What are lifestyle photography sessions?

I love photographing people. Everything from Newborn babies to great grans and grandads. While I particularly enjoy photographing family sessions in my Hertford studio - getting that perfect smiling shot that will be printed as a large piece of wall art hung up above the mantle; I have a particular affinity with seasonal shoots and working on location. Another area I have been falling in love with over the last few years is lifestyle sessions that aim to capture "a day in the life" of your family at home.

If you're not a photographer, this probably requires a bit more explanation. So, what are lifestyle sessions?

Well, it's you, at home, doing everything you love to do with your family. Board games, baking cookies or cakes, reading books together, jumping on the bed, playing in the garden on the swing-set or trampoline... and of course, the obligatory cuddle on the sofa, giggles, and tickling. Okay, so maybe it's less "a day in the life" and more "your ultimate family day at home photographed in a few hours" (this is where I would usually insert a smiling emoticon crying with laughter - you get my drift).

The main difference between documentary and lifestyle photoshoots is that in the former the photographer doesn't get involved in the action - at all - ever! Documentary Photography simply documents what is already happening, which is great for sports, wildlife, street photography and some weddings (also often described as reportage). However, sometimes at home simply documenting may leave people a little stuck for ideas of what to do and feeling awkward (especially if you don't feel very comfortable in front of the camera).

That's not to say that documentary isn't a very valid and wonderful form of family photography, but it can take much longer to get a great album of varied photos. I would usually spend anything from a day out to a week on holiday with a family to capture all the most important and natural moments.

During a lifestyle photoshoot, the emphasis is still on you being yourselves as a family. Photographing real connections, fun, and laughter. All this while guiding you towards better light, suggesting we move to the floor to play a game, sofa to read a book, and interacting with your children so that I can get wide smiles and glinting eyes. I am able to get the best of both worlds and find real joy emulating from each family member like warmth from a fire.

Photographing natural expressions from hidden space behind the open stairs

If you're still not sure if a lifestyle photoshoot is for you, let me tell you what to expect from your session.

1) Pre-session consultation

We'll have a chat on the phone, and I will send out some forms to find out more about the dynamics within your family. What do you like doing for fun and relaxation, how do your children interact with each other, and most importantly, what kind of photos you hope to receive from the shoot. I love to create coffee table photo-books from my lifestyle sessions, they are great to leave out and flick through. My son's pick up the photobooks from our own lifestyle photoshoot last autumn all the time. My youngest points and say's "that's me" - It's great for their self-esteem! I will also discuss clothing options, and I'm happy for you to send me photos of your proposed outfits if you would like my input?

2) Day of the shoot

I suggest you book for a time when your family is likely to have recently eaten and are relaxed but not tired. Putting your favourite music on before I arrive can help to set the mood, and I may even be lucky enough to snap some photos of everyone (or at least the kids) having a dance.

I usually ask for no shoes and socks for my studio photoshoots, and lifestyle sessions are no different. Bare feet - whilst many people think look ugly - actually, look great on camera and don't distract from faces in the way a mixture of different coloured shoes, boots and trainers might.

I'll follow your lead to start with, but if you are feeling awkward in front of the camera will offer slight directions for what you could do, or where you can sit. If you enjoy baking as a family, I will already have asked you to get your ingredients ready, so we can snap a few photos of the process, and this is a great way for everyone to relax and be themselves as it is a familiar task that takes focus, and therefore takes the focus away from me - a stranger - following you around your house. This same strategy can be applied to whatever your family enjoy doing together

4) After the shoot

All edited images are provided via online download (typically 20-30 high-quality impactful images which show love, joy, emotion and detail shots) within 21 days - often much sooner, depending on the time of year. I can also source amazing quality wall art, provide mounted prints and my personal favourite, create soft or hard backed photo-books.

If you'd like to know more about my lifestyle sessions, costs and availability, please contact me. Session dates can be secured from just £49.

Bathtime, watching light coming in the window

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by Joanne Lewis • 4 December 2020

A picture of Santa and me...

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... Buy one, Get one Free*

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Unbelievable Photography deals Black Friday 2020

by Joanne Lewis • 26 November 2020

I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).