Lifestyle vs Documentary Family Photography - what is the difference?
Lifestyle Photography and Documentary Family Photography are two distinct - and very different styles of family photography. While both styles aim to capture candid moments, they differ in their approach.
The main difference between these two genres lies in the level of intervention you get from your photographer. While lifestyle photographers give you directions on how to pose and what to do during the session, documentary photographers are more like observers who capture real life.
Lifestyle Photography
lifestyle photography can often look like Documentary Family Photography as the subjects appear to be moving freely and not looking at the camera, however, it’s usually partially or entirely planned, prompted, or directed by your photographer. For instance, you get some guidance in terms of what to wear, where and when the session should be done, and what to do during the session. The photographer will guide you to act a certain way and get you to interact with each other by prompting you to laugh, kiss, play, walk and sometimes use props to keep you busy. Lifestyle photography gives breathtaking images that scream “life is beautiful” and present the best version of your family.
Documentary Family Photography
On the other hand, Documentary Family Photography is exactly how it sounds. It involves a lot more listening and observing from the photographer and rather than being 'involved' in the shoot, they are more there as a ‘fly on the wall’. Family members' true personalities really shine through in photos made in a documentary style as clients are simply left to be themselves. It's great for capturing real-life moments as they happen, our routines and nuances, and to frame those little moments that we often don't even realise are special at the time.
It is expected that the photographer does not move or touch anything in the scene, the subjects are not directed, the light not altered, and the post-production is not heavy-handed.
Documentary images have the power to open up honest conversation about all facets of life, thanks to their accurate representation of the world. These images can capture not only happy and hilarious moments, but also those that reflect sadness, frustration, or vulnerability. And although these feelings may not be what you typically think of when you want to capture important moments with your family, all of it is real and deserves to be recorded. Because, let's be honest, what you see on social media is never real life, is it? Real life is hard, and messy, and stressful and exhausting - but also equally beautiful, and exciting, and joyful, and fulfilling.
Documentary Family Photography is an amazing way to visually record your family for future generations to see. It will envoke nostalgia like you've never felt before.
Final thoughts
I honestly believe that both Lifestyle Photography and Documentary Family Photography have their place. We've had lifestyle photographs taken of our family and they're beautiful, and I love them...
...but, if you're looking to document authenticity and truthfulness, let me refer you back to a recent blog post I made where I said:
You know what your kids WON’T remember from their childhood?
That time everyone got dressed up and stood in a field at sunset.
xx
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