifestyle" since it is one that is quite often thrown around in our industry and it is what people of use to describe my work.

The words we use to describe our work matter very little in my mind. What matters is how I work makes those who view it feel.

However, as humans we like to label things and use words so Lifestyle it is. ;)

What is “Lifestyle” photography?

Lifestyle photography sits comfortably between traditional portraiture, which is more posed, and documentary photography which isn't posed at all.

Lifestyle photography is a more emotive approach to photography, really allowing you to break some rules and express yourself creatively.

Lifestyle photographs typically captures the essence of the humans you are photographing, really capturing a little piece of humanity. It often includes movement, loving gestures, and often environmental storytelling.

Lifestyle photography means that you are going beyond stiff and boring portraiture to capture the true personality behind the humans you are capturing.

What I do want you to remember is that Lifestyle photography does require quite a bit of guiding and directing. But it does give you the room to express yourself more creatively, I think.

There you have it... a very simple explanation of lifestyle photography. I hope that helps.

Have a great week!

Why I'm Already Thankful for 2019 | Seattle Family and Newborn Photographer

Emails, social media, conferences, they show the positive side of things don't they? I have tried to be so transparent this past year. It was quite honestly the hardest year of my life. But on the flip side, it was the most abundant year of my life as well.

I grew in ways I didn't know possible. Achieved goals that seemed unachievable just five years ago. Met people who have changed my life. Learned the divine power of forgiveness. Became a different kind of mom, a traveling/working mom which ended up being a better mom.

But one of the things I am most thankful for is YOU!

Each and every person who trusts me to share my knowledge with them is someone I am thankful for. I know that behind those computer screens, behind those smart phones, and in those audiences are real beating hearts. Hearts that are vulnerable and alive. Hearts that are taking the same risk I am in creating a creative career built on passion.

As we come out of this Holiday, it may be one of great joy for you and if so, be with that joy and revel in it.

But I also know, because last Holiday season was gut wrenching for me, that you may be struggling. And seeing all those happy posts and photos can be hard. If that is you I am here to say, hold on Baby. It gets better.

Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart for being here. I assure you that I have some great stuff in store for you in 2019!

Click the button below to see what I’m up to this year :)

How to work with many young children during a photo shoot. | Seattle Family Photographer

I am completely honored to be able to photograph so many families each year. I know that as a photographer it can be a difficult task when a family has many little ones. I also know as a parent it can be nerve wracking when you worry about how your young children will behave during your annual photo session. I want to offer some tips that I think will help both the photographer and the parents.

Manage your expectations. These are children and shouldn’t be expected to act like adults.

Children are, well, children. The good news is I am a lifestyle family photographer so my style allows for more silliness and less everyone looking at the camera.

Allow the children to move in between guiding and posing.

Again, these are children. Arrange them in a pose and guide and direct quickly. Then, allow for a small break. Let them run around and explore for a few minutes then bring them back for a new pose. This makes the whole session more playful and fun.

Embrace the chaos. This family isn’t expecting you to work miracles.

It isn’t a surprise to the family that their kiddos are active. ;) Just photograph them quickly and make sure you have a plan so that you do get the shots you need. But be okay with a little crazy.

Have fun! Family photography should be laid back and enjoyable. So…. enjoy yourself.

Schooled Online | Fine Art Portrait Photography Course for Photographers

Fine Art School Portraits will change your photography business. How? Well I am going to tell you.

1. Offering Fine Art School Portraits eliminates the slow season. I most often offer these in the winter and spring, a time when my family portrait shoots are slow.

2. You will make significant income with this offering. My students are bringing in thousands of dollars per shoot.

3. Marketing. Fine Art School Portraits puts you front and center with your target audience, families with kids. It’s kinda amazing.

Below are some of of the amazing images that my alumni contributed in our very active alumni group. Prepare to be inspired.

Think this might be for you, take our FREE webinar by clicking HERE to learn more about offering Fine Art School Portraits in your business!

Adorama Photo Walk in NYC | Urban Family Photoshoot Ideas

Urban or street photography is somewhat common. But Urban Family Photography is a bit more new to the industry.

I hear a lot of photographers ask “what do you do about the other people all over?” “How do you deal with distracting objects in the background?”

When photographing a family in an urban setting I suggest that you really embrace what makes the city so lively. Warn your clients that there will be some “strangers” in the background in some of the photos. Don’t try and wait for cars to pass, allow the traffic to be part of the story.

Take advantage of the colors and textures that are present in an urban setting.

I pose and guide EXACTLY the same as I would in a field or at a beach, I just embrace the surroundings.

That being said. I do try and find a few spots where I can grab a few portraits without too many distractions. I do this but placing my family right up against a building or by finding a little park nearby.

Don’t be afraid to think on your feet. In the shoot featured here, we walked around the Union Square area in New York City and stopped when we saw fun and beautiful areas. A fire station, an ice cream truck, a public market. We simply enjoyed ourselves.

This shoot was part of my Photo Walk that I did with Adorama last month. There were 50 students along with me. It was super fun!

Have fun and be creative with your next urban session. I know I love doing them!