Is getting family portraits taken on your to-do list, but it just feels more like a chore rather than something fun? Do you think you SHOULD do it, but the thought of it sounds less than ideal? Well let’s flip the script and get your head in gear! Say goodbye to those stiff smiles, awkward poses, and matching outfits. Lifestyle photography is getting in the driver’s seat now and it’s definitely a change for the better! My goal as your photographer is to capture genuine smiles, have fun with your kids, and photograph the beauty of your family connections.

What is Lifestyle Photography?

You may have heard this term before, but aren’t really sure what exactly lifestyle photography is. To clarify, lifestyle photography is a type of photography that aims to capture true emotions, real-life interactions, and everyday activities. While there are prompts and poses during a lifestyle shoot, it is not your standard “look at the camera and say cheese” traditional style of portraits. This genre seeks to tell a story and portray the connections between people, such as your family, husband or wife. It’s a much more interactive, emotional, and intimate form of photography. While not entirely candid, continuing to shoot during the in-between moments is one technique that serves to show your real-life moments too!

Stress Less and Enjoy Quality Time

Now that you know a little more about my approach to my family sessions, let’s dive into why your photo shoot is something to look forward to and not just something to check off your list! 

It really has to do with your mindset when you plan and prepare for the photo shoot. If the family thinks of this as a time to bond and spend quality time together, there will hopefully be much less pressure to “perform” for the camera. Go to the shoot planning to play, walk or run around, explore, cuddle and laugh. There will be a time for everyone to look at the camera, but it definitely won’t be a whole hour of doing that!

If you’re worried about your kids misbehaving, take a look at my post all about this very thing! If you’re giving your kids attention, love and affection, they will be in their happy place. For those toddlers more prone to wander, choose a location that has some things to explore! I like to choose wide open spots with plenty of room to run around. Playing with rocks, flowers or climbing on logs are all fun things for your little ones and honestly make for some sweet candid shots of exploration of the world! Just like taking a trip to the park for a picnic or playing by a creek, your photo shoot can incorporate several elements of a simple family outing.

Dinner and a Photo Shoot

Another great way to make an event of your photo shoot is to make it a family date! I always set up my sessions near sunset to get the best golden light (when the Washington sun decides to come out and play)! So depending on the time of year, you could go out to eat before your session (and simply get the kids dressed afterwards to avoid any stains) or have something to look forward to once the photo shoot is over. If you’re doing a shoot around the Puyallup or Sumner area, I highly suggest the food at Farm 12. Great food for a great cause since profits help fund the Step-by-Step organization who help pregnant women. An easy pairing is doing a photo shoot at Van Lierop Park and dinner right next door at Farm 12!

Lifestyle Family Photos at Van Lierop Park in Puyallup

I myself was in my happy place during this sweet family-of-four session. The boys, a 1-year-old and 3-year-old, just had the best time walking through the field in a maze of tall grass and wildflowers. Mom and dad enjoyed watching them and then got in on the action. It all flowed so naturally for them, as it can for you too! When you’re less worried about what to do with your hands or how your smile looks and just turn to engage with your loved ones, that’s what lifestyle photos are all about. Documenting the joy of being together is my goal and should be yours too if you book a session with me! Reach out to me with any questions or visit my packages page to learn more!