What is the difference between Lifestyle and Portrait photography?
Photography is a beautiful art form with many styles and specialties, two of the most popular being lifestyle and portrait photography. While both focus on capturing people, the essence and approach of each are distinct.
Portrait Photography: Capturing Essence in Stillness
Portrait photography is all about the subject. It aims to capture the essence of a person in a single, often posed, moment. Think of those classic headshots or family photos where everyone is perfectly arranged and looking at the camera. The goal here is to highlight the individual’s personality, often through their expressions and posture. Portrait photographers typically work in controlled environments—studios or well-chosen outdoor settings—where they can manipulate lighting and backdrop to create the perfect shot. The focus is on clarity, composition, and the subject’s features, making every detail count.
Lifestyle Photography: Stories in Motion
In contrast, lifestyle photography leans towards capturing people in their natural environments, doing everyday activities. It’s more candid and spontaneous, often involving movement and interaction. Imagine a family cooking together in their kitchen, children playing in a park, or a couple sharing a laugh at a café. Lifestyle photographers aim to tell a story, portraying a slice of life that feels authentic and relatable. The emphasis is less on technical perfection and more on genuine emotion and real-life contexts. These photos are often taken with natural light, and the settings are usually unposed, creating a more relaxed and true-to-life feel.
Choosing Between the Two
When deciding between lifestyle and portrait photography, consider what you want to achieve. If you desire a polished, timeless image that captures a person’s character, portrait photography is the way to go. However, if you’re looking to document real moments and the beauty of everyday life, lifestyle photography offers a more dynamic and narrative-driven approach.
Both styles have their unique charm and place in the world of photography. Whether you prefer the structured elegance of portraits or the lively storytelling of lifestyle shots, understanding these differences can help you choose the right photographer or refine your own photographic style.
What style do I use?
In the beginning, my style was what I had always known – set the stage and capture the moment with my camera (Portrait Photography)! However, I always felt like something was missing. I know that generations down the line someone would be able to tell what their great-great… relatives looked like, but could they KNOW them? As time went by, I wanted to rather tell the story about who a person is, over and above what they look like. My style has evolved to allow moments of authenticity that can capture that essence, and preserve the beauty of the inner person for generations to come.
My heart is in Lifestyle Photography.
As you can see in my Portfolio, the majority of my sessions are about allowing a family to be who they are and let the essence of themselves bleed through every moment. The depth and value of what we capture is so precious. Yes, there is a time an place for a curated moment, and I love doing those every now and then, too! But my heart is about connecting with my families in authentic ways that bring back precious memories and treasured emotions for decades to come!
I am so grateful for all the families who have connected with me and who keep coming back year after year, allowing me into their story and giving me the privilege to tell it for them! So, so grateful!
