10 Essential Tips for a Lifestyle Photoshoot | Lifestyle Photographer Guide

Before we delve into the tips, it's crucial to understand what sets lifestyle photography apart. Unlike traditional posed photographs, lifestyle photography captures authentic, in-the-moment shots that tell a genuine story about the subject's life. This type of photography aims to bring out the personality and essence of the person, making them relatable to the viewer. Now, let's move on to the tips.

Every lifestyle photoshoot tells a story. Perhaps you're a corporate executive in Dallas and you want to showcase the effort that goes behind making significant business decisions. Or maybe you're a fashion influencer in Los Angeles (LA) revealing the process behind a glammed-up Instagram post. Defining your narrative beforehand will give direction to your photoshoot, ensuring each shot is purposeful and aligned with your vision.

Selecting the right lifestyle photographer is crucial. You should ensure that your photographer understands your style and vision. A professional lifestyle photographer should be able to capture your persona authentically and make you feel comfortable during the session. They should be able to guide you, offer creative input and ensure the session is an enjoyable experience for you and provide commercial grade portraits.

Your clothing is an expression of who you are. Therefore, it should align with the story you are trying to tell through your lifestyle photoshoot. Dress in a way that represents you authentically and comfortably. If you are a fitness influencer, for instance, opt for activewear. If you're a business executive, tailored suits might be more appropriate. Remember to consider your photoshoot location and pick outfits that blend in well with the environment.

The location of your photoshoot plays a vital role in shaping the aesthetics of your photographs. For instance, if you're a nature enthusiast, an outdoor shoot at a park or by the beach would suit your personality well. Alternatively, if you're a homebody who enjoys baking, a photoshoot in your kitchen would tell your story accurately. For those that are into sports and adventure then consider a location where you have access to jet skis or climbing a mountain in Las Vegas. The key is to choose places that resonate with your lifestyle and are conducive to capturing natural, candid shots.

Effective communication is vital for a successful photoshoot. Make sure to discuss your ideas, goals, and vision for the shoot with your photographer. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the story you want to tell. This will allow the photographer to plan the shoot more effectively and capture images that resonate with your vision. Remember you are the client, so do not be afraid to tell the personal branding photographer whether that's your vision or whether it's their vision which you should not be paying for at the end of the day. An experienced lifestyle photographer that has done commercial work will understand your vision and will be able to offer a high-end experience with little stress versus your local family photographer may struggle with what a true lifestyle shoot entails or what are the impact shots across all the social media platforms and website portfolios.   

Lifestyle photography is all about capturing the real you. It's essential to relax, let loose, and just be yourself in front of the camera. Authenticity resonates with people more than posed, artificial shots. Therefore, the more natural and genuine you are during the shoot, the more relatable and engaging your photographs will be. The best photographers usually have methods to get you relaxed but just in case bring a friend or family member that is free-flowing and puts a smile on your face just by their presence. 

Natural light can significantly enhance the quality of your photographs. It provides a soft and warm touch to the images and can be used creatively to highlight certain aspects of a picture. Whether your photoshoot is indoors or outdoors, discuss with your photographer about the best time to conduct the shoot to maximize the use of natural light. However, it is pertinent to ask your photographer what is their experience using high powered flash so no matter what time of day it is your pictures will pop!  

A lifestyle photoshoot should be a fun and enjoyable experience. The energy and dynamics of the session will reflect in your photos. Therefore, maintain a positive vibe throughout the shoot. This will not only make the experience enjoyable for you but also result in natural, lively pictures that tell a vibrant story.

Lifestyle photography is all about authenticity, and it often involves capturing candid, spontaneous moments. Instead of focusing too much on getting the poses right, try to be natural and engaged in your environment. This will lead to more authentic and relatable pictures. In anticipation of your photoshoot look up poses online then share those with your portrait photographer in the consultation so they can give you feedback and make their recommendations. 

Remember, your photographer is a professional. Well, at least they should be a professional, so consider this aspect when they are making your hiring decisions. Professional photographers will have a portfolio of work that they have composed over the years. If the photographer does not have a portfolio or professional camera equipment then you should either consider hiring a real professional or your pictures may not match the results you intended to get or could have gotten from a real professional. Further, a professional photographer should have the skills and experience to guide you through the shoot and capture the best shots. Therefore, trust their suggestions and advice. They can provide useful insights regarding poses, props, lighting, and more. The best photographers for these types of assignments are photographers that have experience with fashion photography, small businesses, personal branding photography, editorials, travel photography, and corporate headshots. 

Following these detailed tips can help you prepare for a lifestyle photoshoot. Remember, the goal isn't to capture 'perfect' images, but to tell your story authentically with natural moments. Be prepared to embrace the unexpected and enjoy the journey.

Masterly Studios is a Dallas-based lifestyle photographer that goes beyond the average photographer make sure you have the best experience possible. We specialize in lifestyle photography and it is not something we just do once in a blue moon for clients, but on a regular basis for a wide range of clients. Our skilled photographers are adept at capturing genuine, unscripted moments that reflect your unique story. So, whether you're looking for a lifestyle photographer in Dallas (TX), Austin (ATX), Atlanta (ATL), Tampa, Washington, DC, South Florida, Miami, or Fort Worth, our team is ready to deliver compelling images that resonate with your audience and mirror your brand's identity.

To book a session or inquire more about our services, feel free to contact us today. Let's create memorable stories together through the power of lifestyle photography!