Why I am drawn to lifestyle photography.

Ever since I was a teenager, I have been drawn to photography. I actually completed a photography project in 10th grade that focused on taking photos of my baby nephew. Probably should I have continued to follow my passion back then but like many in my generation, I continued on the path of academics.

Once I started a family of my own, I found my love for photography again. It felt like I was transported back in time as I snapped photos of my own son, the same age my nephew was when my passion began. I dreamed about starting a business but didn’t feel like my style fit in this industry. I didn’t want to own a studio or take classes on how to pose babies or buy a bunch of props. I enjoyed capturing real and raw moments but didn’t believe that’s what people wanted.

That’s when I discovered lifestyle photography. I realized that there are people who appreciate this style of photography. People who want these types of memories. So I became a lifestyle photographer and here are the main reasons why:

First, capturing my own family.

Well I could have never begun this part of my journey without my family. As I mentioned, my love for photography was renewed once my son arrived. He was growing so fast, I wanted to capture every moment and detail I could. Then by the time my daughter made her entrance, I wanted to turn those memories into art. That is how I knew lifestyle was perfect for me. By capturing my own family, I learned that you can create beautiful, meaningful photos from everyday moments. The best photos are the ones unposed, the ones with laughter, the ones expressing love.

The focus is on connection, not perfection.

My favourite thing about lifestyle photography is that the focus is on connection, not perfection. Guess what? Your family is already perfect the way they are. So I want to capture them just like that. Family photos shouldn’t be stressful, they should be fun! Kids should be allowed to run, jump, dance, and cuddle. Your son doesn’t want to smile - who cares. Your daughter wants to wear her bright pink princess shoes - sounds great. With lifestyle photography, you can let go of those little details and focus on what really matters - the love between your family.

I get to photograph memories you can feel.

When I look at the photos shared in this blog, I feel many emotions. I can remember how my daughter’s tiny newborn foot felt in the palm of my hand. I can hear my son’s giggle as he ate his candy cane. I can feel the “sass” from my daughter as I told her Moana was hiding in my camera lens. This is why I love lifestyle photography, it’s not just about capturing photos, it’s about capturing memories that you can feel. I love to capture those moments for my clients. That’s why I will ask parents to look at each other or the kids to make funny faces. I want them to interact, express their love for each other, then let me capture it.

You get to break the rules more.

When you think about a family photo, traditionally this would involve everyone standing together and looking at the camera smiling. Lifestyle photography breaks this tradition - just a little. Yes, families are still posed and positioned but with me, you are asked not to look at the camera. Again, my goal is to capture your love and connection with each other and I can’t do that if you are looking at me. So I break traditional photography rules - I’ll ask you to tickle, laugh, kiss, hug, dance, run and jump. I want there to be movement. From there I can capture the details of your family. Not every photo will be perfect but they hopefully will be perfect to you.