I often get asked, “What is lifestyle photography”? I’m sure that it means different things to different photographers. But to me, it’s exactly that, lifestyle. Your lifestyle. It’s about capturing your emotions. Right there. Right then.
There are a thousand studios that will happily sit you down in front of some boring, two tone backdrop and force you to smile. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, if that’s what you want. But that’s not what I do. My approach to photography is more natural, and candid by nature. Don’t misinterpret candid for unprofessional. Exactly opposite. Even my candid’s hold a high level of professionalism.
Many people don’t understand why I offer your photo session in your home. Because, that is your home. That is where children are the most comfortable. You have a bond with your home. And a million stories that happened in the room of the photo. The way I see things, and the way I capture them is different than you. My images, taken in your living room, will not look anything like the images you take in your living room.
Regardless of age, what’s one thing that almost everyone enjoys? Old photos. Remember those old, square, scratched up and faded photos? Yeah, the one’s in the shoebox in the closet. Odds are, those are your favorite images. Yet they have the poorest quality. Why are they your favorite? Because they provoke emotion! It’s not about being perfect. It’s about the moment. The memories associated to that image.
Most people own a digital camera. I’m willing to bet that most of them have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos they’ve taken with it. Are they all perfect? Of course not. So why do you keep them? Again, the emotions and memories tied to them. The quality of today’s professional digital cameras is insane! They show detail that the human eye doesn’t see. Now is that quality necessary. No. Why? Because there is no emotional bond to it.
Back to “lifestyle”. When I’m shooting a session, I’m not 100% focused on that “perfect” picture. Perfect, referring to the rules of photography. Yes, there are rules. Rules that I love to break! Lighting, composition, focus. None of those matter to me if there is no emotion. I am happier with an image of a smile, a heartfelt smile, that is slightly out of focus, than I am with a perfectly in focus, nicely composed image, with a fake smile.
I would like to think that all my clients, and future clients, choose me for my creativity in photography. Not because I have an expensive camera. The camera doesn’t choose the image, I do. The camera is simply a tool. If you call me up and your first question is “How much is an 8×10″ or “How much do you charge”. Odds are, I’m not the photographer for you. Why? Because those people are simply looking for a price competitive photographer. Not an artistic one. And more than likely, my style is not what they are looking for.
To better understand what I’m talking about, take a look at the images below. In the professional world, the first thing that comes to mind is, these are so NOT technically correct. Nothing about them is right. Well, not in the traditional studio sense. But for me, everything about them is perfect! Each one tells a story. And that’s what photos are for – capturing a moment in time. I would happily display any of these images in my studio. And display them LARGE! What’s the point of a great image if it’s too small to enjoy?
Please, don’t mistake anything I’ve said here. I am not saying that blurry photos are ok. But I am saying that a blurry image isn’t a bad thing in the right hands. If you’re image is based on eye contact…it had better be sharp! And what about color? I alter my color – A LOT! But, it’s very accurate when I start. I see images every day of white shirts/pants that are blue? If your photographer tells you it’s because you were in the shade…bologna! Photoshop is a great tool. I rely on it every day. But Photoshop should be used to improve your images. You cannot make a bad image good. You can only make a good image better.
I would love to hear your opinion. If any of these images were of your children, would you be happy with them? Are they types of images you like and are willing to purchase?
One of the most common questions I get is “how do you do this or that”? Well, the answer is always the same, Photoshop. Of course, if you are not an experienced Photoshop user, that doesn’t offer much insight. But explaining Photoshop techniques that I consider basic can be very trying if the person I’m explaining to doesn’t know the basics of Photoshop.
