Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle Photography, a modern approach to family pictures

Lifestyle photography is all about creating relaxed photos in a natural way.

Lifestyle photography is a modern approach to portraiture lying somewhere between traditional, posed, formal portraits and the photojournalistic approach of candid photography. Part of the attraction of lifestyle photography is that it combines some of the control of the studio shot with a little of the unpredictability of candid photography. The real beauty of the lifestyle shoot however is the laid-back approach to photography the style dictates. Both photographer and subjects should have loads of fun, everyone’s much more relaxed and the photographs benefit as a result. The style is particularly suitable for children and families where being dressed in comfortable clothes and relaxed in familiar surroundings makes for far more pleasing images.

We feel that looking at family pictures or photos of friends in years to come should be a reminder of them at a particular time and place in their lives. Studio photography has its place, but for us, the emphasis is on natural photography, using available light where possible and natural backdrops – classic portraits that show the true nature of your children.

As location portrait photographers our strength is taking natural photographs in a relaxed, fun and unrushed experience designed to put you at ease to get the best shots we can.

Our aim is to provide you with classic, natural photographs of your family – timeless images which capture the essence of childhood. We create beautiful pictures which you can hang on your wall, bringing back happy memories of your children long after they have grown.

What we do

When you book a session with us, the first thing we want to do is find out a little about you and what you want from the session.  Knowing what you like to do and where you like to go means that we can tailor the shoot to suit and suggest some ideas on locations if you haven’t anywhere in mind already.

We look to reflect and record the stage you’re at in your lives and capture images that you’ll be able to look at with fond memories for many years to come.

It’s also important to know what you want to do with the images afterwards. If you have a certain space to fill with a large print for example, we would bear in mind complementary colours, or if you were looking to make a photobook we would ensure enough variety in the shots and locations.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want, we’ve got plenty ideas and a chat with you beforehand always helps.

On the day of the shoot the first thing we do is sit down and run through our ideas again and discuss any special requirements you may have. This also helps give a gentle introduction for the children and bring any shy ones out of their shells before the cameras come out of the kit bag. The session itself normally takes up to two hours at a relaxed pace and with plenty of chances to break to give the little ones (and mum and dad!) a rest.

Location, Location, Location!

Location is the key element for lifestyle photography. Even in close up shots, the subject’s environment affects the quality of light falling on to them. Don’t worry if you feel that your house isn’t suitable or you haven’t got a garden. The Harrogate area is fantastically photogenic and there are plenty open public spaces that make ideal locations for a lifestyle shoot. Valley Gardens and the Pine Woods, The Stray, and Birk Crag are all easily accessible from Harrogate town centre and only a little further afield we have the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors within easy reach. (Please note, some private landowners, such as National Trust, have strict policies on professional photography so it may not be possible to shoot at some locations without permission or purchasing a permit. Don’t worry, if you have a location in mind we’ll check this out beforehand to ensure that there are no nasty surprises on the day.)

Babies and Toddlers

The first few years of your child’s life sees more changes than you can keep track of. Before you know it, the time between changing their first nappy and seeing them take their first, uncertain, steps has flown by and you wonder where the time went.

Baby photography in Harrogate

Children

We prefer to work with families either in the comfort of their own surroundings or somewhere familiar. Children are more relaxed in their usual environment, especially younger children who may find a studio set up quite frightening. The photographs will also be much more personal if they have a familiar background such as your own home or a place which is particularly special to you.

Teenagers

Whether they’re ‘too cool for school,’ going through a more inhibited phase or rebelling against anything and everything, as children mature through their teenage years they become far more aware of their own image and identity.

Often, the last thing teenagers want to do is hang around waiting for a photographer to finish taken their picture and sadly they seem immune to pulling faces and blowing raspberries! Instead, we look to engage them in their favourite activities or allow them to live out their dreams as pop stars, sporting heroes or just simply make them look great and give them a picture they can’t wait to post on their Facebook wall.

Pets

Don’t forget your four-legged and feathered friends! Pets are integral members of our families and it’s only right that they should be included too. We’re more than happy for them to come along and join in, provided the location is suitable. Whoever said that you should never work with children or animals might have had led a quieter existence as a result, but it can’t have been that much fun.

Dog-tired - pet photography is obviously hard work!

Pricing

Our pricing is broken down into packages, making it really simple to choose the right one for you. What’s more all our packages include a framed print or canvas (minimum 10′ x 8′) and though we are happy to provide extra prints, there’s no obligation and no hard sell.

If you would like to know more, please do follow this link to contact us: Harrogate lifestyle photography.