As a photographer, one of my passions is taking photos that are true-to-life representations of real relationships. As a client, I want you to be able to flip through your photo gallery and see the authenticity of each image. They should feel like you.

I’ve always loved genuine photographs, but it’s taken lots of practice to really lean into that idea and to successfully capture candid moments. It’s a process of seeing each moment between family members as more than just an ordinary interaction. The beauty of lifestyle photography is that it allows us to document the magic in normal, natural, everyday things.

In the photography world, family photos have really evolved from being a structured, formal event to a relaxed, unposed session. Think about the family photos you took when you were younger: was it an enjoyable outing for the whole family? Probably not. Nowadays, it’s common for photographers to create an environment where couples and families can feel comfortable laughing and being themselves.

In this blog post, I want to dive into how the family photo process has changed over the years, and why I love candid, lifestyle-focused photos so much. 

What did formal photography look like for families?

In 2002, if you wanted to have some professional photos taken of your family, you probably went to a photography studio in an outlet store or mall. The lighting was completely artificial, and you might have even been in all-matching polo shirts. Sound familiar at all? 

In studios like this, each family who took photos there used the same props, the same structured poses, and the same generic backdrops. While I am a fan of taking family photos regardless of the photography style, you might notice that this is very different from the way people commonly take photos today. Lifestyle photography has changed everything about the family picture process.

What is lifestyle photography?

It’s exactly what it sounds like! Lifestyle photography is about capturing the candid, authentic moments that make up your life. It’s a shift from posed portraits to genuine storytelling, whether that’s through engagement photos, senior photos, or a family session. True-to-life photos are special because they tell the story of your relationships and personalities.

In a session, the specifics will look different based on your photographer. In general, there is more emphasis on candid moments and less pressure on perfect poses. Lifestyle photography can take place in a variety of locations during all seasons of the year. This unstructured approach reaches even to your outfits, which are usually coordinating rather than matching exactly.

So, what changed?

One of the big things that changed from the more formal style of photography to a candid photo experience was the accessibility of family photographers. With the rise of photographers came a shift from people wanting formal portraits of their families to people wanting to document their real relationships, natural expressions, and authentic interactions. Higher-quality camera gear and better technology also made candid photos much easier, because it was now possible to capture subjects in motion, rather than just sitting still. 

The rise of lifestyle photography has drastically changed how couples and families view professional photos. It’s never been more approachable or accessible (or fun!). If it’s been a while since you’ve had photos taken of your family, take this as your sign to get them booked. It will be an experience that you’ll treasure forever.