Boise Baby Photographer | A Little Bit Lifestyle

If you frequent photography blogs, you may have noticed the term “lifestyle” being thrown around a good bit these past few years. If you’re curious about what it means applied to portrait photography, you wouldn’t be the only one! Commercial “lifestyle” photography is more easily defined, but once we’re describing personal portrait photography, what makes a lifestyle image, or a lifestyle photographer the question becomes something far more subjective.

Lifestyle images, for me, are better identified by a feeling than elements on a checklist. More than mere snapshots, certainly, they are works of art that typically target unscripted, entirely natural activity. For example, instead of posing kids in the perfect setting, a lifestyle photographer might tag along for a trip to the local ice cream shop, or camp out in the kitchen while a family makes cookies. She might not ask anyone to look at the camera, and generally refrains from directing the session once it’s underway. There’s a photo-journalistic feel to today’s lifestyle photography, and I find myself drawn to its authenticity.

But, I never thought of myself as a lifestyle photographer. Though it appeals to me in many ways, I have always valued what can be captured and conveyed through intense eye contact and other elements of more traditional portrait photography. Who doesn’t love a classic capture of their kid’s sweetest smile? I’m sentimental, I’ll admit it. (I blame it on my grandma, and if you want to know why, click here.)

As for my style, I like to think that my professional work often manages to find that fine balance of classic portraiture infused with the spirit of lifestyle photography. Recently, however, I’ve begun to explore “lifestyle” in more of my personal work, particularly in my commitment to a 365 project for Ruby that kicked off on her first birthday in January. And I have discovered that, in doing so, the distinction between my personal and professional work is growing smaller.  These images represent me, and my vision as a photographer, as accurately as any you’ll find in my portfolio. I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

5 Comments Have Been Voiced

1. Tracey Hocevar says:

   April 3, 2011 at 3:01 pm

   It’s fabulous, Jenn!! Love it and it ‘fits’ perfectly. Congrats on its completion!

   
2. Jamie Siever says:

   March 30, 2011 at 4:33 am

   Congrats on the stunning makeover, Jenn! I love it, and love your images as always, too.

   
3. Ginger Haddock says:

   March 29, 2011 at 11:36 pm

   Wow!!!!! is all I can say…it is so perfect and I agree with your mom…the content, the words you chose…I’m just amazed Jenny. Well done! You must be proud and happy to have it done. :)

   
4. Cheryl says:

   March 29, 2011 at 2:54 am

   It looks really nice and I love all the content you wrote. It’s a very special web site.

   
5. Aunt Kristin says:

   March 28, 2011 at 5:11 pm

   Looks amazing! Great work. Can’t wait to see more pictures of my nieces.

   

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