Lifestyle Photography
Your complete guide
First of all, thank you so much for making it this far. Whether you've been recommended by a friend, found me on social media or searched through hundreds of photographers to get here, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to connect with you.
It's not easy to find a photographer you'll connect with and I'm so glad you found something in my work that sparked a little light inside of you. Taking pictures is my passion and I would love to take pictures of you and your loved ones and make you happy with unique images that represent you as you are.
I have created this guide to help you get to know me a little better and understand what the experience of working with me is like.
¿What is
Lifestyle Photography?
The goal of lifestyle photographers is to capture moments of authentic connections. I'm not going to go through a list of poses from a Pinterest board to address you. Rather, we will take the time to guide you to authentic moments so that we can capture the spontaneous smiles, the raucous laughter and the most intimate moments. As a lifestyle photographer, I am here to document those everyday moments that we don't realise are great memories to cherish. My job is to make sure your session is as relaxed and carefree as possible to create memorable images that showcase your real life.
Locations
We have two options for choosing the location of your shoot: outdoors or in the privacy of your own home. Both options are beautiful and the best option to choose will depend on the images you want to get. Are you looking for a more relaxed and familiar atmosphere? Or maybe you prefer to spend some time on the beach or in nature to admire the sunset? Are you hoping for some tender photos of you and your little ones at home? Or do you prefer more natural photos with your hair blowing in the wind? Take your time to think about what you want to achieve with these images before choosing the location and read below for more information about indoor or outdoor locations.
At Home
There is nothing more comfortable and carefree than doing a photo shoot in your own home. A home session often allows the children to relax more and is ideal when the weather is bad, not to mention that the light from the windows is beautiful. The best time of day for an indoor session is morning to midday, so it's good to keep that in mind when choosing.
Outside
I love outdoor sessions because it is the opportunity to take advantage of the sunlight. The best time for these sessions is sunrise or sunset. Maybe it's good to keep this in mind for young children, as it can affect their sleep schedules, but it's really worth it.
For families, these are fun sessions to capture moments of laughter and happiness.
For outdoor sessions, we will choose together the best location that suits your personality: do you like walking in the countryside, are you fascinated by fields of tall golden grasses, does your family love water and are you all willing to get your feet wet? Outdoor shoots can add a magical touch to your images.
Emotional Photography
As a lifestyle photographer, I take the time to guide you towards authentic moments with your loved ones throughout the shoot. I will not focus on the typical "look at the camera and smile" images. Although, I can always include some more posed shots if you wish.
You will only have to look directly into the camera if I ask you to do so. I am here for you to sit comfortably in front of the camera and for everyone to relax in order to capture beautiful moments and create emotional photographs. I will direct you towards a beautiful light, ask you to walk holding hands, suggest tickling or cuddling, have fun with the little ones during the session and little by little your true personality will come out.
I love it when families take control after a simple prompt and allow their interactions to unfold without artifice. Sitting and capturing these moments of natural connections happening in front of my camera is my favourite moment. Although I can guide you, I love to see how you naturally interact with each other. The sessions will be a mix of your moments with a few prompts to better guide you.
Be Yourself
What I am really asking you to do is to be just that: yourself. I am not here to judge you; I am here to capture your most honest self. That version of you that your loved ones know and that we seek to preserve in our session. Please be open. Don't be afraid to love your babies or your partner as if no one else were there. I want you to laugh out loud, snuggle tightly, run your fingers lovingly through their hair, tell them with passion and purpose how much you love them, and stay connected to your loved ones at all times.
You will never have to ask me "is that okay?" because if it feels natural to you and the way you connect with those you are being photographed with, then it's okay with me.
Allow yourself to be in the moment as much as possible and enjoy the experience. Laughter is always welcome, tears of joy and little smiles of love too.
Wardrobe and Styling
Let's take a deep breath before we start. The idea of choosing a wardrobe for you and everyone else who will be part of the shoot can seem a little overwhelming. I totally understand and have put together some helpful tips to make wardrobe selection easy and enjoyable.
Firstly, for at-home sessions, I want you to think comfortable and like you're hanging out at home. Think bare feet, comfortable clothes and being true to yourself.
For outdoor sessions, try to match each family member's clothing by colour palette. But avoid being overdressed - photographs with everyone in blue jeans and white t-shirts are out of fashion.
Styling Tips
1. Use neutral colours. Avoid fluorescent or bright colours. Earth tones look great. Using 2 or 3 prints can add visible interest.
2. Don't hesitate to add jewellery, hats, waistcoats, scarves, belts, braces, etc. to add a special touch.
3. Be comfortable: avoid heels and clothes that are too tight. You want to be able to move and feel good.
4. Flowing dresses are great for women and girls: they show some movement and move with you. If you want to go more casual, jeans and baggy trousers can be fun too!
5. Plain T-shirts and shirts always look good on boys and men. Avoid polo shirts and turtlenecks that sometimes look a bit stiff.
6. Avoid logos and words that attract too much attention.
7. If you have any questions, I'm here to help you choose.
Nudity and Skin on Skin
Maybe a priori you are embarrassed to take off some clothes or you don't look good to do skin to skin with your baby, here nobody is going to judge you but I can assure you that the pregnancy photos with few clothes and skin to skin with your baby are beautiful, emotional and elegant.
At all times I will make you feel comfortable to create tender and timeless images of a time in your life that will never be repeated.
I still respect everyone's decision, and every session is different.
This is the end of my little guide to prepare your photo shoot with me. If you still have any questions, I am at your disposal at any time to answer them.
I can't wait to meet you and your family to take pictures that I hope will last in time and will be for you a unique memory that will tell your real story.